The old city's historic square that changes character at sunset: jewellers and bullion traders by day, a famous street-food bazaar at night.
Manek Chowk is an old-city square in Khadia named for the saint Manek Nath, and it divides its day between two trades. From late morning it is a working jewellery and bullion market, with gold and silver shops, wedding ornaments and brassware in the surrounding lanes. After about 20:00 the jewellery shutters come down and the square becomes a night food bazaar with paneer sandwiches, kulfi, pav bhaji, fafda and dosa stalls, staying lively until around 01:00. Jewellery is priced by weight and hallmark; buying from established shops that supply BIS-hallmarked items and itemised bills is the safer route. Many jewellery shops close on Sundays. Manek Chowk lies within the UNESCO-listed walled city, so it combines well with a heritage walk starting from the Swaminarayan Temple in Kalupur.
| Hours | Jewellery by day approx 11:00-19:00 (many shops closed Sunday); night food bazaar approx 20:00-01:00 |
|---|---|
| Price | INR 100-50,000 (approx $1-520 USD) depending on jewellery |
| Address | Manek Chowk, Khadia, Ahmedabad, Gujarat 380001, India |
Location
Manek Chowk, Khadia, Ahmedabad, Gujarat 380001, India
23.0244, 72.5871 View on map
Highlights
- Jewellery and bullion by day, street food by night
- Within the UNESCO walled city
- BIS-hallmarked jewellery from established shops
- Food lanes open until about 01:00
Tips for visiting
- Go for jewellery before 15:00 and food after 21:00
- Insist on hallmarked items and itemised bills
- Park outside and walk; the lanes are too narrow for cars
- Carry small cash notes for food stalls
Frequently asked questions
Is Manek Chowk open at night?
The jewellery section is closed at night, but the food bazaar runs from about 20:00 to 01:00.
Are Sunday hours different?
Many jewellery and textile shops close on Sunday; the food bazaar remains open.
Is it safe for solo travellers?
It is crowded and generally safe; watch pockets and use app cabs late at night.