Khan Market: New Delhi's Premier Shopping and Dining Destination
Discovering Khan Market's Unique Appeal
Khan Market stands as one of New Delhi's most distinguished shopping districts, consistently ranking among the world's most expensive retail locations. Named after Khan Abdul Jabbar Khan, brother of the renowned independence activist Khan Abdul Ghaffar Khan, this market has evolved from a modest 1950s shopping complex into a sophisticated commercial hub that attracts both Delhi residents and international visitors.
The market's distinctive character stems from its carefully curated mix of independent boutiques, international brands, specialty bookstores, and dining establishments. Unlike sprawling modern malls, Khan Market maintains an intimate village-like atmosphere across its compact layout of approximately 100 shops arranged in two parallel rows. This concentration creates a walkable shopping experience rare in Delhi's otherwise car-dependent urban landscape.
What sets Khan Market apart is its ability to balance tradition with modernity. You'll find Anokhi showcasing traditional Indian block-printed textiles alongside contemporary fashion boutiques, while Bahrisons Booksellers, established in 1953, continues serving book lovers just steps away from trendy cafes. The market's location in central Delhi, near diplomatic enclaves and affluent neighborhoods like Sujan Singh Park, has shaped its cosmopolitan character and premium positioning.
According to research by Cushman & Wakefield, Khan Market ranked as the 20th most expensive retail location globally in 2018, with rental rates reaching $229 per square foot annually. This premium status reflects both the market's limited retail space and its appeal to high-spending consumers. The National Capital Region Planning Board has designated the area as a heritage commercial zone, preserving its architectural character while allowing modernization of individual shops.
| Metric | Value | Year | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| Global Retail Ranking | 20th Most Expensive | 2018 | Cushman & Wakefield |
| Annual Rent per sq ft | $229 USD | 2018 | Cushman & Wakefield |
| Number of Shops | ~100 retail units | 2023 | Market Association |
| Year Established | 1951 | Historical | Delhi Development Authority |
| Average Shop Size | 200-400 sq ft | 2023 | Market Survey |
| Daily Foot Traffic | 15,000-20,000 | 2019 | Local Business Data |
Notable Shops and Boutiques in Khan Market
The shopping experience at Khan Market revolves around specialized retailers that have built loyal followings over decades. Bahrisons Booksellers remains the market's cultural anchor, offering an extensive collection of fiction, non-fiction, and rare editions that draws bibliophiles from across Delhi. Full Circle Bookstore provides a modern alternative with its curated selection and reading events that attract literary enthusiasts.
Fashion boutiques represent Khan Market's evolution into a style destination. Anokhi brings authentic Rajasthani block-printing techniques to contemporary clothing designs, with prices ranging from 2,000 to 15,000 rupees for garments. Good Earth offers handcrafted home decor and textiles that blend traditional Indian craftsmanship with modern aesthetics. Biotique operates its flagship store here, showcasing ayurvedic cosmetics and skincare products that have gained international recognition.
Specialty stores add depth to the shopping mix. Dayal Opticals has served the market since the 1960s, providing prescription eyewear and designer frames with personalized service that keeps customers returning across generations. Out of the Box offers distinctive gift items and home accessories that you won't find in typical retail chains. Mr Light specializes in designer lighting fixtures, from traditional chandeliers to contemporary LED installations.
The market's food retail segment includes Cona's, famous for its Italian deli products and imported cheeses, which has become a destination for home cooks seeking premium ingredients. FabIndia, though now a national chain, maintains one of its most comprehensive stores here, offering organic foods, traditional textiles, and furniture. These establishments contribute to Khan Market's reputation as a one-stop destination for discerning shoppers seeking quality over quantity.
| Store Name | Category | Established | Price Range |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bahrisons Booksellers | Books | 1953 | ₹200-5,000 |
| Anokhi | Textiles & Clothing | 1970 | ₹2,000-15,000 |
| Biotique | Cosmetics | 1992 | ₹150-3,000 |
| Dayal Opticals | Eyewear | 1960s | ₹3,000-25,000 |
| Good Earth | Home Decor | 1996 | ₹1,000-50,000 |
| Cona's | Gourmet Food | 1970s | ₹500-5,000 |
| FabIndia | Textiles & Food | 1976 | ₹300-20,000 |
| Out of the Box | Gifts | 1990s | ₹500-10,000 |
Restaurants and Cafes: Khan Market's Culinary Scene
Khan Market has transformed into one of Delhi's premier dining destinations, with restaurants occupying nearly 40% of its retail space. The culinary offerings span from traditional Indian cuisine to international fare, with establishments ranging from casual cafes to fine dining venues. This concentration of quality restaurants makes Khan market a popular lunch destination for nearby office workers and a weekend gathering spot for Delhi's food enthusiasts.
Indian restaurants in Khan Market showcase regional diversity. Khan Chacha, despite its modest appearance, has achieved cult status for its kebabs and rolls since 1972, with queues forming during peak hours. Perch Wine & Coffee Bar combines modern Indian small plates with an extensive wine selection, while Smokehouse Deli offers contemporary comfort food with Indian influences. These establishments demonstrate how the market balances authentic flavors with modern presentation styles.
International cuisine thrives alongside Indian options. Cafe Turtle, located above Full Circle Bookstore, serves continental breakfast and lunch in a literary atmosphere that attracts writers and readers. Big Chill offers Italian-American comfort food and desserts that have made it a Delhi institution since 2000. Town Hall provides upscale dining with Mediterranean influences, while Cafe Dori serves Persian-inspired dishes in an intimate setting. This diversity reflects the cosmopolitan tastes of Khan Market's clientele.
The cafe culture at Khan Market deserves special mention. Blue Tokai Coffee Roasters introduced specialty coffee to the market in 2013, sourcing beans directly from Indian estates and roasting them on-site. Kunzum Travel Cafe operates on a unique pay-what-you-want model, combining coffee service with travel literature and community events. These spaces function as social hubs where regulars meet, work remotely, and engage in conversations that give Khan Market its community feel despite its commercial nature.
| Restaurant | Cuisine Type | Average Cost (2 people) | Signature Dish |
|---|---|---|---|
| Khan Chacha | North Indian | ₹400 | Chicken Seekh Roll |
| Smokehouse Deli | Continental/Indian Fusion | ₹1,800 | Smoked Meats Platter |
| Big Chill | Italian-American | ₹1,500 | Cheesecake |
| Perch Wine & Coffee Bar | Modern Indian | ₹2,500 | Small Plates Selection |
| Cafe Turtle | Continental | ₹1,200 | Breakfast Menu |
| Town Hall | Mediterranean | ₹2,800 | Grilled Seafood |
| Blue Tokai Coffee | Cafe | ₹600 | Single Origin Pour Over |
| Cafe Dori | Persian | ₹1,600 | Kebab Platter |
Visiting Khan Market: Practical Information
Khan Market's location in central Delhi makes it accessible via multiple transportation options. The nearest metro station is Khan Market on the Violet Line, opened in 2014, placing the market within a 5-minute walk. This connectivity via the Delhi Metro Rail Corporation, which serves over 2.7 million passengers daily, has significantly increased visitor traffic. Auto-rickshaws and app-based taxi services like Uber and Ola provide direct access, with typical fares from Connaught Place ranging from 80-150 rupees.
The market operates Monday through Sunday, with most shops opening between 10:00 AM and 11:00 AM and closing around 8:00 PM. However, restaurants and cafes often remain open until 10:00 PM or later, particularly on weekends. The best visiting times are weekday mornings between 11:00 AM and 1:00 PM when crowds are lighter, or late afternoons after 4:00 PM. Weekends see peak traffic, especially Saturday afternoons when parking becomes challenging and the narrow lanes grow congested.
Parking remains Khan Market's persistent challenge due to limited space. The market provides approximately 100 parking spaces across two small lots, insufficient for demand during peak hours. Parking fees run 40-60 rupees per hour, with attendants managing vehicle flow. Many visitors opt for metro access or drop-off services to avoid parking frustrations. The Municipal Corporation of Delhi has proposed underground parking facilities, but implementation remains pending as of 2024.
For international visitors, Khan Market offers a comfortable introduction to Delhi shopping without the overwhelming chaos of traditional bazaars. Most shopkeepers speak English, prices are generally fixed (eliminating bargaining stress), and the compact layout prevents getting lost. ATMs are available at multiple locations, and most establishments accept credit cards and digital payment platforms like Paytm and Google Pay. The market's proximity to India Gate (2 kilometers), Lodhi Gardens (1.5 kilometers), and Humayun's Tomb (4 kilometers) makes it easy to combine shopping with sightseeing, as documented in tourism guides published by the India Tourism Development Corporation.
| Category | Details | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Nearest Metro Station | Khan Market (Violet Line) | 5-minute walk |
| Operating Hours | 10:00 AM - 8:00 PM | Restaurants open later |
| Parking Capacity | ~100 spaces | ₹40-60 per hour |
| Best Visit Time | Weekday 11 AM-1 PM | Avoid Saturday afternoons |
| Distance to India Gate | 2 km | 10-minute drive |
| Distance to Lodhi Gardens | 1.5 km | Walking distance |
| Payment Methods | Cash, Cards, UPI | Most shops accept all |
| Language | English, Hindi | English widely spoken |