INA Market

The INA Market is situated in South Delhi opposite the famous AIIMS Hospital. It is a Food bazaar that offers visitors and buyers various food products, fresh meat and vegetables. INA stands for ‘Indian National Army Market’ and is a famous shopping zone in the capital city of Delhi.

The INA Market exudes a lively yet busy atmosphere; It is a hub for shopkeepers who visit this market to purchase rare and unique food products to sell in other parts of the city. This market also attracts international visitors and people living in various parts of NCR. I must say that this market is a bit expensive, but you will get the most unique and rare goods here that will be difficult to find elsewhere.  

What is the INA market famous for?

The Indian National Army Market is also an exclusive and authentic marketplace that caters to national and International customers. The shops here retail food products like varied flavours of ice creams, chocolates, candies and other eateries that are imported from other countries hence diversifying and heightening the standards of your shopping experience.

This marketplace also features a few shops that retail rare but expensive liquor, spirits and wine and one of the unique and amusing features is to hear the shopkeepers conversing with foreign customers in their native languages such as Cantonese, Mandarin, French, German, English and hence makes a tourists shopping experience memorable and fascinating.

Key Facts

Location & How to reach?

INA is situated in south Delhi, on Aurobindo Marg opposite AIIMs and Safdarjung Hospital. The market is easily assessable via road, but the parking may be an issue.

• The Delhi Hatt-INA metro station lies on the Yellow Line and Pink Line, around 300 Mtrs. from the INA market. Gate No. 3 & f the metro exits opposite ends of the INA market.
• The distance from Indira Gandhi International Airport (IGI) to the INA market is 11 km.
• It is 6.8 KM away from Nizamuddin Railway Station. 
• INA market is 8.7 KM away from New Delhi Railway Station. 
• Only 15 minutes away from Connaught Place via Rajiv Chowk station Delhi Metro. 

Timings & Days Open

The INA market is open fr, and ituesday to Sunday and is closed on Mondays. The market opens by 10 AM and closes at 8 PM. You must try to visit the market during the morning hours to avoid the rush at the shops and get fresh items. Except for Monday, the market remains open every day. 

Must Visit Shops

INA market is a great place to shop for fruits, vegetables, dry fruits, spices, exotic grocery items, chocolates and other confectionaries. Check some of the best stores in the market.

I. Species & Dry Fruits

A variety of dry fruits and species are available at this market. You can get excellent quality and elevate your cooking level.

Varieties Available: Different masalas, whole and ground; Kashmiri masala, Kerela spices, Dry Fruits, Lentils, Papad & more.

1. Durga Masala Store

Phone No: 9811710186

Address: Shop Number 131, 132, Ina Market.

2. Tirupati Store

Phone No: 011 24615069, 9818848186

Address: Shop No:232, INA Market.

3. Mahalaxmi Store

Phone No: 9811757688

Address: Shop no. 118, INA market.

II. INA Vegetable Market

This market is well known for its variety of fruits and vegetables, not only for Indians but also for international visitors living in various parts of NCR who love to visit this place for grocery shopping. If not daily, I suggest you visit this place at least once so you can taste a variety of fruits and vegetables from across the globe. 

1. Evergran excellentgetable

It is a good place to shop for groceries, including imported items.

Phone No: 011 24635753, 9811339376

Address: Shop no. 176 INA Market.

2. Ahuja Fruits And Vegetables

Phone No: 011 24626129

Address: Shop Number 103, INA Market.

III. Exotic Groceries, Chocolates & more

These are the two places I will recommend you to visit for sure. 

There are several shops here that sell different sauces and tinned items. Imported chocolates, biscuits, and drinks are presented attractively in these shops. You will get a wide variety of imported chocolates and other grocery items like biscuits, sauces, fillings etc. If you are interested in baking, visiting these shops is a must as you can source exotic ingredients rarely available. 

1. Jain Confectionery & Imported Departmental Store

Phone: 7947392902

Address: Shop No: 266, I.N.A. Market.

2. National departmental store

Phone: 011 246441069, 9213971694

Address: Shop no 267 B, INA.

IV. Other Stores 

INA market has a variety of other stores selling dress fabrics, saree, etc. There are several other shops such as crockery stores, handloom stores, disposable goods, bag shops & more. Some fine wine and liquor are also available in this market. Thus, this market can be called a one-stop destination for all. 

Food Outlets

1. Dahi Ke Sholay

This small shop by Pandit Ramsharan Sharma is a little away from the primary market. They sell Dahi ke Sholay, Hara Bhara Kabab, Cheese Ke Sholay, Afghani sholey, Italian Cheese Sholey & more. The Dahi ke Shley costs merely Rs. 30 per plate and is a true delight. They are crispy, flavorful and highly reasonable.

2. Dosa Junction

This place serves delicious south Indian food. They also have a small seating arrangement at the basement level. It is a bit congested and poorly ventilated, but the excellent food at reasonable prices more than makes up for the lacuna.

3. Street food

It is also dotted with numerous streetside food outlets that serve a variety of Indian and Chinese cuisines, a definite respite and need after a tiring day of shopping. The back lane of the INA market features a string of fast food street stalls that prepare vegetarian and non-vegetarian dishes and serve them hot to their customers. Each booth has its own designated space where a few tables and chairs are set along the footpath of the narrow and congested lane where customers can sit and enjoy their food and have a meaningful conversation.

Nearby attractions – Dilli Haat

Dilli Haat is an open market, food plaza, and craft bazaar opposite the INA Market. It is one of the places to visit with family and friends to gather more about Indian culture and communities. Some shops are permanent, but other vendors change their place every fifteen days. Various unique products are available here, including embellished camel hide footwear, traditional handloom fabrics, rosewood and sandalwood carvings and drapery, gems, beads, silk & wool fabrics, brassware, and metal crafts. Several vendors promote handicrafts and handlooms at the exhibit hall in the complex.

Timings: 10:30 AM to 10:00 PM., all days of the week.

Entrance Fee: The entrance fee for Indians is Rs. 30 for grown-ups and Rs. 20 for children under 12 years. Foreigners have to pay Rs. 100. 

Conclusion

The INA Market exudes a vibrant yet busy atmosphere as it is always crowded. It is a hub for many retailers who visit this market to purchase rare and unique food products. This marketplace is one of Delhi’s most exciting food destinations, packed with imported food products, packaged food products, fruits, vegetables, fresh meat and seafood. The merchants also retail dry fish products, nuts, spices, salty snacks, and Indian & International ingredients.