INDIA: Shopping at Dilli Haat

Shopping in India can sometimes be a hassle especially for foreigners. A typical shopping experience would include being badgered by a number of auto-rickshaw drivers and over-friendly shop owners. Everyone's just trying to make a living and that's the way they do it in India. However, if you're in the mood for a more relaxed shopping stroll, head off to Dilli Haat (Opposite INA Market in New Delhi). My friend, Preeti, and I went there after work for shopping and dinner.

Preeti, my friend

Dilli Haat is a food and shopping plaza that sells mainly arts and crafts from all the states of India. There is a small entrance fee but think of it as "paying for convenience." Inside, the sellers are not as hard-sell as the ones outside. The shops change every two weeks but the whole bazaar is a staple The slots are raffled off to artisans so that each would have a chance to sell in this coveted area.

The prices of goods are definitely more expensive than buying them in the local markets. However, the quality is better and you get to converse with the artist who made the artwork. I bargained for a Madhubani painting for 50% less than the initial offer. Dilli Haat is replete with paintings, crafts, curios, garments and wooden sculptures making it an apt "sample platter" of Indian art.

After shopping, we went to the food complex for a Rajasthani Thali (set plate). But there was a myriad of cuisines to choose from - Punjabi, Bihari, Bengali cuisine, etc. We ate in Paamna Restaurant which had friendly waiters whom I took a photo with. Definitely spicier than the north Indian dishes I have tasted, the Rajasthani thali was superb and authentic (as I soon found out when I backpacked through Rajasthan). On another occasion, I also tried the Kulfi, ice-cream made with pistachio, saffron and nuts, and I crave for them until today.

The Food Area

Rajasthani Thali

Sweat-drenched Turban

Didn't like this one, whatever it is.

Spacious, peaceful and relaxed, Dilli Haat is a suitable place for an evening stroll capped off by a sumptuous dinner. Ethics-wise, shopping there allows you to support the actual artisan who made the product. You're assured that the money you spend goes directly to him.