Cascar House overlooks Marve Road, before Mithchowki signal. The pavement outside the building holds a scene that best describes Mumbai — a city that functions calmly within the chaos. At peak hours, it’s congested with traffic yet on the pavement are two thriving enterprises whose atmosphere seems unperturbed by the chaos around them. Troy Snacks and Tacita Florist are owned by Theresa and Nelson Cascar and named after their two children. The couple along with business partner, Lourdes Rodrigues, whom Theresa says is more like her sister, have been running Troy Snacks for the last 18 years, dishing out East Indian (EI) savoury delicacies. On the menu are fugias, which are slightly sweet or salty bread balls and varyas (Rs 80/250g each), chitaps or soft rice flour rotis (R30/packet), hand breads (Rs 15/piece), potato chops, pan rolls and cutlets (Rs 400/dozen), prawn pulao (Rs 80/plate) and more.
 
Since the early 2000s, Theresa’s customers have been those who passed by on the street, following the aroma of frying fugias, usually a Sunday special, and potato chops. The 66-year-old reminisces, “We used to prepare the food during the day and then fry it in the evening so it was fresh. Anyone walking by would stop and inquire. Many of them are now loyal customers.” While the stall doesn’t stand any more, the business continues to flourish. 

Fugias; (right) Hand breads