The Chandni Chowk Delhi, also known as Moonlight Square is one of the oldest and busiest markets in Old Delhi, Delhi, India. It is located close to the Old Delhi Railway Station. The Red Fort monument is located at the eastern end of Chandni Chowk. It was built in the 17th century by Mughal Emperor of India Shah Jahan and designed by his daughter Jahanara. The market was once divided by canals (now closed) to reflect moonlight and remains one of India's largest wholesale markets.
History of Chandni Chowk
The history of Chandni Chowk dates back to the foundation of Shahjahanabad by the Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan. Shahjahanabad was set to be the capital among the cities he ruled. Chandni Chowk was initially laid as a square in the centre of which was a pool that shimmered in the moonlight (the reason why it was named as Chandni Chowk). The shops were arranged in a half moon pattern around this square. Many people believe that it was built so that Shah Jahan's favourite daughter, Jahan Ara Begum, could buy whatever she needed. It was a gathering place for traders and merchants who flocked here from all over the country.
In the early days, Chandni Chowk was famous for the silver merchants. This has led many people to believe that it was named as Chandni Chowk because of the trade of silver as silver in Hindi is called 'chandi'. The original pattern of reflecting pool and shops arranged in half moon has been replaced by numerous shops selling all kinds of knick knack. It was once the grandest Indian market. The dingy lanes brimming with noise and chaos still retains its historical character.
Tips For Visiting Chandni Chowk
1. Carry plenty of water as the long walk through the chaotic streets can get very tiring.
2. Photography is not allowed at many of the shops in the market as the owners are worried that the customers might copy their designs. So, take permission before clicking a picture.
3. Most of the shops require you to step inside without footwear. So, it is recommended to wear a sandal which is easy to remove.
4. Pay particular attention to your belongings and wallet while roaming through Chandni Chowk.
5. Beware of duplicate products and touts.
6. Don't forget to bargain. You will get the best deals here on the choice of your product.
Food at Chandni Chowk
The first thing that hits you when you enter Chandni Chowk is the intoxicating aroma of food. It is nothing short of heaven for gastronomes around the world. It is the home to some of the oldest and most famous restaurants and confectioners, many of them dating back to fifty or hundred years ago. From an assortment of sweet shops to the parathewali gali to roadside kebabs near Jama Masjid, this place has something to offer for everyone. Tea and pan shops are to be found at every turn of the road.
Another speciality of this place is the variety of chats fruit delicacies on offer. Some of the famous shops are Natraja's Dahi Bhalle, Paranthewali Gali, Gianiji ka Falooda, Kanwarji Bhagirathmal Dalbijiwallah, The jalebi wala, Chaatwallah, Tewari Brothers Confectioners, Bikaner Sweet Shop, Meghraj and Sons, Chainaram, Annapurna Bhandar, etc.
Paranthe Wali Gali
The food trail of Chandni Chowk begins and ends at Gali Paranthe Wali. Even before you enter this calorie-filled foodie's lane, you are hit by the aroma of hot oil and sputtering spices. You can't miss the sight of stuffed parathas laden with oodles of butter. This lane has been the haunt of many celebrities over time. Out of the 20 paratha shops established here, only 3 remains today - Pt Kanhaiyalal Durgaprasad Dixit, Pt Gaya Prasad Shivcharan and Pt Baburam Devidayal Paranthewale.
The paratha served here is entirely vegetarian and do not include onion and garlic. You will find almost all varieties of parathas here filled with every possible stuffing - lemon, chilli, Kaju, badam, carrot, radish, paneer, aloo, cauliflower, rabri, matar, khoya, etc. If there aren't enough to sate your love for something new, you can even try the unusual stuffing of papad, banana and khurchan! The parathas are served with sweet lassi, minty chutney, sweet tamarind chutney, mixed pickle, potato-paneer curry and a mash of sweet pumpkin. The shops remain open from 9:00 AM - 11:00 PM. The parathas are cheap and usually cost INR 150 for two people.
How to Reach Chandni Chowk
The best way to reach Chandni Chowk is to take the Delhi Metro and get down at Chandni Chowk Metro Station. You can either get down at the Chandni Chowk Road or go to the Old Delhi Railway Station end. You can hire an auto rickshaw or an E-rickshaw from either end to reach the desired market. You can also opt to walk. However, it is better to save the energy for all the walking required in exploring the place. If you are travelling to Chandni Chowk by a private vehicle, you will find a parking space at the entrance of the Old Delhi Railway Station.
Alternatively, you can also opt to travel by bus. Daryaganj bus stop is the most accessible stop to reach Chandni Chowk. Buses regularly run from Daryagunj to Chandi Chowk. If you wish to avoid the crowd buses, you can hire a cab (preferably Uber or OLA) and get down at Chandni Chowk.
