Discover Khari Baoli Spice Market: 400 Years Old Spice Market in Delhi!

By Karen Maria | Sept 18, 2024

During my trip to Delhi, one experience stood out above the rest—exploring the legendary Khari Baoli Spice Market, the largest spice market in Asia and one of the oldest continuously operating bazaars in India. For over 400 years, this bustling Old Delhi marketplace has supplied spices, herbs, teas, and dried fruits to homes and restaurants across the world.

If you’re a foodie, a cultural explorer, or simply curious about India’s vibrant market life, Khari Baoli Spice Market is an unforgettable adventure.

A 400-Year-Old Spice Market Steeped in History

Dating back to the 17th century, Khari Baoli has been a key trading center since the Mughal era. Even today, much of India’s spice production passes through this market before reaching wholesalers and retailers across the country.

Here you’ll find:

• Aromatic spices

• Flavorful teas

• Top-quality dried fruits & nuts

• Tangy pickles (achars)

• Traditional herbal mixes

• Rare ingredients used in Indian cooking

For travelers, it’s the perfect window into India’s culinary heritage.

As we made our way through the busy streets of Old Delhi, it felt like stepping back in time. The area is lively, with so much to see! We decided to take our time and explore everything. The main road is filled with vendors and shops, but the hidden treasures are in the narrow alleys.

One thing I noticed is that this market is always in action! You’ll often find oxen pulling carts or people carrying huge loads on their heads, rushing past with trolleys loaded with goods.

Entering Old Delhi: A Journey Back in Time

Walking into Old Delhi felt like stepping into a live history book. Narrow lanes, busy roads, rickshaws, and ancient buildings create a fascinating blend of chaos and charm. The deeper we went, the more alive everything felt.

On the way to Khari Baoli, I noticed:

• Oxen pulling carts

• Vendors transporting heavy bags on their heads

• Rickshaws weaving through tight corners

• Crowds negotiating prices in every lane

Every turn reveals something new—and something old.

Food Temptations on the Way

Before reaching the main spice area, we passed several food stalls offering:

• Sizzling snacks in enormous karhais (giant iron woks)

• Mouthwatering chaat—the word literally means “to lick” because it’s so delicious

• Fresh dairy products like paneer, ghee, yoghurt, and khoya

Although we were full from breakfast, it was impossible not to stop and admire the incredible aromas and colors.

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The Heart of Khari Baoli Spice Market

Once we entered the spice zone, the air changed instantly—filled with the earthy fragrances of cumin, cardamom, turmeric, and dried chillies. Vendors sat behind mountains of colorful spices, each one neatly arranged in sacks.

What You’ll Find Here

• Dozens of varieties of coriander seeds

• Rare melon seeds (perfect for biryani!)

• Fragrant masala blends

• High-quality pistachios, cashews, almonds & raisins

• Different grades of asafoetida (hing)

• Vibrant red and yellow chilli powders

I bought a whole kilo of pistachios—they were so fresh we ate them all within days.

A Unique Look into Market Traditions

As we explored further, we saw women sorting spices, carefully cleaning and separating seeds. It reminded me of my days in New Zealand, when we would clean rice manually before cooking. The connection between cultures felt so familiar.

Each shop seemed to specialize in something unique. One store had nothing but different forms of hing, from soft and spongy raw resin to refined powdered varieties. The pungent aroma filled the entire lane.

cooking it.

Pickle Paradise: Achar Heaven

One of my favorite stops was a shop selling traditional pickles (achars).
The owner generously offered samples—including fiery chilli pickle that was so spicy and flavorful I didn’t even need lunch afterward!

Pickles available included:

• Lemon achar

• Mango achar

• Garlic achar

• Green chilli achar

The Fiery Lane of Dried Chillies

Perhaps the most colorful section of the entire market was the chilli lane. Heaps of dried chillies in every size and shade created a stunning visual. Although I couldn’t take dried chillies home, I picked up yellow chilli powder—a specialty of North India.

Jaggery (Gur) Corner: Sweet and Smoky Flavors

Before leaving, we stumbled upon a shop selling jaggery made from various types of palm trees. Each piece tasted different—some sweeter, some smokier.
Unfortunately, I couldn’t take it home due to export labelling restrictions, but the tasting experience itself was unforgettable.

A Market That Stays With You

Leaving Khari Baoli Spice Market, I felt like I had traveled through centuries of Indian culinary history. The aromas, the colors, the people, the chaos—it all comes together to create a sensational cultural experience. I left wishing I had more time, and I can’t wait to return someday.

Now, onward to explore more of Delhi!

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