Asia’s Biggest Spice Market – Khari Baoli

Incredible India had welcomed us the right way! With its varied culture and rich tradition, there are so many things to do here. It was our first week in Delhi, India when we decided to visit the local market. As Tah is a spice lover, we had a half kilogram of green chilies and to everyone’s surprise, we had finished it so fast. Now, it was time for us to visit one of the biggest spice market in the whole of Asia, the Khari Baoli Market.

Anyone who refers to India, it as the land of spices. Most of the tourists who visit Delhi, come to this place. The spice market stands among one of the must-visit places in Delhi. We were assisted by Jacob to the largest spice market there. It was located somewhere in the Chandni Chowk of Delhi. We had to find our way to the market as we didn’t have a phone network to look into Google Maps.

Tip – If you are in visiting India, get a sim card in the airport itself. Else, it is really difficult to get one as you enter the city.

After a delicious meal, we decided to walk through the crowd of Chandni Chowk to find our way to the spice market.

Our Experience in Asia’s biggest spice market :

As we neared the spice market, the aroma of various spices hits our brain hard and re-awakens your body! We first decided that we go to the top of the building to get the whole view of this age-old market complex in Delhi. We came across naughty monkeys playing on walls as we moved up the building. Huge applause to the person whomsoever said, ‘Hustle, the views from the top are worth it’. Yes, it was that amazing! We could also spot a mosque on the other side of the building. A whole complex of only spices that held rich tradition was certainly worth to take beautiful pictures!

After photographic this Instagram famous place, we came down the building to explore the spice market and tried out some chilies to find out ‘how much spice is too much spice?’! Don’t be surprised if you sneeze all the way in the lanes of the market. This is because of the spicy air that you inhale in that area. Perhaps, it was definitely an experience for a lifetime!

History of Khari Baoli

The spice street in Delhi, Khari Baoli is one the largest wholesale spice market in Asia. It is said to be inaugurated by the son of Sher Shah Suri, Islam Shah in the 17th century. This market in one of the old areas of Delhi, the Chandni Chowk. The name signifies that it was first a stepwell in the ancient time. Interestingly, you will not find any traces of step wells there now!

 

 

Khari Baoli- The Spice Kingdom

The spice market in Chandni Chowk of Delhi houses a range of spices that are both exotic and local. Khari Baoli spice market prices can be some of the best you can find with a large variety of spices to choose from. Every day, there is so much trade that is happening in this place. Numerous buyers crowd in to purchase spices. However, you will be super-amazed to see how organized the place is to cater to the needs of so many buyers. Alas, it is the experience for them in this business.

When we talk to the sellers, you will exclaim to know that they are into this business for 10 or 12 generations now. There are some 48 stalls in this place. The names of shops itself is so unique like 15 Number ki Dukaan (15 Number Shop) or Chawal Wale 13 (Rice Seller No. 13). These names must have been used to refer them during the olden days and they never wanted to change it after that! The smell of spices and history is in the air in Khari Baoli.

With the spice market being only one of many attractions in Delhi make sure you don’t miss out on the rest of Delhi’s Must-See attraction Qutub Minar

Types of Spices in Asia’s biggest spice market

There is so much to even name in this spice market. Khari Baoli dry fruit market you find the best of prunes and mulberries that are dried and hail from Afghanistan. The famous dried plums are available and are from Kashmir. There is a wide range of chilies available here. Each one appears to be different and varies in the level of spice that it contains.

India is known for its authentic herbs of Ayurveda. You can find those rare and valuable herbs and medicines in the lanes of Khari Baoli. People from across the globe visit this place to buy rare herbs that cure specific diseases is the most natural way!

Apart from spices, you also find varieties of rice and whole grains in this market. Nevertheless, the dry fruits at the spice market are super delicious and nutritious with the best quality. During Diwali, the festival of lights, spam of people crowd her to buy dry fruits to make sweets and savories. They also have a custom of gifting dry fruits along with sweets during special occasions.

Interesting facts about Khari Baoli

 

• This place sells spices at a wholesale rate and is the largest wholesale market in Delhi
• It is one of the oldest spice markets in the whole world and dates back to the 17th century
• To the surprise of everyone, the spice market also houses a range of products that are used for making sweets or consumed as it is. Yes, amidst the smell of spices, you will find the mild solid called ‘khoya’. This is used for making delicious milk sweets like Bharfi and Rasgulla. Khoya is available is various textures in this place. You will also find jaggery that is used in most of the Indian sweets
• Not only spices and sweets but also Reetha, one of the most effective herbs for healthy hair is available in the spice market. This Reetha, when mixed with ‘Shikakai’, is the best remedy for hair fall. It is used in many herbal shampoos as well. Don’t forget to take some Reetha home!

Eager to explore the lanes of Khari Baoli? Wait not! Book your tickets to Delhi, right away! Check out our blogs to know about the best guest house in Delhi, the must-visit places and the easiest way of traveling in and around Delhi!

 

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