Chawri Bazar: A Dive into Delhi’s Historic and Hustling Wholesale Heart

Chawri Bazar is one of the most popular markets in Delhi and a go-to spot for all the marriage shopping. 

Here, you’ll see people carrying stacks of wedding invitations, decorative string lights, clothes, and jewelry everywhere. The market is always bustling with energy, shopaholics, and an unending array of street foods. 

If you want to experience the adventure of spending a day in Chawri Bazar and immerse yourself in the history, cuisine, and authentic culture of Old Delhi, go through this article for all the important information — thank us later! 

Chawri Bazar History: A Promenade of Pleasure and Refinement  

Chawri Bazar is a chaotic marketplace in the heart of Old Delhi, boasting rich culture and a history that spans centuries. 

Historically, Chawri Bazar was not a marketplace but a rendezvous point for tax collectors who would gather here to deposit their daily collections. 

In the 19th century, before its transformation into a full-fledged market, Chawri Bazar was a popular promenade for the elite of Shahjahanabad. The ground floors of the grand havelis hushed merchants while the upper floors were dedicated to highly skilled and influential courtesans.  

According to The Hindu, these women were not merely entertainers, but also educators, teaching etiquette to the young men of noble families, and were skilled in music, dance, poetry, and the art of conversation. 

However, after the Indian Rebellion of 1857, as the British tightened their hold on Delhi, the Tawaif culture slowly started to decline as they were relocated, and Chawri Bazar gradually transformed into a wholesale market. 

Chawri Bazar Chandni Chowk Timings and How to Reach 

The market’s timings are from 11:30 am to 6:00 pm, Monday to Saturday, and Chawri Bazar closing day is Sunday. Evening hours are typically the most crowded time of the day in the market. 

In case you find it difficult to reach the market, here are the directions and locations of Chawri Bazar Chandni Chowk.

• By Metro: Chawri Bazar Metro Station​ is the nearest one to the market, located on the yellow line of the Delhi Metro Map. 

• By Bus: Ajmeri Gate is the nearest bus stop, about an 11-minute walk away from the market. The following transit lines have routes that pass near Chawri Bazaar: 270, 3, 307, 347, and 39.

• By train: Travel to New Delhi station, which is the closest one to the market. The following are the transit lines that have routes near the bazaar: EMU 64091, EMU 64411, EMU 64449, EMU 64466, and EMU 64003.

What is Chawri Bazar Famous For?

Chawri Bazaar is one of the best shopping markets of Delhi, located close to Kinari Bazar and Chandni Chowk. The diversity of this market truly caught me off guard. You can find everything here, from paper products like invitation cards and wallpapers, to brass and copper items, and everything in between. 

Here’s a dig into all the things you can expect to see adorning the streets of Chawri Bazar: 

1. Wedding Invitation

You can find a wide and stunning variety of wedding invitations, be it the single-page ones or the fancy box ones with dry fruits and sweets. There are also rows upon rows of shops selling wallpapers, scrapbooks, gift wraps, decorative papers, and much more at slashed prices.

2. Perfumes and attars

Once you step into the market, you’ll be hit by a pleasant aroma of attars and perfumes. Some shops sell certain very popular scents in the form of attars, like Versace Bright Crystal, Tom Ford Vanilla Sex, Burberry Goddess, and many more. 

3. Brass and Copperware

Chawri Bazaar is a wholesale market for brass and copperware products. From kitchen utensils to vintage stuff, you’ll find everything at rock-bottom prices! But make sure to check the authenticity of the stuff you’re purchasing and always ask for the bill. 

4. Textiles

A wide range of ready-made clothes, including traditional Indian and western wear in all kinds of fabrics like silk, cotton, brocade, etc., are available in the market. There are also some shops selling textiles and raw materials, but if that’s what you’re looking for in particular, I’ll recommend exploring Chandni Chowk market. 

5. Spices

Chawri Bazaar has one of the most extensive collections of fresh and high-quality spices like cardamom, cloves, saffron, and more. Sacks of spices are lined along the sides of the roads and are sold at wholesale rates.

6. Books

The Chawri Bazar wholesale market is famous for paper products; needless to say, it’s also one of the cheapest book markets of Delhi. From NCERTs or Haunting Adeline, you’ll find everything you’re looking for. 

Best Time to Visit Chawri Bazar Delhi

We all know what a hell Delhi is in the height of the summer months, so if you’re planning to visit Delhi and its markets, October to March will be the perfect time to step out. The pleasant and cool weather will make it easier to explore the bustling market.  

• Mornings: Best time to visit Chawri Bazaar in Delhi is during the morning hours from 10:00 to 12:00 pm. The market will be less crowded, and you’ll find it easier to move around. 

• Weekdays: Weekends in Delhi are completely packed, be it a market or even a park, so visiting on weekdays gives you a crowd margin. You shop freely in the market without being pushed around. 

• Festive season: The festive season is when the markets are decorated and bustling with life. This is a must-visit time when you’ll find the stock full and streets brimming! 

Popular Street Foods at Chawri Bazar Market 

Shopping in a huge market like Chawri Bazaar is not just tiring but draining in every way. So aside from keeping hydrated, you need a dose of some lip-smacking street food to keep yourself going for the rest of the day. Following is the list of some amazing street foods you cannot miss at the market: 

1. Stuffed Mango Kulfi at Kuremal’s Mohanlal Kulfi 

Rich, sweet kulfi stuffed inside a juicy fresh mango? Yes please! Kuremal’s Kulfi is one of the most famous kulfi shops in Delhi. Unlike the boring stick ones, they fill the kulfi inside a whole fruit, and there you have it! The most distinct and delicious dessert. You’ll find many flavours at the shop like annar, orange, apple, but the most popular one is mango. 

• Price: ₹300 
• Address: Shop No. 526 Kucha Pati Ram, Sitaram Bazar Rd, Chawri Bazaar, New Delhi, Delhi 110006
• Timings: 11:00 am to 11:00 pm 
• Contact: 09810540106

2. Shahi Thali at New Ashoka Sweets & Restaurant

Street foods aside, if you want to eat something that’s filling and hits home, rush to New Ashoka Sweets & Restaurant and order the shahi thali. This is a huge plate that consists of dal makhani, shahi paneer, mixed vegetable, rice, raita, salad, 1 naan, 1 lachha paratha, and 1 piece of sweet. The best of north Indian cuisine in one serving! 

• Price: ₹190
• Address: 487-88-89, Sitaram Bazar Rd, near Chawri Bazaar, Bazar Sirkiwalan, Hauz Qazi, Chandni Chowk, Delhi, 110006
• Timings: 8:00 am to 11:00 pm 
• Contact: 09873889960

3. Matar Kachori at Ashok Chaat Corner

I won’t try matar kachori if it’s not made by a Marwari, but the one served at Ashok Chaat Corner is nothing less than those you can find at a Rajasthani shop. The flavor, the crisp, the spice, and the stuffing- everything is so perfect that you won’t stop at one! 

• Price: ₹60/ 2 pieces 
• Address: 3488, Hauz Qazi Chowk, Bazar Sirkiwalan, Chawri Bazaar, Old Delhi, New Delhi, Delhi, 110006
• Timings: 10:00 am to 10:00 pm 
• Contact: 08447936593

4. Kurkure Burger Student’s Café

You must have had Kurkure momos, but have you ever tasted Kurkure burger? Absurd right? But it tastes even better than it looks. The spicy and moist burger is covered in a batter and cornflakes and deep-fried to achieve a super crispy flavor. If you’re shopping in the area, this burger is a must-try, but beware, they are quite filling! 

• Price: ₹80
• Address: Sitaram Bazar Rd, Bazar Sirkiwalan, Hauz Qazi, Old Delhi, New Delhi, Delhi, 110006
• Timings: 11:30 am to 11:30 pm 
• Contact: 08800000326

AL Yamin Special Combo at Al-Yamin Multi Cuisine

If you’re a fan of meat dishes and halal meat, this is just the restaurant for you. With not just a few but more than 20 varieties of non-veg, this multi-cuisine restaurant has gained popularity for its menu. Taste every kind of meat from chicken to seafood, served both individually and in combos. 

• Price: ₹780 
• Address: Bazar, 1150 a, Matia Mahal Rd, Bazar Matia Mahal, Jama Masjid, Old Delhi, Delhi, 110006
• Timings: 1:00 pm to 11:30 pm  
• Contact: 09599456733

Tips to Remember While Visiting Chawri Bazar Delhi

Chawri Bazaar market is a fun and bustling place, but it can be daunting exploring such a crowded place if you’re not ready for what’s about to come. Exploring Delhi’s markets is an adventure on its own, so make sure you go through all these tips jotted down by our expert shopaholics to make your experience a memorable one. 

1. The market is huge, so you have to know what you’re looking for. Chawri Bazaar is known for brass, copper, and paper products (especially wedding invitations) and hardware. Having a general idea of what you want will help you navigate and target the right shops.

2. If you’re looking for a specific item, get a rough idea of the market before you visit. 

3. Set a budget, or you might get carried away in the bustling atmosphere of the market.

4. Most transactions will be in cash. Having smaller denominations will make it easier when bargaining and paying.

5. Bargaining is a common practice and often expected, but remember to be polite and respectful throughout the process.

6. Before paying, thoroughly inspect the items for any defects, damage, or discrepancies.

7. Make out time to explore the whole market, as the smaller lanes and alleys often have a wider variety of goods and sometimes better prices.

8. If you’re looking for specific brands or high-value items, be cautious of imitations.

9. Make sure to carry water, especially if you’re planning to shop for the whole day. 

Places to Visit Near Chawri Bazar Delhi

Chawri Bazaar is a huge market, and you might not have energy after exploring this lesser-known gem in Delhi. But if the adventurer in you is determined enough, here are some places within a 5 km radius of Chawri Bazaar that you shouldn’t miss: 

1. Jama Masjid — 950 meters 
2. Kinari Bazaar — 1.2 km 
3. Gurudwara Sis Ganj Sahib — 1.3 km 
4. Fatehpuri Masjid — 1.3 km 
5. Red Fort — 1.8 km
6. Ratan Lal Market — 1.8 km 
7. Sadar Bazaar — 2 km
8. Shankar Market — 2.2 km 
9. Paharganj Market — 2.6 km 
10. Delhi Gate — 2.7 km 
11. Azad Market — 2.7 km 
12. Feroz Shah Kotla Fort — 2.8 km
13. Palika Bazar — 2.9 km 
14. Museum of Illusions — 3 km 
15. Lajpat Rai Market — 3.1 km 
16. Shankar’s International Dolls Museum — 3.2 km 
17. Janpath Market — 3.3 km 
18. Connaught Place — 3.4 km 
19. Ugrasen ki Baoli — 3.5 km 
20. Gaffar Market — 4.2 km 
21. Gurdwara Bangla Sahib — 4.5 km 
22. Shri Laxmi Narayan Temple — 4.5 km 

Final Words 

Chawri Bazaar is more than just a market; it’s a living, breathing testament to Delhi’s history and its enduring spirit of commerce. It’s a place where tradition meets trade. 

A visit to Chawri Bazaar is an adventure, an immersion into the heart of Old Delhi, and an experience that will undoubtedly leave a lasting impression. It’s a reminder that amidst the modernization of the city, pockets of its vibrant past continue to thrive, offering a glimpse into the soul of Delhi’s commercial heritage.