Chaina Ram Sindhi Halwai — Restaurant in Delhi

Man! What a place! When people told me to pick up sweets from Chaina Ram because it is the best sweet shop in town, I was accepting a really neat, slick and trendy joint: it's anything but. Located in Chandni Chowk, one of the oldest parts of Delhi and quite near the red light district on Grand Bastion Road, this has to be one of the most unassuming "best sweet shop"s around. The locality is anything but pretty and the shop itself is small, unattractive, old and open, i.e. no door, glass windows, hardly any seating space etc. Even the signboard is old, dusty and not even eye-catching: I only looked up to see it because I wanted to make sure this actually was the place that everyone was raving about.

So what's so special about this joint? Well, they still make all of their sweets using ghee and goo quality ingredients. Ghee is a form of clarified butter that is used for cooking and garnish for various dishes throughout the sub-continent, but especially for authentic Indian sweets. Over the years, many establishments started using alternatives to ghee (: amongst other things :) because of the relatively low cost--but not Chaina Ram: Chaina Ram has stuck to the same standards for years. So that's why they are so highly thought off. Also, prices are relatively reasonable: I bought a kilo of their standard "Assorted Sweets" for USD 15. Service and staff are anachronistic, i.e. no frills, no style, a vague first-come-first-served system, and you'll have to a wait a bit to get your order.

Although I think they sell great sweets, I doubt I'd go there again simply because of the location and the outdated service, and that's why I've knocked 1 star off.

NOTE: Your cabbie might not be willing--and wisely so--to take you right up to the shop because of the narrowness of the street and the mad traffic in it. He'll more than likely drop you off near the Red Fort and ask you to walk the 1-1.5 km up to the shop. Take the route from the main road opposite the Red Fort, walk about 10-15 minutes and you'll be right in front of the store. I suggest avoiding any route via Grand Bastion Road because it really isn't pleasant, and not for moral...

Chaina Ram Sindhi Confectioners – A Timeless Legacy of Craftsmanship Visited on Sunday, 13th April 2025 at 12:15 PM

Located at the iconic Fatehpuri Masjid corner in Chandni Chowk, Chaina Ram is not just a sweet shop—it’s an institution. Established in 1901, the store continues to preserve its legacy with quiet confidence. Despite its modest size and unassuming presence, the experience here is all about purity, balance, and finesse.

We tried the Karachi Halwa, Sev Pak, and Mohanthal, each reflecting a deep respect for traditional technique and ingredient quality. The Karachi Halwa was chewy yet smooth, with a glossy finish and a refined sweetness that didn’t overpower. The Sev Pak offered a lovely grainy texture and richness, and the Mohanthal stood out with its nutty depth and well-caramelized flavor. All items had a distinct homemade charm, not overly polished, and generously garnished.

The staff were kind and proactive, handling the busy footfall with grace. Interestingly, the owner was present and casually reviewing accounts, which gave a personal, family-run feel to the operation. The packaging was traditional, reflecting the brand’s heritage—nothing flashy, but full of character.

Despite its legendary status, Chaina Ram hasn’t expanded into a large commercial chain, and that decision seems intentional. Limited daily batches sell out before the day ends, reinforcing the emphasis on freshness and quality over volume. Peer insights also noted that Chaina Ram was one of the first to bring Karachi Halwa to India, adding historical weight to the experience.

In a market crowded with overdone presentation and modern gimmicks, Chaina Ram stands tall by staying rooted. It’s a must-visit for anyone who wants to understand what authenticity...

One of the worst places in Chandni Chowk to buy sweets. One look at the place and you can see its unhygienic, messy, disorganised and filthy. I wonder how they even have a food licence to start with. The workers are all dirty and sweets and other items are handled so badly, you can even see the owner getting an oil massage in the middle of the shop. They have not learnt anything since 1901. The attitude of the workers is really bad and they don't give a crop if you are a customer. Peep inside into the kitchen and you will see unhygienic conditions of the kitchen. they are frying items right outside with all the dust of Fatehpuri area added as seasoning. The packaging is awful and they cram all kinds of sweets into small tight packages so much so that its gets spoiled in minutes, There is no place to stand outside the shop to even pay and order anything. They have not even figured out the placement of the cash counter in 122 years!. Its pathetic as to how they issue the bills and collect cash etc. Completely disorganised! They don't even let you look at items before you can order and a security guard pushes you on if you are even looking at the so called showcases of their products for a few seconds. The sweets are overpriced and don't taste that good. Save your money and go somewhere where you are respected as a customer and is hygienic to say the least. in my opinion this place should be shut down and sealed by the health...