Introduction

Part of a posh pocket just off Central Delhi, Khan Market is one of the more up-market and expensive places to shop in Delhi. The area is surrounded by residential quarters of bureaucrats from the central government, including celebrated novelist Khushwant Singh. Khan Market is in proximity of India Habitat Centre, India International Centre, and Lodhi Gardens, and is one of the greenest areas of the city. It is mainly the diplomatic community that continues to patronize shopping in the Khan Market.

If you are brand conscious and looking for something exclusive and contemporary, Khan Market is the place to be. Besides popular world brands such as Benetton, Body Shop, Nike, Levi’s, Reebok and Adidas, there are Indian brands such as Fabindia, Anokhi, Kriti Creations, Cooptex, Khadi Gram Udyog and Goodearth, for home furnishings, ethnic ensemble and toiletries. Most shops here house an impressive range of materials and have a resident tailor to stitch dresses or suits, usually in a week’s time. Khan Market is also a nice place to spend an evening with friends or family, owing to its paved promenade, a variety of eating joints, cafes, and bookshops. You can spend time browsing through books while enjoying a snack at Café Turtle. Barista, Sugar & Spice, Subway, Market Café, and Fab Café are some other options. When at Khan Market, Khan Chacha’s succulent chicken tikka rolls are a must-try!

Tuck into a platter of Bolognese pasta at The Big Chill Café. It is a very small place, done up in a retro style and serves authentic Italian delicacies among other multi-cuisine specialties. Besides The Big Chill, there are a few other fine-dining restaurants offering mouthwatering continental cuisine, such as Blanco. These are very popular with the expat community. If you are planning lunch here, that too on a weekend, try visiting the place at least an hour before so that you can book your table in advance. Some other fine dining restaurants include Chonas, Café Zaffiro and Chine Fare to name a few. Before leaving, don’t forget to stop opposite Lok Nayak Bhavan for a platter of delicious momos (dim sums). Khan Market also has some great shops selling lamps, kitchenware, electronics, besides departmental stores and meat shops. The market, most definitely, deserves to find a place in your Delhi sightseeing itinerary.

Special Attributes

Khan Market has recently been ranked as the most expensive retail location in India and 24th in the world.

Nuisance

Beggars and touts

Dressing restrictions

Since it an up-market shopping destination, you can wear anything you are comfortable in. If you are visiting in the evening, you can weary anything from skirts, shorts, gowns, jeans, trousers with a light shirt or spaghetti top.

Connectivity

Interstate bus, train, metro-rail, taxi or auto-rickshaw

Enjoyed by

Families, Kids, Backpackers, especially shopaholics

Exposure

You will mostly be hopping from shop to shop, so the level of exposure to the sun is not very high. You are, however, advised to carry your sunshades, sunscreen lotion and a bottle of drinking water.

Avoidable Season

June, July, August

Facilities

The place has ample space for parking, some great finger-food joints and cafes.

Things Not Allowed

No such restriction.

Tip

If you are planning to lunch at one of its restaurants, do arrive a few hours before lunch time and reserve your table, because most eateries here run to packed houses in peak hours.

Type of site

An up-market shopping complex