If you have been to Delhi, you definitely have heard about the party hub, Hauz Khas Village. While the happening area has been explored extensively, there's always enough to discover in its many tiny lanes that open up to the emerald lake. Even though Hauz Khas has come to be known as the address for a fun night out, there's a lot more that you can do, such as getting your hands on vinyl records and vintage posters or even elegant creations by niche designers.
Hauz Khas in Persian means "tank of the royals" and was made by Allaudin Khilji in the 13th century to serve the people of Siri, the second medieval city of Hindustan. The area has been covered by tombs reminiscent of the Islamic rulers of Delhi. It was first referred to as "Hauz-e-Alai" after Khilji. After that, it remained just as a historical place. In 1987, author and fashion designer Bina Ramani rallied for this area to be fixed and hoped to turn it into something similar to the Greenwich Village of New York. Soon after that, it saw a lot of NIFT students setting up stalls and small eateries nearby. Against the backdrop of ancient architecture, this place was turning into a creative channel of modern art and expression.
Now the entire urban village of Hauz Khas is filled with modern cafes, antique shops, thrift stores, tattoo parlours and record stores, among other things. Here is a guide to what you can do here.
A Foodie's Paradise
There are several cafes worth exploring besides the popular Social, where people often take pictures near the entrance. One of them is Coast Cafe at Ogaan, which offers the best coastal Indian food, fish curries, and Malabar paratha, along with fancy mocktails. Another option is Lama Kitchen, which serves delicious Himalayan food and momos in a cosy atmosphere with live music and ground seating. For an aesthetically pleasing cafe experience, visit The Tea Room from Blossom Kocchar and enjoy a delectable English breakfast.
Thrift Stores, Antique Shops And Other Finds
Hauz Khas Village has become a popular destination for GenZ shoppers due to its variety of thrift stores and stalls. You can find trendy and branded clothes, shoes, and accessories at affordable prices at Shop With Love, Street Style Nine, and Triple 9 Stores. Additionally, numerous shops sell antique decor and usable items. For instance, Navratna offers lithographs and antiques such as antique hookahs, old cameras, postcards, and records for history and music enthusiasts to enjoy. If you're interested in vinyl records, check out Pagal Record Store, where you can find iconic records for yourself or as gifts.
Exploring Hauz Khas Village is a delightful experience. The village is home to charming shops and cafes, but don't forget to wander through the picturesque lanes to discover unique shops around every corner. You may stumble upon Deer Park, the Hauz Khas tomb, and a lovely lake with white ducks.
Cover photo credit Shutterstock.com
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