Masala Chowk is a new open-air food court in Ram Niwas Garden where you can enjoy the flavors of Jaipur. Masala means spice and chowk means public square or an open area. The word hints at a place with a variety of shops and kiosks serving street food. Initially, it was meant for the tourists since it is close to the popular tourist attraction, Albert Hall Museum in Ram Niwas garden. However, it has become a runaway success among the locals. The success of Jaipur Masala Chowk has prompted authorities to open more such places all across Rajasthan with a similar concept.
Rush hour at Masala Chowk, Jaipur
It has become immensely popular among the locals. The reasons for its runaway success is understandable. Here’s why Jaipur Masala Chowk is so popular.
One, there is no other open-air food court in Jaipur offering some of the most legendary names. Two, it offers street food in Jaipur at a single place. Members of a family find it convenient to pick what they like and still eat together.
Three, food outlets from the walled city area or old Jaipur have an outlet in Masala Chowk. Visiting old part of the city is difficult given the chaos, traffic, and parking problems. It is easier to visit Masala Chowk as it is much more accessible. Four, clubbed together all these food outlets offer a huge assortment of street food in the menu right from chats, Gol-Gappa, tea, dosa, samosa and so on. Lastly, the food is affordable and doesn’t pinch the pocket. There’s one for everyone. The popularity is also evident from the fact food shop vendors not present here are finding means as to how to get a shop in Jaipur Masala Chowk. Jaipur Development Authority allots shops & kiosks in Masala Chowk.
Things to eat from the menu card of shops at Masala Chowk Jaipur
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Samrat Misthan Bhandar
Samrat Jaipur is well-known for Samosa and Jalebi. The original outlet of Samrat is in Chaura Rasta. They have recently opened another one in C-Scheme area.
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Somilal Rawat
It is a well-known shop for Mishri Mawa and Gulab Sakri. The establishment’s first outlet is in Johari Bazaar.
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Shankar Samosewala
Shankar Samosa is not a very old outlet like others but has become popular for Samosas in Raja Park area.
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Gulabji Chaiwala
Gulab Ji Chai s famous for Chai/ tea. This shop has become one of the popular places for tea in Jaipur. The person who started this shop is 90 years old and still makes Chai every day. Before serving to their customers at Ganpati Plaza, their first shop, every morning the owner serves it free to the poor people.
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Raman Dosa
This shop at Masala Chowk is famous for Masala Dosa and Uttapam. Caveat- It doesn’t taste like the ones in South India!
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Gopal Singh Patasi
Gopal Singh is one of the legendary names for Gol-Gappa/ Pani Puri/ Puchka. This is one of the original shops in the Kiran cafe compound in Ramniwas Bagh.
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Prem Prakash Samosa
Prem Prakash Samosa is famous for low spice and low salt Samosa. Their original shop is in Golcha Cinema in Chaura Rasta
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Delhi Chaat and Cafe
A well-known shop in Bani Park for Chola Bhatura, Aaloo Tikki & Chola, and Dahi Papdi Chaat.
Is Masala Chowk a good place to try street food in Jaipur?
Masala Chowk in Ramniwas Bagh is a good place to try street food in Jaipur.
List of Jaipur Masala Chowk shops and kiosks.
- Samrat
- Ramakrishna Kalkatti Chaat
- Somilal Rawat Misthan Bhandar
- Gopal Singh Patasi Bhandar
- Shankar Samosa
- Sethani Ka Dhaba
- Indian Ice Cream Faluda
- Raman Dosawala
- Shri Jharkhand Nath Poha and Chaat
- Gulabji Chaiwala
- Delhi Chaat and Cafe
- Prem Prakash Samosa
- Wah Banna
- Bhagat Misthaan Bhandar
- Brijwasi Faluda Kesar Kulfi
- Pawanaa Rajasthani Vyanjan
- Jaipuri Chatkaraa
- House on Fire
- Andewalaz
- Mahaveer Rabdi Bhandar
- Icecream and shakes
Masala Chowk History
Masala Chowk brought back memories of Kiran cafe which was very popular among Jaipur residents for years and operated in another part of Ram Niwas Garden. In the 1970-80s, Kiran café was one of the few options for eating out in Jaipur. It was a favorite weekend destination for the families until authorities decided to pull a plug as the millennium approached. Kiran Cafe was extremely popular because of affordable prices and consistent quality.
Residents who grew up in the ’70s & ’80s fondly recall this place as a circus ground. Many Indian and Russian circus camped here providing affordable entertainment option to the people. In 90’s the concept of circus went away and so did circus. Later an amusement park by the name of wonderland operated for a couple of years. This place has been vacant ever since Wonderland closed down. The Jaipur Development Authority (JDA) continue to call this place “Wonderland Park”.
Then and now pictures by JDA depicts the development in progress. From Wonderland Park to Masala Chowk!
Masala Chowk Car Parking
Masala Chowk is over-crowded during the weekends and traffic jam is rampant. The earmarked car parking just outside the Masala Chowk is only for 20 cars.

However, one can find cars parked in the vicinity in excess of this capacity. Masala Chowk Parking is a bit of menace as one needs to park their car at Ramniwas Bagh underground parking lot near Ravindra Manch theatre once the dedicated parking lot becomes full. Another car parking lot can be found near Ramniwas Garden entry gate on JLN Marg. This is the south gate of Ram Niwas Garden.
Masala Chowk Jaipur Entry Fee
To reduce the influx of crowd, the JDA authorities decided to charge a Masala Chowk entry fee of Rs 10 per person. I’m not sure if it has any desirable effect. On a positive note, it is not taxing for the middle class.

There is a park area attached to Masala Chowk. JDA, the local authority responsible for implementing this concept has plans to hold various musical and entertainment programs for the public in this park.

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Masala Chowk Jaipur Timings
Masala Chowk opening time is 9 AM. There is no standard closing time since every outlet follows a different time. Generally, it is open between 9 AM to 10 PM.
Ramniwas Bagh Timings– Ramniwas Garden is open for visitors and traffic from 8 AM to 11 PM only. After 11 PM, the gates of the garden are closed for the public. Make sure you plan your trip to Masala Chowk accordingly.
How to reach Masala Chowk?
Jaipur Masala Chowk Address -Masala Chowk is situated in Ram Niwas Garden, near Albert Hall Museum. You can reach the Albert Hall Museum with the help of Google map and then head towards the south direction from its ticket counter, Masala Chowk will be on your left side. One can even walk down to Masala Chowk from Johari Bazaar within 12-18 minutes.
Masala Chowk provides an authentic street food experience in Jaipur and is worth a visit. With its central location, the deal only gets sweeter! Your timing needs to be right to enjoy Masala Chowk experience. I recommend visiting Masala Chowk during the daytime or early evenings to avoid the crowd. It is best to combine it with a visit to the Albert Hall Museum. Masala Chowk is sure to keep your pocket happy with its affordable food price.

Check out other interesting posts on Jaipur Food Guide
I went to Jaipur for two days but I miss this place. May be next time!
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Did you visit Jaipur recently?
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no, long back
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Well this one was inaugurated barely a few months ago. 😊
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Your clicks always tempt me to visit Jaipur!
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Is it so? Thanks for being so kind, Abhay. Let me also tell you that you write really well. I liked your post on UNESCO World Heritage sites. Looks like you love heritage. 🙂
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Indeed it is! I love the cultural aspect of our country..
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Oh my goodness! When I travel I’m all about the food, I need to book a flight to Jaipur right now!!!
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Well, I’m sure that you will enjoy trying everything here, Amelia! Let me know when you have booked your tickets, will suggest you some cool places 🙂
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The food must be good if the locals eat there..as always your posts are very informative Arv and make me want to visit Jaipur even more…Sooner rather than later I hope 🙂 Enjoy your weekend 🙂
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Carol, you are right. Local knows better. Masala Chowk has some of the best names in Jaipur street food. Since you mentioned Samosa elsewhere, have you visited India?
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No..not yet although I have a few friends who live there and am looking forward to visiting 🙂
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wow! you have all the reasons to do so! well, Jaipur has two direct flights to Bangkok! I’ll be traveling to Thailand as well! 🙂
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Oh ok..I will have check the flights ..Thank you 🙂 so much easier to get a direct flight isn’t it?
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It sure does, Carol. 🙂
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I am sat here licking my lips… the foods sound amazing…One day, I will visit Jaipur!
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I’m sure you will love trying all these street food options, Ritu 🙂
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My mouth waters at the thought!
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😊
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Looks lovely! And set in beautiful surroundings too. I love open food markets.
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Thanks. I guess most of us love open spaces because we spend so much time packed in small and enclosed areas.
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I’ve only been to Southern India (Chennai and Tamil Nadu) and this seems so different. I think here in the UK we tend to lump India into one big bucket – and in fact, from what you’ve shown, Jaipur is completely different!
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Fiona, Happy to know you have been to Southern India. You are correct, India is a land of diversity. The differences are quite stark. North and South India differs so much. I’m sure you will love visiting Jaipur. Thanks for exploring this post. 🙂
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This place reminds me of Delhi haat. I have been to albert museum but never knew of this place. Next time will surely visit.
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I haven’t been to Delhi Haat but I have seen a couple of pictures. I guess Delhi Haat is a bit more upmarket. It’s a fairly new place but immensely popular. I’m sure you will love it. 🙂
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Love the idea of an open air food court! The only food courts I have ever visited were in a shopping mall and they felt so constricted and crowded, this sounds a lot better 🙂
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I guess that is because of weather and climate. Since you live in a cold country, enclosed and heated space is a must. Out here we don’t have such extreme temperatures. We have a range of 4C-46C. Someday you should visit Jaipur and India; experience it yourself, Lise! Thanks for sharing your thoughts here. 🙂
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I have never been to India, though I have friends who have visited many times and love it for the colour, people, food and scenic diversity. Great that you are promoting it!
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Suzanne, I feel that you will enjoy a trip to India. I don’t think I need to mention the reasons since you have already listed them out. Well, I’m not promoting it and I’m not being paid to do so. I’m simply sharing my part of the world. I’m hoping it helps people. Thanks for taking out time to read and share your thoughts here 🙂
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Exactly, sharing the part of the world you live in is more rewarding for those looking for information and for yourself to remind you how much you love living there 🙂
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Thanks, Suzanne. I agree. 😃
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I went here back in February and loved it. During our time in Jaipur we ate more food than any other place we visited – and it was all so amazing. Masala Chowk was one of the best stops from a food standpoint since all of the things we found we loved earlier in the trip were available in one place. And of course there was ker sangri to be found which was bot my son’s and my favourite dish we had in Rajasthan. Unlike many Indian foods, that is one thing we can’t find here in Canada so we’ll have to keep coming back.
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wow! That’s great Todd! Ker Sangri is one of the authentic Rajasthani dishes. I’m not surprised why you liked it. Masala Chowk is a great experience for anyone who wants to experience authentic India. You not only get to taste food but also watch how the locals, their food choices and so on. Even though you may be able to find Indian food in Canada, but it can never replicate the taste and the setting. Thanks for checking out this post on Masala Chowk, Todd! 🙂
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What a lovely place for eating one’s meal outdoors! I have always been attracted to restaurants and cafes, which offer their food outside in the open air away from the often stuffy inside facilities. Another great post, Arv!
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Thanks. I agree that open space has its own charm. I guess it’s not something that can happen throughout the whole year in your part of the world.
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My mouth is watering, Arv! I love Indian food so much! Have a great weekend! Marcus
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I wasn’t aware that you love Indian food. Do you mean chicken tikka Which is incredibly popular in Europe.
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Love all things Tandoori 🙂 but not only those..everything :-)!!
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That’s great, Marcus! 🙂
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This is my kind of eating. Choice and taste-love it.
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Have you tried Indian food, Orla? I’m not sure if you dig much of vegetarian food.
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Yes- I have eaten in many Indian restaurants- just not in actual India. I also have tried making a lot of my own pastes for curries very successfully. I am a major carnivore but have eaten many vegetarian Indian meals, mainly cooked by my friend when I lived in the UK. She loved to cook!
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That’s great, Orla! If I’m not wrong it’s the tandoori dishes which are incredibly popular in the UK! I’m sure you will love the food in India…whenever you decide to visit. I assume you are in Ireland, now!
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Yes! We have a super Indian restaurant nearby though. I get Masala there but am pretty sure it is nothing like the one I would get in actual India 😊
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Indian restaurant nearby? Sounds great. Most such restaurants are run by Indians and must be great. With places like Masala Chowk you get incredible variety. Yeah, I guess nothing like the place of origin. 😊
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It is award winning so it must be pretty authentic. It is where we head on date night!
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Great. Probably, someday we’ll get to see the pictures.
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I should have known about this before I had visited Jaipur and that was two years back!
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Well, Neel it didn’t exist then. It was inaugurated just a few months ago. I’m not sure if you will be visiting Jaipur again.
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Oh yes, as you have already mentioned….my mistake! Next time I go, I know who to consult 🙂
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Haha! No apologies needed. You are most welcome 😃👍
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Beautiful post, as always, but also very informative. If we end up in Jaipur, we will have to visit Masala Chowk. Pinned for future reference 🙂
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Thanks. Let me know whenever you decide to visit Jaipur, will provide you with all the suggestions you need. Well as for visiting Minnesota, who knows? 😊
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Thank you! Will do 🙂
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You are welcome. 🙂
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The name itself sounds delicious 🙂
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Haha! Thanks 😃
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Ah…this brought some memories! Seems to be a happening place! Well narrated arv.
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Thanks. 😃 When you say memories you mean India or Indian food?
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Both! 🙂 some flavours and some places and favorite restaurants are unforgettable!
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I agree. Thanks for sharing your thoughts. 😃
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Wow, all those foods are almost enough to convince me to travel. Just hearing you list them makes me hungry!
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I haven’t even posted pictures. 😜 Haha! Happy to know you liked this.
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Here again my beloved Jaipur. Thank you Arv for feeding my mind.
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That comment made me happy, Cornelia. 🙂
Happy to share.
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