Khari Baoli
Khari Baoli
4.5
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This is one of the largest spice markets in Asia.
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The area
Neighborhood: Chandni Chowk
This densely populated neighbourhood of Old Delhi is more than three centuries old
and is a prized treasure trove, home to diverse Indian communities is most popular
for its heritage havelis, old bazaars and places of worship. Explore the everyday life
of the locals as you walk into the spice, jewellery, dry fruits, wedding markets and
build up an appetite for the Indian street food, including stuffed parathas & jalebis
and Mughlai food at Karims. Head to the magnificient Jama Masjid for stunning
views of Delhi 6, with the iconic symbol of India in the backdrop – Red Fort. The
diversity of Old Delhi demands an entire day to truly enjoy all the treasures hidden
in this culturally rich part of the city.
How to get there
- Chandni Chowk • 9 min walk
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Best nearby
Restaurants
1,536 within 3 miles
Attractions
323 within 6 miles
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Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.
Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as wait time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.
Popular mentions
4.5
82 reviews
Excellent
43
Very good
28
Average
8
Poor
2
Terrible
1
Madhulika L
Noida, India6,855 contributions
Aug 2024 • Family
‘Khari baoli’ translates literally as ‘saltwater step-well’, a name that described a step-well that once was located here, next to Fatehpuri Masjid in Chandni Chowk. The step-well existed here from before the time (circa 1640s) when Shahjahan established Shahjahanabad. The step-well is long gone, though the name still remains, now used for a huge spice market, among the largest in the world (if not the largest).
You can wander here without really needing a guide, just soaking in the sights and sounds and smells. Right near the start of the market, close to Fatehpuri Masjid, the space is occupied by flower sellers; beyond them are the dealers in spices, nuts, dry fruit, and a range of other similar goods, including pickles and candied fruit. It’s all very busy, colourful and interesting. Besides all the more usual spices, you’ll also find little-known stuff here, like Himalayan garlic, dried water chestnuts, and so on. Even if you don’t buy any, it can be quite an education. Some of the shops, away from the main market (for instance, leading up to the tall building known as Gadodia Market) deal in the wholesale spice trade: we saw 30 kg sacks of black peppercorns piled up here.
You can wander here without really needing a guide, just soaking in the sights and sounds and smells. Right near the start of the market, close to Fatehpuri Masjid, the space is occupied by flower sellers; beyond them are the dealers in spices, nuts, dry fruit, and a range of other similar goods, including pickles and candied fruit. It’s all very busy, colourful and interesting. Besides all the more usual spices, you’ll also find little-known stuff here, like Himalayan garlic, dried water chestnuts, and so on. Even if you don’t buy any, it can be quite an education. Some of the shops, away from the main market (for instance, leading up to the tall building known as Gadodia Market) deal in the wholesale spice trade: we saw 30 kg sacks of black peppercorns piled up here.
Written October 1, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
ianwyj
Singapore5,189 contributions
Aug 2022
You'll probably come across a street sign showing Khari Baoli Market but these days, the name more correctly represents a district of approximately a quarter of a square kilometre. It's located to the north of the Fathepuri Masjid (mosque) which itself lies at the western end of Chadni Chowk in the heart of Old Delhi. For at least the last three centuries, a market has existed in the Kharo Baoli area. The stalls ply a wide range of trades, including fruits, flowers, jewellery, textiles, clothing, and even blocks of rock salt of various hues. But by far what the market specialises in are dried goods, and in particular spices. I recognised some of them in their whole form (including lentils, peanuts, chillies, white and black pepper, cardamon, cinnamon, star anise, and turmeric) with little problem. But some others were harder to identify, and shop managers were happy to explain what wild celery seeds, juniper berries, nutmeg, or ginger (and many more) looked like in ground form. Much as it was fairly easy enough for me to navigate along the main thoroughfares, it was invaluable that I had a guide to show me what lay in the intriguing smaller lanes. In general, shops along the main streets acted as retail outlets whereas shops that lay in the inner sections dealt more with wholesale business and/or distribution of goods. Some of these shops also encompassed small warehouses where spices had been separated by size, colour and/or quality and were packed in 10-20 kg bags, ready to be shipped off somewhere. Naturally, the prevailing smells were strong (sometimes pungently so), and one shouldn't expect a high appearance of cleanliness, but that all adds to the sensory overload a visitor experiences in this incredible market. Overall, a must-see on a visit to Old Delhi.
Written October 13, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Richy_gtown
North Geelong, Australia592 contributions
Feb 2020
The street itself is easy to find, if your an international traveler, finding a store that supply's small sealed bags that are labelled so you can get them through customs was slightly harder. These shops can be found in the street , some have a rear area of prepackaged spices. Harder to find was the staircase for rooftop access of the chili market, not to buy but for the smells and view from the rooftop.
Written February 16, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Janandtheworld
Copenhagen, Denmark76 contributions
Apr 2024 • Solo
It's a fine spice market, but nothing special compared to many other similar markets. It's loud, busy and hot.
Look for the entrance to Gagodia Market, and you are right in the middle of it all. I bought black pepper, red dried chilli and grounded cinnamon at reasonable prices.
Look for the entrance to Gagodia Market, and you are right in the middle of it all. I bought black pepper, red dried chilli and grounded cinnamon at reasonable prices.
Written April 16, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
scs-953
New Delhi, Delhi, India305 contributions
Dec 2019 • Friends
Khari Baoli is a street in Delhi, India known for its wholesale grocery and Asia's largest wholesale spice market selling all kinds of spices, nuts, herbs and food products like rice and herbs.
Its about a mile walk from the Red Fort and is close to the famous Fateh Puri mosque.
The spice market dates back to the 17 th century.
It’s really crowded but is worth a visit.
Its about a mile walk from the Red Fort and is close to the famous Fateh Puri mosque.
The spice market dates back to the 17 th century.
It’s really crowded but is worth a visit.
Written February 7, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Brad
Hong Kong, China181,206 contributions
Jan 2013 • Couples
A bit west of Chandni Market you will find yourself on Khari Baoli Road in the heart of Asia's largest wholesale spice market. Here we found hundreds of shops dealing in refined, local and exotic spices. This large market area is rich in color and photographic opportunities, and is well worth seeking out and spending some time, especially if you plan to visit the Old Delhi area and want to enjoy the bazaars in the area.
We spent around 45 minutes in Khari Baoli, admiring the spice displays in the shops and the large bags, often stuffed to the brim with chili, nuts or some unrefined spices, which we found so routinely in this area. We also enjoyed seeing the many nuts, grains, chili, salts (like the unrefined pink and black salts) and found several businesses that traded the baby saffron variety that we were seeking. This was nice. Needless to say, it was easy to roll off a couple hundred camera clicks in this area and shopkeepers were all too willing and unconcerned if you took pictures, always nice when you find this to be the case.
Overall, we enjoyed the Khari Baoli spice market area as much as any other in Delhi and wouldn't hesitate to return for another browse and to click more pictures. This one goes on our must-do list for future visits to Delhi.
Hint: In additional to great Spice Market area on Khari Baoil, it is well worth your time to wander over to the Chandi Chowk area and explore some of the branched off bazaars that feature other product types; including jewelry, cloth, textiles, traditional clothing. A lot of street eats opportunity in these bazaars if you are up for such a thing.
Hint: It is also worth visiting the Jami Masjid (Mosque) which is additionally found in this area of Old Delhi. Collectively, the mosque and bazaar markets can easily take up 1/2 to 3/4 of a day. If you also visit the Red Fort, which is nearby, you will have a full day of sightseeing in the Old Delhi area.
We spent around 45 minutes in Khari Baoli, admiring the spice displays in the shops and the large bags, often stuffed to the brim with chili, nuts or some unrefined spices, which we found so routinely in this area. We also enjoyed seeing the many nuts, grains, chili, salts (like the unrefined pink and black salts) and found several businesses that traded the baby saffron variety that we were seeking. This was nice. Needless to say, it was easy to roll off a couple hundred camera clicks in this area and shopkeepers were all too willing and unconcerned if you took pictures, always nice when you find this to be the case.
Overall, we enjoyed the Khari Baoli spice market area as much as any other in Delhi and wouldn't hesitate to return for another browse and to click more pictures. This one goes on our must-do list for future visits to Delhi.
Hint: In additional to great Spice Market area on Khari Baoil, it is well worth your time to wander over to the Chandi Chowk area and explore some of the branched off bazaars that feature other product types; including jewelry, cloth, textiles, traditional clothing. A lot of street eats opportunity in these bazaars if you are up for such a thing.
Hint: It is also worth visiting the Jami Masjid (Mosque) which is additionally found in this area of Old Delhi. Collectively, the mosque and bazaar markets can easily take up 1/2 to 3/4 of a day. If you also visit the Red Fort, which is nearby, you will have a full day of sightseeing in the Old Delhi area.
Written January 20, 2013
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Amolak Rattan K
New Delhi, India2,881 contributions
Mar 2019 • Friends
If you are looking for spices of all types including quality saffron, you should go to this location. If you have a known reference then it is still better. You get every kind of spices from different parts of India and even imported from other countries.
Amolak Rattan Kohli
Former Governor of Mizoram
Amolak Rattan Kohli
Former Governor of Mizoram
Written March 31, 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
DrArunAgrawal
Noida, India758 contributions
Oct 2013 • Couples
Sight . Sound, Smell . A visit to the huge spice, grains and dry fruits market located at the end of Chandni Chowk in old Delhi turns out to be a never-before kind of experience, although the market cannot be classified as an "attraction" by any definition . The quality and variety of all kinds of spices, dry fruits, grains. pickles, syrups, appetisers and other food accessories on sale at fixed prices in the shops as well as on the pavement simply takes your breath away , For getting into Khari Baoli market, you can walk 400-500 m. distance after getting down at the Chandni Chowk Metro Station on the Yellow line or else park your Car at the Parade grounds and take a rickshaw from there . Either way , regardless of whether you are making a purchase or not , a visit to the sprawling market is highly recommended, and on your way back you can also offer Namaz at the nearby Fatehpuri Masjid and hear verses from Guru Granth Sahib at the reverred Shishganj Gurudwara, a short distance from the Chandni Chowk Metro Station .
Written October 6, 2013
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
John F
Buckinghamshire, UK517 contributions
Feb 2015 • Couples
We found our rickshaw tour of the spice market to be one of the highlights of our whole trip to India, let alone Delhi.
Our driver employed the rickshaw driver (he knew him) for just 100 rupees (£1) - but there were plenty of rickshaw drivers around the Red Fort for hire.
He gave us 45 minutes to walk around the Red Fort - and then we were off, going at some speed through the amazingly crowded market streets until we arrived at the spice market. We left the rickshaw and he led us around - even showing us up to a 2nd floor market that we would never have found, and letting us take photos from a rooftop.
Then, back to the rickshaw and an amazing trip through incredibly crowded souks.
We are fairly adventurous tourists, but would either have felt unsafe, or just got very lost if we had tried to navigate this 2 hour tour unaccompanied.
Brilliant value for money (and, yes, of course we paid our driver much more that the 100 rupees negotiated at the start).
Our driver employed the rickshaw driver (he knew him) for just 100 rupees (£1) - but there were plenty of rickshaw drivers around the Red Fort for hire.
He gave us 45 minutes to walk around the Red Fort - and then we were off, going at some speed through the amazingly crowded market streets until we arrived at the spice market. We left the rickshaw and he led us around - even showing us up to a 2nd floor market that we would never have found, and letting us take photos from a rooftop.
Then, back to the rickshaw and an amazing trip through incredibly crowded souks.
We are fairly adventurous tourists, but would either have felt unsafe, or just got very lost if we had tried to navigate this 2 hour tour unaccompanied.
Brilliant value for money (and, yes, of course we paid our driver much more that the 100 rupees negotiated at the start).
Written February 19, 2015
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
LimReviewer
New Delhi, India213 contributions
Jul 2014 • Friends
This is a spice street in old Delhi.The street is lined with shops selling wholesale spices, grains, pulses and dry fruits.
The price is mentioned for each item so you dont need to ask and recheck.One can touch and smell the aromas of these exotic spices.This is one place where you see huge quantities of spices which is otherwise available in small quantities in the grocery stores.
The metro station to this place is chandni chowk and then one can walk towards this street.
walking is best .but you have to be alert and surely the crowd and mayhem is always there.
The price is mentioned for each item so you dont need to ask and recheck.One can touch and smell the aromas of these exotic spices.This is one place where you see huge quantities of spices which is otherwise available in small quantities in the grocery stores.
The metro station to this place is chandni chowk and then one can walk towards this street.
walking is best .but you have to be alert and surely the crowd and mayhem is always there.
Written July 8, 2014
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
If someone want to know all the spice.Dey frouts .Rice .and all house use grocery itm price how can we now the best price. So people who go to the this market can save money .
Written July 11, 2020
Is this market price is good or almost same as local clonny and garnal store if not big difference between the khari baoli market . How much is the defence in price
Written July 11, 2020
What time does the Khari Baoli Spice Market open on a week day? I've seen different times listed on the internet, ranging from 8 AM to 11 AM. Are timings for the Gadodia Market the same, or different? TIA
Written January 12, 2017
Markets generally open during late mornings. Most shops don't open before 10 AM.
Written June 2, 2017
My girlfriend and I will have a few days in New Delhi, one of the things we want to do is see the market. What days is it open?
Written September 7, 2016
Chandni Chowk area is closed on Sunday and so is Connaught Place and Daryaganj. All major markets close of different days, so if one is closed, some other will be open (eg Karol Bagh)
Written June 2, 2017
I would like the email address of Golden Horse spice shop where I bought some chilli, I wish to email and ask if they post to Australia or who has it.. in Australia..
Written June 16, 2015
I've just sent a mail to them from Spain in the same idea.
Last march I was there and bought withania somnifera (indian ginseng) and I would like too know if they could send to me via postal/regular package to Spain.
If Kumar answer me next days I'll inform you above. Rgds and Happy christmas from Spain Madrid.
Juanp.
Written December 18, 2017
Is the spice market open on Sunday?
Written January 18, 2015
No. Khari Baoli spice market, Chandni Chowk and Daryaganj are all closed on Sunday
Written June 2, 2017
Not sure who this question is addressed to, but you need to check with the hotel you are staying with. Most hotels DON'T provide hotel transfers and you have to make your own way to the hotel. However, if you go by Uber Taxi, you will get a reliable and cheap service (unlike some others who might literally take you for a ride). From the airport, it is generally wise to take a pre paid taxi from the police booth just outside the arrivals area.
Written June 2, 2017
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