Delhiites can look forward to an evening of culinary exploration under the stars — just steps away from one of the city’s oldest forts. To revive Old Delhi’s street food culture and streamline vending practices, the Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD) is set to launch a night food market adjacent to the historic Salimgarh Fort.
The market, which will operate between 6 pm and 10 pm, aims to offer a curated gastronomic experience rooted in the streets of Chandni Chowk, while maintaining hygiene standards and controlling unauthorised encroachments.
The civic body had earlier invited applications from vendors operating in Chandni Chowk and the surrounding areas. A total of 93 entries were received by the deadline of April 11, officials said, eliminating the need for an extension, which had earlier been considered in case of poor turnout.
The applications featured a rich variety of Delhi’s favorite street foods, including biryani, noodles, pav bhaji, chole bhature, kachori, paranthas from the famed Paranthe Wali Gali, fruit chaat, ice cream, lassi, and more.
The location, an underutilised shortcut near the Old Iron Bridge connecting Ring Road to the Fort, has been chosen after much deliberation. After discussions with the Delhi Traffic Police, necessary clearances have been obtained to manage traffic and public movement, an MCD official said.
The concept was first proposed during planning for the G20 Summit. The initial vision had involved the construction of permanent kiosks and a complete revamp of the area’s infrastructure. However, due to the monument’s protected status and other logistical challenges, the plan was shelved.
Now, the corporation has decided to take a phased approach — 50 licensed vendors will initially be picked to operate from the stretch, they must carry their own tables and chairs, and vacate the premises with all their carts after 10 pm every day.
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“Vendors need to have a certificate of vending, should maintain hygiene standards, and should be ready to upgrade their carts according to the requirements set by the corporation,” an MCD official said.
Each applicant is required to hold a valid vending certificate and pay a municipal and sanitation fee.
A five-member screening committee has been constituted to scrutinise the entries. In food categories with multiple applicants, vendors with the highest hygiene standards will be shortlisted. For the remaining contenders, final selections will be made through a draw of lots.
The design and specifications of the carts will be decided based on public and vendor feedback during the pilot phase of the project, and the stretch will be beautified to appeal to tourists, said officials.
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The deadline for the completion of the screening process has been set for May 11.
Officials said this market will be strictly limited to food items — both vegetarian and non-vegetarian — and the sale of any other goods will not be permitted.
On when the market will open, an MCD official said, “Applications are being scrutinised… and some lighting and toilet arrangements are being made. After these are in place, we will be able to start it [the market]. Regarding the fee, it will be decided after approval from the competent authority.”
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