Delhi is a melting pot of the old and new. The traditional and the modern. For a visitor to Delhi, the typical sites include Red Fort, Bahai Temple, Qutub Minar, National Museum, and if one stretches it – the National Gallery of Modern Art. However, during the course of our travels, we have realised that the pulse of a city can be found in its markets. Today we take you to Khan Market, one of the earliest markets of Delhi that, over time, has become a hotspot for all things fancy.

History of Khan Market

Khan Market was originally allotted to refugees from North West Frontier Province after the partition of India. The U-shaped market was erected to provide a livelihood to the refugees. Given the excellent location of Khan Market in the heart of Delhi as well as its proximity to diplomatic areas, Khan Market has evolved as one of the most upmarket shopping hubs in Delhi.

Khan Market was named after?

Rumour has it that Khan Market is named after the restaurant Khan Chacha which is located here. This is false. Khan Market is named after Khan Abdul Jabbar Khan. He was the Chief Minister of North West Frontier Province at the time of partition in 1947. Dr. Khan is known to have assisted in the escape of many refugees during those tumultuous times. He was the elder brother of the acclaimed freedom fighter Khan Abdul Gaffar Khan who is lovingly known as Frontier Gandhi.

What is Khan Market famous for?

Khan Market is U-shaped architecture with lanes and alleys in between. The architecture of the market, with a backstreet feel, is very enigmatic. There are two parallel structures with similar designs and some extensions. More than 150 shops here can be broadly divided into fashion, food, accessories, and books category. There are a few lifestyle shops as well.

Khan Market is famous for high-end fashion stores, luxury dining restaurants, cafes and bars, and lifestyle outlets. There are a few groceries that carry imported provisions including exotic fruits and vegetables. No wonder, it is a regular haunt for the expatriate community for their daily grub.

Our Guide to Food and Shopping at Khan Market

We love to visit the below enterprises for gift-shopping, dinner and generally hanging out.

Bahrisons

This is not your swanky bookstore in a mall. In business for almost 70 years, Bahrison bookstore has the musty book smell that is perfume to any bibliophile. The books are kept on shelves, or simply stacked and exude yesteryear charm. However, they have a most updated book catalogue. Be it old publications or the latest titles, we have never been disappointed here.

Faqir Chand and Sons

Faqir Chand is another bookstore that was established in the year 1951. They proudly display their heritage on the bookstore sign board. The store overflows with books on various subjects. Since it is a family-run enterprise, it exudes a homely vibe. If you like books, you would enjoy visiting this store.

Fabindia

Fabindia has been our go-to brand for Indian wear and gifts. In fact, some years back, we had been a jury for one of the Fabindia collections. While they have many stores all over the country and even abroad, we find their Khan Market outlet to be particularly well-stocked.

Anokhi

Anokhi is a Jaipur-based brand that sells mostly women’s wear and some men’s wear all in the famous Sangeneri prints. Their clothes not only have a contemporary take on a heritage craft, but also the fabrics are very comfortable. Anokhi has a big store in Khan Market where you can see a broad collection of their items.

Good Earth

This fancy lifestyle store carries the most exquisite tableware, crockeries, lamps, cushions, linen, and endless items. You might be an online shopping person. But the look and feel of the items would definitely impress you more if you are visiting their big outlet at Khan Market. It is a place for all things chic.

Neemrana shop

We loved our stay at Neemrana Fort, a heritage property off Delhi. The Neemrana Shop at Khan Market sells handmade clothes, accessories, and home décor items. But we love this place for its unique antique statues that they procure from heaven knows where and bring to us.

PIN IT FOR LATER READ

 

We now move to food and there are umpteen choices at Khan Market. Our favourite food options in Khan Market are:

The Big Chill Cafe

They serve American food and we have never been disappointed. Their pasta and pancakes are to die for. Also, the desserts are yummy and we love their banoffee pie and Crème Brûlée. They have 2 outlets at Khan Market itself. Although somewhat pricey, there is almost always a queue of diners waiting to be seated there. Their vegetarian fare is also interesting.

China Fare

We have loved the taste of Indian Chinese food at China Fare. The fuss environment and the pocket-friendly menu made us regulars here. Earlier they were at the main Khan Market, beside Good Earth. They have now moved to the car accessories market in the vicinity.

Khan Chacha

Khan Chacha is a very popular Mughlai food chain of Delhi. Doing business for over 50 years, they have many outlets in Delhi. They have a dine-in cum takeaway outlet on the first floor of Khan Market. Their rolls and kebabs are very popular.

Street food at Khan Market

If you are a street food person, you would have perhaps tried the gol gappe outside the exit gate of Khan Market. The gol gappe here is crispy and the filling is moderately spiced. It does not burn our tongues but makes us salivate for more. There is also a tandoori chicken cart here that is very popular among non-vegetarian food lovers.

Stationery Market

Adjacent to the main Khan Market, there is a corridor exclusively dedicated to stationery shops. They have a wide collection of notebooks, copybooks, adhesives, craft materials, etc. We have bought pens, paints, and other colouring materials from here.

Automobile parts at Prithviraj Market – Khan Market

There is a car spare parts zone – Prithviraj Market adjacent to the main Khan market. They are one of the most popular shopping zones in Delhi for spares for a variety of car models. These shops also carry the latest range in vehicle accessories.

Also Read: The Biggest toy and cycle market of Delhi

How to Reach Khan Market

You can drive to Khan Market and park inside the market compound or designated parking areas around the area. Parking was free earlier. However, they now have a charge of Rs 20 per entry or so.

The Nearest Metro Station to Khan Market

The nearest metro station to Khan Market is Khan Market on Violet Line. The market is a few minutes walk from here. Auto rickshaws and e-rikshaws are available here to go to nearby places in South Delhi.

Other Attractions Near Khan Market

Khan Market is located between Central Delhi and South Delhi. Nearby attractions are Sai Baba Mandir, Connaught Place, Lodhi Garden, Dilli Haat, India Habitat Centre, India International Centre, and so on. You can cover these spots in a single visit.

Also Read: Top Places to buy Indian Handicraft in Delhi

Is Khan Market the Most Expensive Market?

Khan Market is indeed one the most expensive markets as well as real estate in the world. According to global property consultants Cushman and Wakefield, Khan Market was rated in the top 20 most expensive retail locations in the world. That is a star, isn’t it?

Is Khan Market Worth Visiting?

So, if you want to see the glamorous side of Delhi, the legacy of Mughal rule, colonial Raj, and the latest trends in the capital of India, Khan Market is the place. It is a fusion of old and new, yet very Indian. We have travelled in India and abroad but have never found a parallel market atmosphere anywhere. You may or may not enjoy shopping. However, in the day and age of malls, Khan Market has a pleasant chirpy vibe that would be totally worth your visit even just to hang out.