From Re 1 Samosas to a Mumbai Legacy: The Journey of Guru Kripa
From Re 1 Samosas to a Mumbai Legacy: The Journey of Guru Kripa
Few eateries in Mumbai have a history as rich as Guru Kripa in Sion. For generations, its samosas with chole have been more than just a snack — they’ve been a part of the city’s culture. But behind this iconic food stop lies a story of migration, resilience, and family grit.
The story began after the Partition, when the Wadhwa family left Karachi and settled in Mumbai. Young Vishindas Wadhwa, determined to rebuild his life, started selling samosas for just Re 1 from a small handcart in Sion in the mid-1960s. His snacks quickly drew a following, and by 1975, he opened a shop, naming it Guru Kripa.
Over time, the eatery became a landmark. Its fame rested not just on taste — the crisp samosas, spicy chole, and tangy chutneys — but also on consistency and the sense of warmth it offered. Customers came for comfort as much as for food. Celebrities like Raj Kapoor, Dilip Kumar, Amitabh Bachchan, and chefs such as Sanjeev Kapoor and Ranveer Brar added to its reputation.
After Vishindas passed away in 2021, his son Govind and grandchildren Bharat and Sunaina carried the legacy forward. They modernised the business, upgrading packaging and rebranding the sweets section, which boosted sales significantly. Guru Kripa even won Swiggy’s “Best Mithai” award in 2024. A wall inside the eatery now displays portraits of actors, chefs, and influencers who’ve celebrated its food.
In June 2025, the brand expanded for the first time in its history, opening a second outlet at Charni Road near the Royal Opera House. Yet despite the growth, its core remains unchanged: the same recipes, the same flavour, and the same spirit that began with a handcart and a one-rupee samosa.
Guru Kripa is no longer just a snack stop. It’s a reminder of how a simple idea, powered by resilience and passion, can become part of a city’s collective memory.
