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

• 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.

• Somilal Rawat

It is a well-known shop for Mishri Mawa and Gulab Sakri. The establishment’s first outlet is in Johari Bazaar.

• Shankar Samosewala

Shankar Samosa is not a very old outlet like others but has become popular for Samosas in Raja Park area.

• 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.

• 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!

• 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.

• 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

• 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.

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