Manek Chowk is the central square of Ahmedabad’s oldest district, The Pols. During the day it is the liveliest market in Ahmedabad where fruits, spices, traditional steel kitchen and table utensils are sold as well as a section of bright Indian fabrics. The central plaza is ringed with various gold and silver shops with a varied display of jewelry to make any a bride smile. Having crowds of hungry patrons in the square at night is extra security for the jewelry stores. At night the, the square is transformed into a giant outdoor restaurant complete with tables, chairs, vendor booths and hundreds of hungry patrons. This tradition of serving food every night of the year, began in the early 20th Century when hungry workers returned after late hours of work in the many nearby fabric mills. We had heard about Manek Chowk the whole time we were in Ahmedabad, but had never gone at night. I am not sure why, maybe because The Pols or Old City was far from where we lived, or because some of the students had become sick from eating street food near Cept University. Whatever the case may have been , we decided to go the last week with a guide and friend from Cept. The city has, as it turns out, set down some pretty strict regulations of meeting sanitary guidelines. Throwing all caution to the wind, we ate with gusto. And the food, excitement, smells, tastes, and complete sensory explosion made it a night to remember. We especially loved the chocolate and cheese pizza, and pineapple, chocolate, and cheese sandwiches Really, I am not kidding. It may just be some Indian magic , but they were delicious. And not a one of us was sick during the night or the next day from our late supper in Manek Chowk. By the time the square is set up and food is prepared, the festivities starts about 10 o’clock. If you have a chance to experience this place, day, night or both …..don’t miss it!
This video by Jaymin Modi, made me laugh with the memories of this special place. Enjoy.
Nameste. . . . T I I
TalesAlongTheWay 
Love visiting markets, especially food markets. Can walk around in them for hours. And the best ones are where you can get something to eat as well….they always have great fresh food!! Sounds like you also enjoyed this experience.
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I have always loved markets as well, but they they been the shopping ones. My favorite is Sarlot in France. Exquisite! We had gone numerous times to Manek Chowk by day, but I was not sure I wanted to eat street food. Of course, the students continued to eat street food other places and get sick. This visit was “living on the edge” kind of one that turned out wonderfully. Sometimes you just have to do it! Namaste. . . . .Anne
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Thanks for the reblog!
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I truly love that photo…I could sit there, smell the smells and watch life pass by for the rest of the day 🙂 Great video too!
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WOW! You got it completely ! Thanks!
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It is wonderful place.In evening the jewellery shops and hawkers vendors move and people buy various things.A vegetable market is also good.Mobile covers,dress,marriage things,accessories and various other things available at just one place.There remains traffic due to less space and poles.But at night there is Street food market.You all will enjoy eating like Asharfilal Kulfi is best,Bahuchar pav bhajI, sandwiches,sevpuri and many more…Each one should visit these place it’s amazing don’t miss it.The places in it like Rani no Hajiro,Badshah no Hajiro and Jumma Masjid is magnificent.During the day you can visit these places.
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Hi all. Ive heard a lot about manek chowk in ahmedabad. I am a simple man looking for some employment. I wanted to know if it is possible to start a lemon tea selling business in thsi busy chowk so that i may earn some money. I do not want to install a food stall or any stall but lemon selling cart in my hand and just a walk along the busy streets to see people willing to buy my tea. Pls suggest will it work for me?
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