Classy and posh, in Delhi is one of the most expensive and well known shopping plazas across the world. The double storied market in the heart of Delhi is home to the best known brands from within the country as well as outside it, and caters to the interests of people across all ages. Khan Market is a favourite hub of the expat and the diplomat community in Delhi. The market is known for its assortment of high-end brands across all products, including clothing items, footwear, jewelry, artefacts and handicrafts, stationery, and even grocery items.
Khan Market also offers restaurants, eateries and cafes. The sprawling marketplace is littered with a number of eateries, suitable for all budget ranges. From roadside roll stalls to authentic fine dining diners, one is spoilt for choice here. The market is also well known for its unique book stores. The quaint little bookshops found here are often accompanied by adjoining themed cafes, offering a one of a kind reading experience for visitors.
Although there are Street side retail wares available in Khan Market, options of these are few. However, if one is looking for intricately crafted handicraft items, traditional souvenirs or handcrafted junk jewelry, the market offers an array of shops selling these as well.
History of Khan Market
Established in 1951, the double storeyed market complex initially consisted of 154 shops. The shops were allocated as seed land to immigrants coming in from the North West Frontier Province following the Partition of India in 1947.
The first floor of the complex comprised of 74 flats for the shopkeepers who set up shop here and their families. The first traders who set up shop here named the complex after the renowned freedom fighter Khan Abdul Jaffar Khan, as a tribute to his efforts of helping the migrants arrive safely into India.
Khan Market lies very close to the India Gate, and is practically unmissable for tourists coming here. It is well connected by road to almost all parts of the city. To make the commute to the market even more hassle free, the Violet Line of Delhi Metro has the Khan Market station which opens directly into the market premises.How To Reach
There are a number of ways to reach Khan Market from the Indira Gandhi International Airport,Delhi:
1. One can avail a metro to reach Khan Market. From the Airport, one must take the Orange Line and get off at Shivaji Stadium. From there, take a 16 minute walk to Janpath, and then take the Violet Line to Khan Market. The entire journey would cost around Rs. 70 and take around 40 minutes.
2. One can also take a direct bus travelling from the Airport to the Khan Market. However, this would be inadvisable as the journey would take around 2 and a half hours to complete.
3. The quickest way to travel between the two destinations would be to hire a cab or take a taxi. The journey would take around 20 minutes, although this would probably be the most expensive route to travel between the two places.
Best Time To Visit
The best time to visit Khan Market in Delhi is during the winter months, between November to March. Delhi experiences an extreme of climatic conditions throughout the year. It becomes extremely hot during the summers, and too cold during the winter months.
However, the frigid winters provide a better setting for market hopping than the sweltering summer months. Winters in Delhi are also fairly dry. There is hardly any rain, and shower spells are minimal if not absent. This allows visitors to enjoy the outdoors as well as indoor shopping experience provided at Khan Market.
Other Essential Information
-Location: 61A, Khan Market, Rabindra Nagar, New Delhi, Delhi 110003
-Timings: The market remains open between 10.00AM to midnight on all days of the week except Sundays.
-Price: There is no entry fee to visit the Khan Market.
Places to eat Near Khan Market
1. Sidewok Restaurant: Offering the best of Pan Asian cuisine, this loft restaurant in Khan Market offers a wholesome gastronomical experience with its accommodating menu. This casual dining restaurant remains open until midnight every day, and is one of the best rated restaurants in Khan Market known for its value for money and impeccable service.
2. The Chatter House: Know for its delightful interior setting, the Chatter House contributes significantly to the nightlife of New Delhi. This multicuisine restaurant is well known for its choice of music and offer of beverages. One is spoilt for choice here by a menu that boasts of Japanese, Lebanese, Italian, Chinese and North Indian delights.
The Chatter House also organizes match screenings and live music gigs, making it a frequent visit for youths around the city. The must-tries of Chatter House include the Gulab Jamun Cheesecake, the white sauce pasta, and the Long Island Iced Tea.
3. Mr Choy: Mr Choy in Khan Market prides in its ability to deliver a fun and pop cultured Asian dining experience. The Head Chef at the enterprise is the eponymous Mr. Choy himself, working with a group of extremely talented chefs to deliver the best dining experience.
The authentic Asian dim sums and flour-based Bao bread are absolute crowd favourites here. The restaurant also boasts of a wide selection of seafood options, especially the giant mud crab preparation, where diners get to select their own style of preparation.
4. Café Turtle: This charming little café in Khan Market was set up to complement the adjoining Full Circle Bookstore. The idea was to set up a casual space where people can come together to enjoy a laid-back, lively snack over cakes, coffee, tea and much more.
The dishes and drinks are always prepared from local produce, and the café tries to steer clear of added colouring items or preservatives. In winter months, the café arranges a special lunch menu on every Saturday, so that diners can try multiple cuisines from across the world. The café also organizes multiple events, such as book readings, painting workshops, art exhibitions and live music gigs. It also provides an outdoor seating option on the balcony, accompanied by a hearth fire in winters.
5. Yum Yum Cha: This authentic Chinese restaurant offers the best of its cuisine in Khan Market. Designed in traditional Chinese style, the interiors offer a befitting setting to enjoy the authentic cuisine. The staff here is known for its hospitality, quick and impeccable service.
6. Khan Chacha: Initially started off as a one-man business, Khan Chacha is now the best known street food hub in Khan Market. The delicious and budget friendly food served here is a massive hit among tourists as well as locals, and is especially popular among younger crowds. Khan Chacha’s rolls is a must try.
Tips for visiting Khan Market
1. Make sure to carry enough cash while visiting Khan Market, as the shops here are fairly expensive.
2. Beware of pickpockets, and keep belonging safe.
3. Delhi is prone to frequent showers. Make sure to carry adequate items such as umbrellas and raincoats.
4. Carry paper or cloth bags and avoid using plastic to keep the environment healthy and safe.