Bareilly: Mandi Chowk, a bustling marketplace renowned for its exquisite jewelry, is now attracting crowds for a completely different reason—its mouthwatering street food. Once known primarily as a shopper’s haven for gold and silver ornaments, the market has transformed into a go-to destination for food lovers, especially as evening falls.
A Culinary Transformation
During the day, Mandi Chowk remains crowded with jewelry buyers who come from far and wide. But as the sun sets, the area turns into a paradise for food enthusiasts. The enticing aroma of freshly prepared delicacies like tikki chaat, rabri ice cream, and gajar halwa fills the air, drawing people out of their homes to indulge in these delectable treats.
The Most Popular Eateries
Several well-known stalls and shops have gained immense popularity in this evolving food hub:
- Shyam Chaat Bhandar – Established in 1957 by Shyam Lale, this legendary eatery has been serving aloo tikki for generations. Now run by his great-grandson, Shivansh, the shop is famous for its tikkis fried in authentic Desi ghee, attracting long queues every evening.
- Sitaram Bhola Kulfi – Almost ninety years ago, Sitaram started making rabri ice cream by mixing milk and sugar to perfection. Today, a kilogram of this rich and unique ice cream costs Rs 400, and it remains a favorite among locals and tourists alike.
- Rahul and Raja’s Sweets – For those with a sweet tooth, these stores offer a variety of desserts, including rabri, gajar halwa, black and white rasgullas, multiple flavors of barfi, and rasmalai. Their freshly prepared sweets sell out within four hours every day.
- Sonu Kashyap & Raja Kashyap’s Sweet Corner – This duo specializes in traditional sweets and confections that perfectly complement the street food experience at Mandi Chowk.
- Pitaram & Krishna Kumar’s Gajak Stall – Operating from 8 p.m. to midnight, they serve handmade gajak, a winter delicacy that remains in high demand during colder months.
A New Identity for Mandi Chowk
Mandi Chowk’s transformation from a traditional jewelry hub to a culinary hotspot highlights the evolving culture of Bareilly. The area now serves as a perfect blend of heritage and modern-day indulgence, where shoppers can enjoy a gastronomic delight after a day of exploring the bustling market. As food tourism continues to rise, Mandi Chowk stands as a testament to Bareilly’s rich flavors and traditions, offering an unforgettable experience for residents and visitors alike.
