We have often travelled for food and those have been some of our happiest trips. Yes, street food is very popular in Ahmedabad and the locals often make dinner out of that. But you would have to head to Manek Chowk night food market in Ahmedabad to see the exhilaration around street food.

We were in Gujarat to visit Rann Utsav 2024 – 2025 and that itself was a pot load of memories. We flew in and out of Ahmedabad and the primary reason was to explore more of the city. In our earlier trips, we had covered the more popular Ahmedabad spots such as Sabarmati Ashram, Science City, and the heritage walk in the Old City.

But during this trip, we wanted to do cover the off-beat activities of Ahmedabad. First on our list was Ahmedabad’s love affair with snacks and street food

We took a train from Bhuj to Ahmedabad and reached at about 10 in the night. After checking into our hotel and dropping off our luggage, we quickly booked an auto-rickshaw.We were headed to Manek Chowk, perhaps the most interesting place in Ahmedabad Old City.

Manek Chowk, Ahmedabad

Manek Chowk, located in the heart of Ahmedabad’s Old City, is a vibrant square that transforms throughout the day. During an earlier trip, we had crossed this area during our Ahmedabad Heritage Walk in the day. It was then a busy market selling jewelry (Manek means gemstone) and clothes. In fact, in the morning, it’s a busy vegetable market; by afternoon, it becomes a hub for jewellery shops (Manek means jewel) and clothes. However, it’s the night-time transformation that truly captivates both locals and visitors.

After 9 PM, the area undergoes a complete shift. Once businesses close, Manek Chowk turns into Ahmedabad’s most popular street food market. Long tables and chairs are set up on the streets and the area becomes a hub for food pop-ups. The atmosphere is electrifying, with people of all ages — youngsters, families, children, and senior citizens — gathering to enjoy a variety of dishes. Diners eat, chat, and make way for others patiently waiting for a turn.

We had previously explored an early-morning Chinese breakfast in Kolkata, and visiting the Manek Chowk night food market felt like completing a full circle

History of Manek Chowk Night Food Market

Manek Chowk is named after Baba Maneknath, a saint from the 15th century who helped build Bhadra Fort in Ahmedabad. This place has been important in Ahmedabad’s history for many years. Over time, its purpose has changed, but it remains a key part of the city.

One of the most remarkable changes was the emergence of the night food market, which has become a major attraction. During the day, the area thrives as a business hub, but at night, it turns into a lively food paradise. Manek Chowk is now an essential part of Ahmedabad’s culture and daily life, drawing food lovers from across the city and beyond.

Timings of Manek Chowk Night Food Market

The night food market at Manek Chowk typically operates from around 8 pm but it comes to life only after 9. Thereafter, it is busy till about 1.30 am and some places serve till even later. We visited on a Saturday midnight and there was very little space to even walk around and browse the boards. Hence arriving early is recommended, especially on weekends when the area becomes particularly crowded.

How to Reach Manek Chowk Night Food Market

Situated in the Old City, Manek Chowk is accessible via various modes of transportation:

• By Auto-Rickshaw or Taxi: These are convenient options, especially during late hours.
• By Public Transport: Local buses service routes near the area, but services may be limited at night.
• Parking: Finding parking for four-wheelers can be challenging due to the narrow lanes and crowd. Unless you are a local who is aware of obvious parking spots, we would strongly recommend that you use public transport.

Must-Try Delicacies at Manek Chowk Night Food Market

Manek Chowk offers an array of vegetarian street food that caters to diverse palates. We had many recommendations from our friends in Ahmedabad. Everyone had their favourite dishes and stalls. We realised that it was nigh impossible to have all that food in a single visit. Hence, based on our palette, we tried the below items. The rest we saved for another night.

• Pav Bhaji: A spicy vegetable mash served with buttery buns.
• Ghotala / Gotala Dosa: This buttery, crispy dosa came with high recommendations. It was a buttery crispy dosa served with a thick paneer gravy on the side.
• Ghugra Sandwich: This was a freshly made sandwich loaded with shredded cheese. Each sandwich was grilled on the flame in old-style aluminum sandwich makers and reminded us of our tiffin in school.

• Chocolate Sandwich: A unique treat featuring chocolate spread between slices of bread, often grilled to perfection. The filling also had ice cream and slices of canned pineapple. The sandwich was topped with a generous helping of shredded cheese and chocolate chips.
• Kulfi: A traditional Indian ice cream, available in various flavors, offering a sweet conclusion to your meal.

• Jamun Shots: We ended our exploration with fruit shots and that was the hero of the evening. These were seasoned fruit extracts served in disposable shot glasses. The Java Plum or Jamun Shot was not only the most photogenic but also, with its tangy acidic punch, the tastiest.

We suspect there is a pattern in Manek Chowk grub – overload. The respective items were overloads of butter, shredded cheese, mayonnaise, and spices. Guess that also contributed to the overload of palpable happiness in this space.

Uniqueness of Manek Chowk Night Food Market

You might have been to food fairs and markets at many places. But the Manek Chowk experience is one of a kind!

What sets Manek Chowk apart is its seamless transition from a commercial hub by day to a food wonderland by night. This adaptability showcases the city’s dynamic culture and its residents’ love for food.

The diversity among the diners is remarkable and reminds us of Durga Puja in Kolkata (LINK). The footfall had men and women from all backgrounds cutting across economic strata and religious communities. Starting from babies in laps and prams to grandparents and people in wheelchairs, it was a happy co-existence for all.

The communal dining experience, with shared tables and a lively atmosphere, added to its charm.

Last but perhaps the most important feature was the sense of safety even late at night. Notwithstanding the heavy crowd, during our earlier visit here and this trip too, we did not see any arguments, fights, or altercations among the diners. People waited patiently for their turns. There were many girl groups without any sense of discomfort. The happy co-existence of food fans is what we loved most in this place.

Is It Worth Visiting Manek Chowk Night Food Market?

Absolutely. For those seeking a taste of Ahmedabad’s culinary scene and a glimpse into its vibrant street life, Manek Chowk is unparalleled. The variety of food, the historical backdrop, and the energetic ambiance make it a memorable experience for all visitors.

Pro-tip

Carry drinking water– While bottled water is sold here, if you want to reduce plastic waste, you may carry your own water.

Payment mode– The shops here accept cash as well as electronic payment.

Mark your entry – Manek Chowk has many entry roads. If you are a visitor, mark the spot where you have entered the market. This information may come to use on your way out.

In conclusion, Manek Chowk is not just a marketplace but a testament to Ahmedabad’s rich history and its people’s zest for life. Whether you’re a food enthusiast or a cultural explorer, a visit to this iconic square will leave you with memories that last long after the night ends.