Asia’s largest food court, spanning 100,000 square feet, has opened inside the historic Chandni Chowk market in Delhi.
Designed by Chromed Design Studio and the Melange Studio, the Dawatpur food court leans into the rich history of Chandni Chowk, resulting in a space that merges heritage with modern functionality across 45 food outlets and five fine dining restaurants.
Inside Dawatpur
The food court is divided into four major zones comprising food options, a children’s play area, performance stages, and retail stores.
The zones are linked by a central axis that features a series of fountains called Chand Gali, inspired by the historic water channel that flowed through Chandni Chowk during the Mughal era. The ceiling, meanwhile, draws from traditional metal jalis, allowing natural light to filter inside.
Dawatpur’s lift lobbie are designed to evoke nostalgia with original lakhori bricks and imitation stone slabs that recall Chandni Chowk’s traditional havelis. The haveli aesthetic extends to the flooring patterns—featuring custom tiles bordered by cobblestone and black granite—that divide the food court zones.
Sunehri Nagri
This zone captures the buzzing energy of Chandni Chowk’s street food culture. The flooring showcases distinct patterns and cobblestone designs, while wrought iron railings serve as a guide through the market-like environment.
Laal Bagh
This area pays homage to the grand red sandstone buildings of the Red Fort with an expansive double-height area featuring a “bazaar lane” with food kiosks. Here, arches, faux balconies, and intricate tile patterns are paired against red sandstone columns and textured paint.
Neel Nagar and Panna Puri
These two zones are characterized by distinct color palettes—indigo in Neel Nagar and green in Panna Puri. Mughal-inspired motifs, rendered in digital art, adorn the columns, which are clad in Indian Makrana and Baroda green marble.
The spaces also showcase hand-painted designs by local artisans, including a fresco by artist Rahul Kumar in the central dome.
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