Chandni Chowk Market Delhi - All You Need to Know!

by shreshth vig November 22, 2022

Chandni Chowk - Best Street Market in Delhi

Chandni Chowk Market Delhi - All you need to know

Chandni Chowk

Chandni Chowk Market is famous for its wholesale shops, food and ethnic collections at cheaper prices. Although the market is too crowded. However, it is one of the most visited markets in Delhi. Chandni Chowk market is famous for its variety, authenticity, food, bridal lehengas, zari and chikan work, sarees and more than 1000 different sweets.

Chandni Chowk market has many wholesale saree and wedding lehenga shops.

Chandni Chowk market is categorized into many small shopping streets namely Kinari Bazar, Chawri Bazar, Dariba Kalan, Nai Sarak, Khari Baoli, Ballimaran and Paranthe Wali gali. Let's discuss this market in detail:

Visit Information

Location: Chandni Chowk, Old Delhi, Delhi- 110006

Entry: Free

Closed: Sunday except for Kanchan Fashion

Market Timings: 9.30 am to 8:00 pm

Chadni Chowk - All you need to know

Chandni Chowk Market, which means that Moonlight Square is one of the oldest and most vibrant markets in India. Delhi is incomplete without mentioning Chandni Chowk. It is located near Old Delhi Railway Station in Delhi. Red Fort (also called Lal Quila in Hindi) is near Chandni Chowk Market. The fort was designed and built in the 17th century by Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan and his daughter Jahanara.

Chandni Chowk Market was established when Shah Jahan established the capital Shahjahanabad. At the same time, he also built a red fort on the Yamuna river.

How did Chandni Chowk get its name?

The market was once separated by canals to restore the moonlight. Channels are not closed. This is how the market got its name ("Chandni" means moonlight).

Old Chandni Chowk

The original Chandni Chowk was a crescent-shaped square. A lake was built in the middle of the Yamuna river road, which today is known as Chandni Chowk Bazaar. It had roads and shops on both sides of the lake or channel.

There are 3 bazaars on the way which were designed by Shah Jahan's favourite daughter Jahanara Begum in 1650 AD. The road was originally divided into three markets:

Urdu Bazaar: This was the largest market connecting the canal in the middle of Chandni Chowk with the Jama Masjid. That market was destroyed in the Indian Rebellion of 1857.

Johri Bazaar: The stretch of road connecting Chowk Kotwali to Chandni Chowk was known as Johri Bazaar.

Fatehpur Bazaar: The stretch of road connecting Chowk Chowk to Fatehpur Masjid was known as Fatehpur Bazaar.

Originally, the bazaar had more than 1,500 shops. The bazaar was originally square in shape with a pool in the middle. The pool glistened in the moonlight, which is the main reason for its name. Originally, the shops in the market were built in the shape of a crescent, which has now disappeared.

In the 1950s, the pool in the middle of the market was replaced by a bell tower (Ghantaghar in Hindi). And thus the market centre is still known as Ghantaghar. Delhi City Hall, an important building at Chandni Chowk, was built by the British in 1863.

Historic Havelis in Chandni Chowk

Begum Samru Palace: Built in 1806 | Also known as Bhagirath Palace, where Begum Samru began her dancing career in the 18th century. He later became the ruler of Sardhana.

Haksar Haveli: Jawaharlal Nehru married his wife Kamla Nehru in 1916 in this haveli.

Ghalib ki Haveli: Dedicated to Urdu and Persian poet Mirza Ghalib

Dharampura Haveli: Built in the 19th century | Awarded at the 2017 UNESCO Pacific Heritage Conservation Awards for a special estate.

Haveli Naharwali: Former president of Pakistan Pervez Musharraf was born here. It originally belonged to Raja Nahar Khan, thus the Haveli got its name.

Khazanchi haveli: Shah Jahan's accountants were in Khazanchi. The Haveli is located at the end of the road connecting Dariba and Esplanadi.

Naughara Mansions: Built in the 18th Century | It is a road with nine beautifully brightly painted Havelis in a row.

Zeenat Mahal: Built in 18th century | Known for Begum Zeenat Mahal, who was the de facto empress, ruled the Mughal Empire on behalf of Mughal ruler Bahadur Shah II Zafar.

Wholesale and Famous Shops in Chandni Chowk Market

Kinari Bazar

Kinari Bazar is near the famous paranthe Wali gal. The market is famous for its ethnic collection. The collection includes bridal lehengas, sarees, fine jewellery, Banarasi sarees, embroidery, ethnic gotta Patti lace, and bridal accessories like wedding kurta pyjamas, turbans etc.

Kinari Bazar Chandni Chowk delhi

Chawri Bazar

The word Chawri has many meanings. In Marathi they say it is a meeting place. During the reign of the emperor, meetings were held here. The purpose of the meeting was to settle disputes before the emperor came to court. This market is west of Jama Masjid and it is very close to New Delhi railway station. The market opens after 11 am and closes at 6 pm

Chawri Bazar has a good collection of hardware and metalware. For example, jewelry boxes, pots or vases, wedding cards, home decoration gods and statues. It is a specialist market for copper, brass and stationery. There are shops in the market that sell high quality copper and brass accessories. This is a good place to get packing bags, packing paper, beautiful wallpapers, etc.

Chawri bazar Chandni Chowk delhi

Dariba Kalan

Dariba Kalan is located in Shahjahanabad, Old Delhi. Shah Jahan built it. This is the jewellery market of Chandni Chowk. This market is known for precious stones, unique and beautifully designed silver, gold, diamond and artificial jewellery at more affordable prices. Dariba Kalan is also known for its jewellery shop. Old Famous Jalebi Wala is a local popular Jalebi shop in Dariba Kalani.

Dariba Klan Chandni Chowk Delhi

Nai Sarak

Nai Sarak is the junction of Chawri Bazar and Chandni Chowk market. As the name suggests, there is a new road connecting the market to Chandni Chowk. It is surrounded by old British architectural buildings.

This market offers a large wholesale selection of all types of books, including medical books, children's books, wedding cards and other stationery. Nai Sarak has many wedding sarees and lehenga wholesale shops with heavy embroidery.

Nai Sarak’ Most Famous Store for Wholesale and Bridalwear

Kanchan Fashion: Women's Ethnic Wear Wholesale | Shop No. 773, Nai Sarak, Chandni Chowk, Old Delhi - 110006

Wholesale Shop in Chandni Chowk - Kanchan Fashion

Khari Baoli

Khari Baoli is one of the oldest markets in Old Delhi. It was created around the 17th century. This market is Asia's largest wholesale spice market in the world. The market also sells dry fruits and other consumer goods. Out-of-towners visit this place for better deals on spices, dry fruits and nuts. You can be absolutely sure of the purity of herbs and spices at Khari Baoli stores. Vendors sell spices raw. Fatehpuri Masjid is next to Khari Baoli. Although people do not know much about Khari Baoli, it is still one of the most famous tourist attractions.

Khari Baoli Chandni Chowk Delhi

Ballimaran

Ballimaran is a market for shoes, glasses, lenses, glasses covers, frames etc.

Tourist Destination: Ghalib ki Haveli is located in Ballimaran which is one of the famous attractions of Old Delhi. Ghalib ki Haveli was named after the Urdu poet Mirza Ghalib and was established in the 19th century. He was a famous poet. His poems are written all over the walls of the Haveli

Ballimaran Chandni Chowk - All you need to know

Best Bridal Shop in Chandni Chowk

Kanchan Fashion - Shop no. 773, Nai Sarak, Chandni Chowk, Old Delhi-110006

Best Bridal Store in Chandni Chowk - Kanchan Fashion

Paranthe Wali gali

Chandni Chowk is incomplete without mentioning paranthe Wali gali. It is a narrow street surrounded by small local shops. These shops offer a variety of Indian breads. They offer so many varieties of paratha that you might not have even heard of them. Some of the famous parathas in Chandni Chowk are:

Nimboo ka paratha
Bhindi ka paratha
Karele ka paratha
Matar ka paratha
Rabri paratha
Mix veg paratha
The deep partha paratha

The deep. fried unlike what we cook at home. These shops also offer Indian snacks like samosa, chat, kachori etc.

Paratha Price: Rs. 40-80 per piece

Fillings: pickle or green chutney, sabzi, butter and Lassi or chhachh.

Timings: 9:00 am to 11:00 pm

Paranthe Wali Gali - Chandni Chowk

Famous Food Shops in Paranthe Wali gali

Babu Ram Paranthe Wala:

Address: Shop no. 1984-1985, Gali Paranthe Wali, Chandni Chowk, New Delhi

Famous for: Paratha (Pudina Paratha, Mixed Vegetable Paratha, Rabri Paratha, Mirchi Paratha), Lassi

PT. Gaya Prasad Shiv Charan:

Address: Shop no. 3,Gali Paranthe Wali, Chandni Chowk, New Delhi

Famous for: Paratha (Pudina Paratha, Papad Paratha, Rabri Paratha, Mint Paratha), Sweet Lassi

Kedarnath Premchand Halwai:

Address: Shop No. 4, Gali Paranthe Wali, Maliwara Tiraha Bazar, Chandni Chowk, New Delhi

Famous for: Street food and sweets (Kachori, Bedmi Puri, Samosa, Sweet Lassi)

Daulat Ki Chaat:

Address: Near Naughara Jain Temple, Kinari Bazar, Gali Paranthe Wali Chandni Chowk, New Delhi

Famous For: Chat made of milk and cream

Kanwarji Bhagirath Mall:

Address: Shop no. 1972-73, Gali Paranthe Wali, Chandni Chowk, New Delhi

Famous For: Sweets and Namkeens

Jang Bahadur Kachori Wala:

Address: Shop No. 110, Gali Bhojpura Road, Chandni Chowk, New-Delhio

Famous for: Kachori

Top 10 Things to Do in Chandni Chowk, Delhi

Chandni Chowk is one of those places that easily finds a place on your bucket list. It is a door to the ancient times that made the country's capital what it is today. It is a gateway to 200 years of heritage that has shaped the culture of Delhi for generations to live. If you haven't heard of paranthe Wali gal or Jalebi Wala at Chandni Chowk, you've only scratched the surface with this blog.

If you haven't been to this part of town or don't know about the many and almost endless things to do in Chandni Chowk, get ready for the most delicious, interesting and delicious ride of your life.

Entering Paranthe Wali Gali

You must forget your diet when you enter this street. It is a narrow street lined with even narrower shops that have probably the most oily and delicious food you will ever taste under the sky. The most famous shop on this street is Pandit Gaya Prasad Paranthe Wala, which opened back in 1872. Filled with potatoes, peas, cauliflower, radish, cashews, papaya, dry raisins and more, the parantha is waiting to delight your taste buds. Full of this deliciousness can be eaten for under 100 INR.

Paranthe Wali Gali - Kanchan Fashion

Antique Perfumes

Some of Delhi's oldest perfumes can be found here at Chandni Chowk. Some of them are over 200 years old and have been around the longest. When you come near the red fort, you will find a street called Khari Baoli. It is famous for its many exotic items like dried mulberries, dried fruits, spices, herbs, grains and pulses and many more. Much of it is shipped directly from Afghanistan.

Chandni Chowk Antique Perfumes - All you need to Know

Jama Masjid

One of the most popular monuments in Old Delhi is the Jama Masjid, the largest mosque in India. It was built in 1644 and has great importance for various communities in the country. It can accommodate 25,000 worshipers at a time and followers of different religions and faiths can be seen visiting the Jama Masjid every day.

Old and Beautiful Havelis

Known for its ancient havelis that still stand tall in all their grandeur and beauty, Old Delhi is a place to remember. Some of these palaces or castles have more than 100 rooms and many are now used as shops and warehouses. Just looking at these small balconies and windows can transport you to a long forgotten era.

Chandni Chowk Havelis - All you need to know

Karim's

Karim's is one of the most popular places to find the most delicious food. The number of followers it has is almost unbelievable. If you haven't seen this place and shared food with your friends here, you haven't seen anything. If you're a foodie, you should add this to your bucket list now. The most pressing highlight of this shop is the old Delhi style kabab. Another thing this shop is famous for is Chicken Mughlai and Chicken Jahangiri. The average price would be around 800 bucks, which is not a bad deal at all.

Karims Chandni Chowk - All you need to know

The Red Fort

How can you miss the majestic Red Fort in all its magnificent glory? Built by the Mughal emperor Shah Jahan, the fort holds a special place in the hearts of all Indians and especially Delhiites. It is one of the busiest tourist spots in North India and is very popular for its bustling and lively Meena market.

Red Fort Chandni Chowk - All you need to know

Kanchan Fashion

One of the most famous things about Chandni Chowk is going crazy for shopping! Kanchan Fashion is one of the best places if you are looking for a bridal lehenga. You will also find a wide range of embellished party wear, Indo-western suits, unstitched suits, lehengas, sarees and suits for the crazy shopper. The best part is that all these beautiful creations are available at a very affordable price. So if you're there and don't shop till you drop, you're probably missing out on a lot.

Best Bridal Store in Chandni Chowk - Kanchan Fashion

Gurudwara Sis Ganj Sahib

It is one of the most historic structures in India and has great importance in our history. This Gurudwara was built to commemorate the martyrdom of the ninth Sikh Guru, Shri Teg Bahadur Ji. It has monumental significance for both Sikhs and Hindus from all over the world.

Chandni Chowk Nai Sarak Delhi Market

Nai Sarak means the new street is a connecting road connecting the main road of Chandni Chowk with Chawri Bazar in New Delhi and has a very large wholesale and retail market mainly for ethnic women clothes, women bridal wear and schools books. The street can be accessed by turning left after Gali Paranthe Wal galii and just before Katra Nawab Gali on the main road, Chandni Chowk. Another way to reach here is to take a right from Chawri Bazar Road if you are coming from the direction of Jama Masjid.

The street is so called because it is a relatively new and wide road made by the British after the war of 1857. It is lined with two-story buildings dominated by early 20th-century architecture. The lower floors of these buildings have shops specialising in special books, such as children's books or medical textbooks or books in different languages. Some shops specialise in stationery and mostly sell office paper. There are also some wholesale saree shops in the market that sell pure cotton, silk and embroidered items among many types. There are also one or two shops selling old and new instruments on the market.

Chandni Chowk has many famous ethnic wear shops like Kanchan Fashion which has been operating for more than 30 years. They are a real gem and a must visit if you are looking for a one-stop shop for all your ethnic wear. Customers of all ages can be seen at Nai Sadak Market heading to the shops that suit their needs. The street is mostly closed on Sundays, except for Kanchan Fashion.

Best Bridal Store in Delhi - Kanchan Fashion

Why is Chandni Chowk famous ?

Some particularly famous shops in Chandni Chowk are Suneja Sons for paper products and Mehr Chand, Kanchan Fashion on Nai Sarak for Bridal wear and all types of ethnic wear for women and nearby Khari Baoli for dry fruits.

On which day is Chandni Chowk closed?

Chandi Chowk Market is open everyday except Sundays. Only a few shops, like Kanchan Fashion, are open on Sundays. You can visit this market from 10:30 am to 8:00 pm

Is Chandni Chowk worth visiting?

It continues to be a popular destination for locals who want some items in bulk or need something traditional and sophisticated. Apart from being a shopper's paradise, Chandni Chowk is also a foodie's delight. If you plan to visit as a tourist, the whole experience can be quite overwhelming!

How to Reach Chandni Chowk Market

One needs to go to Chandni Chowk metro station. One can either hire a Rickshaw or e-rickshaw or can walk down the market. The main market is only a 10-minute walk away.

The market is always full and there is a lack of parking spaces. So visiting Chandni Chowk by car is never a good option. It is better to park the car near the metro station.

Visitor Tips

Chandni Chowk Market is a big mall which can be tiring and exhausting. Make sure you have water with you.
Visit Kanchan Fashion to find all types of ethnic wear in one store.

More Details

Chandni Chowk Market Timing

Generally the market opens at 9:30 am. and closes at 8:00 p.m. It is closed on Sundays. Although there are many street shops that are open all night.

How big is Chandni Chowk Market

Chandni Chowk is a part of Central Delhi located in Delhi NCT with a population of over 193,402. Chandni Chowk is spread over an area of 5.6 km². Its nearest railway station is Old Delhi Railway Station which is just 0.9 km from the market.

Few things to do in Chandni Chowk

Try the best street food at Paranthe Wali galii market.
Shopping for traditional and designer clothes at very affordable prices at Kanchan Fashion
Go to Dariba Kalan to buy jewellery.
Buy dry fruits, nuts and exotic spices at Khari baoli.
Explore the ancient havelis of Chandni Chowk.
Don't forget to visit red fort