Mitra and cutting chai

Most Mumbaikars are familiar with these words. Mitra means friend and cutting chai is one of Mumbai’s hidden gems, served in typical glasses. These terms that go hand-in-hand have found a strong foothold in amchi Mumbai and literally typify Bombay for me. Being born and bred in Goa, when I set up base in Mumbai, these were the two phrases I quickly picked up from my friends, who are pakka Mumbaikars. So, during my days off, I often invite my friend to tag along saying, “Chal mitra, let’s have a cutting chai”.

Luke Coutinho is a holistic lifestyle coach