Chandni Chowk is one of those places that could easily find a place on your bucket list. It is a doorway to the ancient times that have made the national capital what it is today. It is a passageway to a 200-year-old legacy that has transformed the culture of Delhi for generations to witness. If you haven’t heard of the paranthe wali gali or the Jalebi Wala in Chandni Chowk, you have just begun to scratch the surface with this blog.
If you haven’t visited this part of the city or don’t know about the numerous and practically endless things to do in Chandni Chowk, buckle up for the most delicious, interesting, and flavourful ride of your life.
Entering The Paranthe Wali Gali
You will have to forget about your diet once you enter this street. This is a narrow lane that is studded with even narrower shops loaded with probably the oiliest and the most delicious food you can ever taste under the sky. The most famous shop in this street is the pandit Gaya Prasad Paranthe Wala which opened back in 1872. Paranthas filled with potatoes, peas, cauliflower, radish, cashews, papaya, dried raisins, and a lot more are waiting to please your taste buds. You can get a plate full of this deliciousness in less than 100 bucks.
Ancient Perfumes
You will find some of the oldest perfumeries in Delhi right here in Chandni Chowk. Some of them are over 200 years old and have been as it is for the longest time. If you come close to the red fort, you will find a street called Khari Baoli. This is famous for its numerous exotic items such as dried mulberries, dry fruits, spices, herbs, grains, and pulses, and a lot more. A lot of this is shipped directly from Afghanistan.
Jama Masjid
One of the most popular monuments of Old Delhi is the largest mosque in India, Jama Masjid. It was built in 1644 and holds a lot of importance among various communities of the country. It has a capacity of 25,000 devotees at the same time and followers of various religions and faiths can be seen visiting the Jama Masjid every day.
The Old And Beautiful Havelis
Known for its ancient havelis that still stand tall with all their glory and beauty, Old Delhi is a place to remember. Some of these palaces or castles have more than 100 rooms and a lot of them are being used as shops and warehouses in the present age. Just looking at their small balconies and windows can transport you to an era long forgotten.
Karim’s
Karim’s is one of the most popular places to look for the most delicious food. The number of followers that it has is practically unbelievable. If you haven’t seen this place or shared a bite here with your friends, you haven’t seen anything yet. If you are a foodie, you should jot this down on your bucket list right away. The most pressing highlight of this shop is the old Delhi-style kabab. Another thing that this shop is famous for is its Chicken Mughlai and Chicken Jahangiri. The average cost would come around 800 bucks which is not at all a bad deal.
Red Fort
How can you forget the majestic Red Fort in all its magnificent glory? Built by the Mughal emperor Shah Jahan, this fort holds a special place in the hearts of all Indians and, especially Delhiites. It is one of the busiest tourist spots in North India and highly popular for its buzzing and busy Meena Bazaar.
Aslam Chicken
This is the perfect place to be for a chicken and mutton lover. It is a large 3-floor restaurant that is always crowded. It is quite close to the Jama Masjid and just excellent for a typical Mughlai cuisine. The specialties include fish, chicken seek, and chicken grill, curries, and kebabs. Aslam is the place to be if you are craving the authentic flavours of the khada masala that Chandni Chowk is so popular for around the world
Om Prakash Jawaharlal
One of the most famous things in Chandni Chowk is going crazy when shopping! Omprakash Jawaharlal is one of the best places to be when you are looking for a bridal lehenga. You can also find several kinds of embellished party wear, sarees, and gowns for the crazy shopper in you. The best part is that all of these beautiful creations are available at a very affordable price. And an even better part is that they let you bargain! So, if you are there and don’t shop till you drop, you have probably missed out on a lot.
Gurudwara Sis Ganj Sahib
It is one of the most historical buildings of India and has great significance in our history. This Gurudwara was built to commemorate the martyrdom of the ninth Sikh Guru Shri Teg Bahadur Ji. It holds monumental significance for Sikhs as well as Hindus from all around the world.
Pakeeza Plaza
Another very highly frequented spot is Pakeeza Plaza which gives you an endless variety of bridal wear under the sun. It is a shopper’s paradise. This is the best place to look for fancy sarees and traditional wear with detailed work and gorgeous embellishments. You should be able to find something between 20,000 and 25,000 rupees very easily.
Chandni Chowk has something for everyone. It has a surprise element and it also offers a lot of familiarities. It takes you back to your roots where you feel humbled and proud at the same time. Enough reasons to visit Chandni chowk, wouldn’t you say?
