Delhi’s fish market is a bustling and vibrant place where locals and tourists alike can purchase a wide variety of fresh seafood. The market is known for its fresh catches, which are brought in daily from the coast and other nearby regions. The market is also a great place to find a variety of different types of fish, including both local and exotic varieties. Whether you’re looking to buy fish for a special meal or just want to experience the sights and sounds of a traditional fish market, Delhi’s fish market is a great place to visit.
In addition to the fresh fish, the market also offers a wide range of other seafood products such as prawns, crabs, and oysters. The vendors at the market are experts in their field and are happy to provide advice and recommendations on how to prepare and cook the fish. The market is open all days of the week, but the best time to visit is early in the morning when the fish are brought in fresh from the coast.
The market is not only a place for buying seafood but also a place for learning about the different types of fish and their preparation methods. Many vendors also provide cooking and cleaning services for the fish purchased by the customers. The market is often crowded and lively, with vendors shouting out prices and customers haggling for the best deals. The fish market is a true cultural experience and a must-visit for anyone interested in food or local culture.
Source: Pinterest
Fish market’s past
The fish market in New Delhi has a rich history that dates back to the early 20th century. At that time, the market was located near the Yamuna river, which was a major source of freshwater fish for the city. Throughout the years, the market has grown to meet the changing needs of the city and its residents.
In the early days, the market was primarily a wholesale market, where fishmongers would purchase large quantities of fish to resell to retailers and restaurants. As the city grew, so did the demand for fresh fish, and the market began to attract more and more retail customers.
In the 1970s, the fish market was moved to its current location in the Koyla Nagar area of New Delhi. The new market was built to provide better facilities for both vendors and customers, including refrigerated storage, cleaner sanitation and better transport links.
In recent years, the market has undergone further modernisation, with the introduction of new technology and facilities to improve food safety and hygiene. Despite these changes, the market remains a vital part of the city’s food culture and continues to be a popular destination for locals and tourists alike.
Places to visit at the fish market, New Delhi
There are several places within the fish market in New Delhi that are worth visiting. Some of the highlights include:
1. The wholesale market: This is the heart of the fish market, where vendors sell large quantities of fish to retailers and restaurants. It’s a great place to see the variety of fish on offer and to observe the hustle and bustle of the market.
2. The retail market: This is where customers can purchase fish for home consumption. Here you will find a wide variety of fish, including both local and exotic varieties, along with other seafood products like prawns, crabs, and oysters.
3. The fish cleaning and processing area: This is where vendors clean and prepare the fish for sale. It’s a great place to see the skills of the fishmongers and to learn about the different methods used to prepare fish.
4. The fishmongers’ shops: These are small shops within the market where vendors sell a wide variety of fish, seafood, and other products. Many of these shops have been in business for decades and have a loyal customer base.
5. The street vendors: The streets around the market are lined with street vendors selling a variety of seafood items; it’s a great place to sample some of the local street food.
Visiting the fish market can be an overwhelming experience, but it’s also a great opportunity to experience the sights, sounds, and flavours of one of New Delhi’s most iconic food destinations.
Source: Pinterest
When to visit the fish market?
The best time to visit the fish market in New Delhi is in the early morning when the fish are brought in fresh from the coast. Typically, the market is busiest between 4:00 am and 8:00 am, when the majority of the fish are sold. This is also the best time to get the freshest and best quality fish, as the market is less busy later on in the day.
It’s worth noting that the market is open all days of the week, but the selection and quantity of fish may vary depending on the day of the week. Some vendors may not get their supply on certain days, so it’s best to check with them or the locals to find out which day is the best to go.
It’s also worth noting that the market can be quite crowded, so it’s best to visit early in the morning to avoid the crowds and to wear comfortable shoes as the market can be quite dirty and busy.
Overall, the fish market in New Delhi is an experience not to be missed, and visiting early in the morning is the best way to get the freshest fish, avoid crowds and get the most out of your visit.
Popular food spots near the fish market
Karim’s- A well-known restaurant that serves traditional Muslim cuisine, including a variety of kebabs and biryanis.
Al Kauser– A casual dining restaurant that serves a variety of Mughlai and North Indian dishes, including a variety of kebabs and biryanis.
Biryani Factory– A casual dining restaurant that serves a variety of biryani dishes.
Chor Bizarre– A fine dining restaurant that serves a variety of Indian and continental dishes.
Bittoo Tikki Wala– A street food vendor that serves a variety of chaat and street food items.
How to get to the fish market?
The fish market in New Delhi is located in the Koyla Nagar area of the city and is easily accessible by road, rail, and air.
By road: The market is well connected by road and is easily accessible by taxi or personal vehicle. It is located near the intersection of Koyla Nagar and the GT Road.
By rail: The nearest railway station to the fish market is the Ghaziabad railway station, which is about 4 km away. From there, one can take a taxi or auto-rickshaw to reach the market.
By air: The nearest airport to the fish market is the Indira Gandhi International Airport, which is located about 20 km away. From there, one can take a taxi or a bus to reach the market.
By metro: The Fish Market is located in the area of Old Delhi, which is easily accessible via the Kashmere Gate station, which is on the Red Line and Violet Line of the Delhi Metro. From the station, you can take an auto-rickshaw or a cycle-rickshaw to reach the Fish Market. It would take around 10-15 minutes to reach the fish market.
It’s also worth noting that public transportation also connects the market with other parts of the city. It’s best to check with locals or vendors to find out the most convenient way to reach the market based on your location.
FAQs
What is the best time to visit the fish market?
The best time to visit the fish market is in the early morning, between 4:00 am and 8:00 am when the fish are brought in fresh from the coast.
Is the market open all days of the week?
Yes, the market is open all days of the week, but the selection and quantity of fish may vary depending on the day of the week.
Are there any other seafood products available at the market?
Yes, in addition to fish, the market also offers a wide range of other seafood products, such as prawns, crabs, and oysters.
Are there any facilities for cleaning and preparing the fish at the market?
Yes, many vendors at the market provide cleaning and preparing services for the fish purchased by customers.
