One of India’s oldest and most iconic sweet shops is making a comeback this month. Ghantewala, which opened back in 1790 in Chandni Chowk, Delhi, became renowned for its traditional Indian sweets and was frequented by members of the Mughal royal family, British officials during the colonial period and Indian leaders post-independence for at least two centuries. The store closed in 2015 due to challenges like the evolving regulations and changing times. Now, it’s back with a bang in Chandni Chowk once again.
Here’s all you need to know about this beloved Delhi shop.
The founder of Ghantewala, Lala Suukhlal Jain, migrated from Rajasthan to Delhi in the late 18th century. According to legend, his sweets were so delightful that they were even enjoyed by the ghantawala, a bell-ringer at the Red Fort, who had become a regular customer. Over time, the shop became known as Ghantewala.
It sold delectable sohan halwa and a wide variety of Indian delicacies including laddoos, khoya sweets, Karachi halwa and the famous dal moth. Unsurprisingly, Ghantewala became a favourite stop for people from all walks of life, including with the late Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi.
Before the opening of India’s economy to foreign trade in 1991, the brand was already exporting its products to many countries. They even sold their sweets and savouries to world bodies like the United Nations. Before it closed down, Ghantewala won numerous awards between 2000 and 2010, including the Times Food Awards.
The Jain family never intended to close down the legendary shop. When they finally did so, it was an emotional moment not only for the Jain family but also for the extended Ghantewala family, which included customers and patrons from around the globe.
From August 16, 2024, the brand will get a new lease of life under Sushant Jain and his son Aryan Jain. The father-son duo will continue the rich tradition of crafting exquisite sweets and carry forward the legacy of authentic flavours while embracing innovation. The new store will blend traditional recipes with modern operational management to attract Generation Z customers and instil a sense of nostalgia for their long-time patrons.
In addition to selling its signature delicacies, the brand will ensure the use of natural ingredients in their recipes by using lab-tested products that certify and guarantee their authenticity. When the original store was in business, all sweets and savouries were prepared in pure desi ghee—a tradition that the new store will continue.
Sushant Jain, the director of Ghantewala said, “I grew up surrounded by festivities, sweets and celebrations thanks to the legacy crafted by my forefathers. I was raised on stories of the legendary Ghantewala, a family tradition of over 200 years old. Today, it is a matter of pride for me that the family business is returning in a new avatar with my son Aryan Jain, the 8th-generation custodian. This revival is not just a testament to a continued legacy but also a promise to serve patrons with the best quality and experience.”
Address: Maliwara Tiraha Bazar, Katra Shah N Shah, Chandni Chowk, New Delhi 110006
Timings: 8AM-8PM
For more information, visit the ghantewala.in website or check out their Instagram handle @ghantewalaconfectioners.