Where to Buy Authentic Gifts and Souvenirs in Delhi
Delhi is a shopper’s paradise. There are numerous specialty markets, malls and handicraft shops in Delhi, but which ones sell authentic gifts and souvenirs and aren’t going to scam tourists?
After years of living in Delhi, I have fine-tuned my list of places I shop for authentic gifts and souvenirs, including local secrets. While you always have to be cautious, these spots are the real deal and less likely to rip you off.
Where to Buy Authentic Gifts and Souvenirs in Delhi
These are my favourite places for gift and souvenir shopping in Delhi. You’ll find authentic Indian products in these spots, and I’ve included a few insider gems for you.
1. State Emporiums on Baba Kharak Singh Road
If you want authentic handicrafts and cultural items from all across India, head over to the state-run government shops in Connaught Place.
Practically every state in India has its own shop, and each one sells local, state produced items. There’s tea at the Assam shop, silk sarees at the Bihar shop, woolen sweaters at the Himachal shop, carpets and pashminas at the Kashmir shop, and much more.
There are 4 blocks of these state emporiums, all conveniently located along one side of Baba Kharak Singh Road. It’s a great place to shop, and prices are usually reasonable.
This area is rife with touts who try to steer tourists to shops where they earn a commission. Ignore any person who approaches you.
There’s a casual, but decent coffee/snack house right in the middle of the emporiums called Coffee Home. It’s a good spot to take a break. They have a nice outdoor area if it’s not too hot.
2. Dastkar Nature Bazaar
This terrific outdoor market sells a diverse selection handmade, handwoven, organic, herbal and recycled products. It’s the favoured market of locals who want quality handicrafts.
Dastkar is open all the time, but every month it hosts a fair which is always worth attending. You’ll find a large group of local artisans selling their own products. Check the Dastkar Nature Bazaar website for events.
There’s a small food court onsite if you want to eat or drink something. Small entrance fee.
3. Dilli Haat INA
Delhi’s most popular handicrafts market is a great place to shop for souvenirs and gifts, especially if you’re short on time. It’s conveniently located in South Delhi, next to a metro station.
It’s more commercial than Dastkar Nature Bazaar, but the selection of crafts, arts and textiles is excellent and always changing. Just make sure what you purchase was actually made in India.
Dilli Haat is laid out like a traditional village market and easy to walk around. There’s an excellent outdoor food court with foods from all over India. Small entrance fee.
Important: There are 3 Dilli Haat markets in Delhi. Make sure you go to the INA location. It is the best by far. There is also a Delhi Haat INA store in Saket – do not go there by mistake.
4. Khan Market
This is an upscale neighbourhood market that is a favourite of Delhi’s upper crust. You will be able to find all sorts of wonderful Delhi souvenirs and gifts in Khan Market.
Whether you want art, jewellery, fancy stationary, chocolates, beauty products or Indian clothing – it’s all here. Not only that, but there’s fantastic coffee shops and restaurants in case you need a break.
My personal favourite Khan Market shops for Indian souvenirs and gifts:
- Anand Stationers: handcrafted stationary in Indian designs
- Fabindia: Indian made clothing, textiles and gifts
- Forest Essentials: Ayurveda beauty and wellness products
- Faqir Chand and Sons: famous book shop with a great selection on Delhi and India
- Minerali: Indian style costume and semi-precious stone jewellery
5. Soma and The Shop in Connaught Place
These are two different stores in Connaught Place that sell high quality hand-crafted Indian textiles.
The Shop and Soma both have a beautiful selection of Indian style bedding, cloth bags, table linens, and clothing in traditional block print designs. Prices are very reasonable.
6. INA Market
Indian food is some of the best in the world and it’s largely because of the fresh spices. If you want to try and get that flavour at home, pick up some Indian spices at INA Market.
I know you’ve heard of Khari Baoli, the Old Delhi spice market, but the spices at INA Market are just as good and you’re less likely to get ripped off. This is where Indians and expats who want good quality ingredients shop.
Ask a shop keeper to point you in the direction of the spice shops – they’re all around one section. The Durga Masala shop is one of the best. INA Market is closed on Monday.
7. Shaw Brothers in Defence Colony
What could make a more special gift or souvenir than a pashmina shawl from Delhi? Pashminas are beautiful, elegant, and versatile. They will last decades if cared for properly.
Shaw Brothers in Defence Colony is a reputable shop and has a large variety of scarfs and shawls. This Shaw Brothers is located at D-47.
There is a second Shaw Brothers at D-36, down the street. The second one was opened by a cousin, but the two shops are not affiliated (family rivalry, I think). The one at D-47 is the more established shop.
Vendors are notorious for claiming an item is 100% pashmina when it is not. Pashminas are made by hand and very expensive. There is no such thing as a $50 USD pashmina.
I strongly recommend you read how to buy a real pashmina. This is the one item visitors get scammed on the most.
8. Lota Shop at the National Crafts Museum
This wonderful little museum has a fabulous shop that sells all sorts of local handicrafts, art and jewellery, much of it at reasonable prices.
The museum itself is worth a visit, even Michelle Obama visited when she was in Delhi. You could easily combine a museum visit with shopping, and then have lunch at Cafe Lota (at the museum), which is one of Delhi’s best cafes.
The shop and cafe are free to enter. There is a INR 300 entrance fee for the museum. It’s closed on Monday.
9. Kumhar Colony (Potters Village)
If you want traditional pottery pieces, this is where to come. It doesn’t get more authentic than this. This little neighbourhood in Uttam Nagar is where the potters live and make their pottery. If you look up, you’ll see kilns on the roof tops.
Depending on the time of year and which religious festival is around the corner, the selection will vary. Most potters sell pieces from shop fronts in their homes.
10. Haldiram’s
Haldiram’s is a very popular casual restaurant chain that also makes and sells packaged snacks and sweets. These snacks are cheap, pack well and make excellent gifts for foodies back home.
Savoury snacks, called ‘namkeen’ are an Indian favourite. In fact there are specialty shops which sell only namkeen, but Haldiram’s is your best bet because the quality is very high.
Their traditional sweets also pack well and make nice gifts.
You will see Haldiram’s everywhere in Delhi. Don’t hesitate to eat there as well, the food is terrific and very budget friendly.
11. Amar Colony Furniture Market
Besides re-purposed and vintage furniture, this market has a great selection of unique and colourful knobs, handles, and small home decor items.
The market is often called the secret furniture market. It’s tucked away down a path and a little hard to find. The path is directly across from the shop at A-34 on the same street as Dhaniya da Dhaba (a great local dhaba).
If you can’t find it, ask one of shop keepers. Make sure you bargain here. The prices are always inflated for tourists.
Last Words on Where to Buy Authentic Gifts and Souvenirs in Delhi
This list should have all your gift and souvenir shopping in Delhi covered. These are the places I go to and bring my guests when they visit.
Some are really off the beaten path where you won’t see many tourists, but you will find some of the most authentic souvenirs and gifts in Delhi.
