Eat, Drink, & Shop: Here's Everything You Can Do At Basant Lok Market

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Known as Priya Complex for the longest time by dilliwalas, Basant Lok Market has seen a huge revamp over the past couple of years. With new restaurants and shops opening up left, right and centre, it has transformed into a hangout spot for not only the younger lot, but for families too. The market is a 5 minute auto ride from the iconic Vasant Kunj malls which make it all the more inviting as a good place to unwind, or grab a bite after a shopping spree! 

Pro Tip: The nearest metro station is Vasant Vihar, which is walking distance. 

Where To Eat

The market is known for its restaurants and places to eat. You have iconic restaurants like Krips, and even the first ever McDonalds in Delhi that opened in 1996 which is still functioning. Here, you’ll find plenty of places to grab fast food or a full-fledged wholesome meals, across various budgets and cuisines. Here are the ones that that we have on our binging radar:

Krips

A homely family restaurant that has been around for years, serving delicious Mughlai and desi-Chinese food. If you wish to have simple uncomplicated dishes that take you back to your childhood then this is the place to be.

What To Try: Matka Chicken, Mutton Seekh, Dahi Kebabs.

Price For Two: INR 1,100

The Pit

If there's one place you can be assured of getting yummy food, it has to be The Pit! This one's a meat-lover's haven, serving the most delicious grilled meats, freshly prepared with potato mash and sauces that are to die for. The food is unlike any other place in Delhi and the staff too is overly courteous. Take our word, and save this place for your next visit to the market if you haven't already!

What To Try: Pot Belly Pork,  Philly Cheesesteak and Ginger Beer.

Price For Two: INR 2,000

Chard

If you are looking for the best burgers and hearty food to treat your taste buds, then Chard is just the place to be. No gimmicks, just wholesome food that will leave you wanting more with each bite. Their cocktails too are quite refreshing too, but we have our hearts set on their ice cream floats. 

What To Try: Vegasm Burger, The OG Burger and ice cream floats.

Price For Two: INR 2,000

Leo's

Leo's needs no introduction, but for the uninitiated, this is the best pizza spot in Delhi and was also recently mentioned as one of the Top Pizzerias in the Asia Pacific for 2023 by Top 50. If that's not a reason enough for you, then keep reading! This is a pet-friendly pizzeria so your fur buddies can accompany you for your pizza brunches and also, the interiors of the place pay ode to unconditional love for pups with a wall lined with cute photographs of them.

What To Try: Classic Pepperoni Pizza, White Pizza and Tiramisu

Price For Two: INR 1,500

Greenr

The first national plant-based food hub chain in India, Greenr is one of the best places serving amazing vegan food in the capital. Visit for the delights of clean, globally inspired vegan and vegetarian food and stay for the peaceful moments of quiet to watch the day pass by while you work on your laptop (as it is also a great co-working space).

What To Try: Anjuna Hilltop Risotto, Falafel and Hummus, 

Price For Two: INR 1,500

Aku's

Another haunt for gourmet burgers that have caused quite a stir in Delhi, head to Aku's (pronounced aa:koos) for the juiciest burgers, crunchiest onion rings and fries (a match made in heaven). We love the retro yellow interiors of the place that give you all the feels of a cool and casual diner from an American sitcom.

What To Try: Master Wu Burger, Truffle Skin-On Fries and Belgian Chocolate Shake

Price For Two: INR 1,000

Arabian Nites

Although the place is very small and compact, the shawarmas they serve are totally worth the visit! For a tasty pick-me-up, Arabian Nites has several Mediterranean options available you can devour on the go. The food is fresh, well-cooked and hygienic, and keeps you coming back for more. 

What To Try: Chicken Shawarma and Falafel Platter

Price For Two: INR 500

My Froyoland

Want to grab an on-the-go kind of a treat? Simply head to My Froyoland for some yummy frozen yoghurt! What sets them apart is that you get to fill your cup with any mix from their selection of over 150+ rotating flavours, with some really interesting ones like banana bread, blueberry cheesecake, cake batter, mocha caramel fudge and basically any sweet delight you can imagine. Then, add your toppings and pay by weight!

What To Try: Make your own mix of frozen yoghurt!

Price For Two: INR 300

McDonald's

The McDonald's outlet in the corner of the market brings back so many memories for most of us for whom visiting the Priya Market was a weekly ritual. Considering it is the first ever McDonald's in Delhi that opened in 1996, the place is a landmark position for most. There's also a Domino's outlet in the market, in case you are in the mood for some pizza.

What To Try: Everything, duh.

Price For Two: INR 500

Melt Bakehouse

Any gloomy day can be turned into a nice day with a cupcake or two. Melt Bakehouse flaunts super cute pink interiors and serves delicious cookies, cupcakes and cheesecakes, the perfect place to end your meal on a sweet note. You can also check out Bloom Cafe & Cakery or the Sugar & Spice outlet in case you want to give Melt a miss.

What To Try: Pancake cupcake or Snickers Cookie

Price For Two: INR 500

People Of Tomorrow

POT has finally opened its doors in Basant Lok Market, and vegans are in for a treat! Not only is the food delicious, but the minimalist decor immediately puts you in a relaxing mood. What's more, they've recently launched their Omakase bar experience, serving sustainable cocktails made in-house with locally sourced ingredients.

What To Try: Gomae Salad, Greener This Side, Pulled-Meat Croquette, Not A Magnum, Big Biang Biang

Price For Two: INR 1,200

Where To Drink

From coffee sangrias, to classic G&Ts, cocktails, and good coffee that will give you the much-needed caffeinated kick. There are plenty of places here if you want to sit somewhere and have a drink (alcoholic or not).

Perch

If you are in the mood for some yummy cocktails, wines or even just coffee, then Perch is a must-try. Snack on fancy platters and charcuterie boards while you are at it.

What To Try: Coffee Sangria and Coffee Shrub Tonic

Price For Two: INR 2,000

Red

This place has been all over Instagram for its unique concept. The interiors are all red; imagine walls, furniture, decor accents, everything in the same hue of red with upbeat music setting the vibe of the place.

What To Try: Prawn Robata Skewers, Whiskey Sour and Beet And Avocado Tartare

Price For Two: INR 2,500


Lair

Lair is another speakeasy that made it to the 50 Best Discovery Best Bars List and serves the swankiest of cocktails (with complimentary popcorn). Time goes by when you step into Lair, thanks to the moody ambiance and bouncy tunes. The food is equally nice, especially the mains.

What To Try: Japanese Katsu Curry, any dim sums and The Garden Cocktail

Price For Two: INR 3,500

Blue Tokai

Head over to this outlet for some much-needed relaxation with a perfectly roasted cup of coffee and baked goods from Suchali's that one can never have enough of. Blue Tokai is always a great idea when you are in the mood for some alone time or reminiscing sweet memories from the past with friends.

What To Try: Vietnamese Coffee, Cold Brews and Morning Bun

Price For Two: INR 600

Khi Khi

The Khi Khi wall depicts caricatures of a few Indian women giggling without a care in the whole world—and exactly that’s the vibe you and your tribe will give off once you step into this meticulously curated culinary masterpiece serving great cocktails.

What To Try: The Clarified Punch, The Chakotra and Kaapi Please

Price For Two: INR 3,500

Chaayos

Perfect for teetotalers, Chaayos is great when it comes to a variety of teas and super yum desi snacks or nashta. For days when a cup of chai is the only thing that will cut it for you, Chaayos definitely has you covered! You also have Starbucks, Tim Hortons, Barista and Tea Bear outlets in the complex if you aren't a chai person.

What To Try: Thandi Chai, Gur Wali Chai, Vada Pav

Price For Two: INR 500

Miss Pinto

If you have a thing for cocktails, cigars and tapas plates from around the world, then Miss Pinto should be the place on your radar. They have an amazing indoor space with eclectic wall decor and a cosy outdoor space to enjoy the good weather days while brunching.

What To Try: La Gimleta, La Rosita and duck salad

Price For Two: INR 3,500

Tea Bear

Our favourite bubble tea spot is now open in Vasant Vihar! Tea Bear should be your go to spot when you’re craving some authentic bubble tea. They source their teas directly from Taiwan and have high-quality tapioca black pearls, just like the original Taiwanese bubble tea. That’s not all, they even work closely with the embassy to create their menu! Talk about authenticity. Tea Bear has vegan, low-sugar options as well and a whole lot of flavours to choose from.

Pro-tip: Here are the best bubble tea places in Delhi.

What To Try: All bubble teas

Price For Two: INR 450

Habbit

Another upbeat bar and restaurant, Habbit is the place to head if you wish to party the night away with friends, amazing food and even better drinks. They usually have some or the other music artist performing live every week so do keep a tab on their Instagram before heading. 

What To Try: Sushi, pizzas, dim sums, pasta and risotto

Price For Two: INR 3,000

Where To Shop

When it comes to shopping here, it’s clearly a mixed bag. From a lonesome export shop to second hand books and designer stores, the market has a lot going on which is an obvious treat if you love exploring.

Nappa Dori

From snazzy cocktail kits to luxury leather goods, Nappa Dori's store in Basant Lok Market has everything! They also serve coffee in their store so you can grab your cuppa on the go or sip on it while shopping in the store.

Price: Starting at INR 1,000

Sitch

A sleek, one-floor space packed with fabulous-looking pret wear and accessories. You will find a lot of co-ords, crop tops, body-con dresses and more than various designer labels.

Price: Starting at INR 1,500

Amala Earth

Amala Earth's store in Basant Lok is a one-stop shop for all things homegrown, handcrafted, holistic and healthy with a range of products available across all categories. The beautiful earthy-toned space celebrates natural light with decor made by earth-friendly, reclaimed and reused materials. It also has an integrated plant-based cafe and also hosts community workshops to provide an immersive experience for the shoppers.

Price: Starting at INR 250

Forest Essentials

Indulge in luxurious wellness products that are known for their clean, Indian self-care goodies with their roots in the ancient science of Ayurveda.

Price: Starting at INR 450

Nico Bar

An inviting lifestyle space that offers chic, contemporary and modern collections across categories of home decor, clothing and lots more!

Price: Starting at INR 1,000

Super Kicks

Basant Lok Market has something for everyone, including sneakerheads! Pull up for the latest hyped sneakers and apparel from brands like Nike, Vans and Converse to name a few.

Price: Starting at INR 1,999 for apparel

Optique

Head to this store if you are looking to pick eyewear. They also sell cute chains for the glasses with beads and pearls which can be a great add-on in terms of accessorising your look. 

Price: Starting at INR 999

Archies

Another of our regular haunts from school-going days, you can never walk out of an Archies store empty-handed (unless you have extreme self-control), this one's a two-storied store with everything. From greeting cards to housewarming gifts, they have all your gifting moments covered.

Price: Starting at INR 199 for cards.

Things To Do

Apart from the fact that on a good day when the weather is behaving you can walk around here, or sit on the benches and chat away with a friend, there are things to do here too! Be it sitting with a book with a complimentary coffee, getting a massage, or even just chilling at the park till the sun sets. 

Kunzum

A book store where you can go book shopping or sit by the huge windows in the quiet and sip on some complimentary coffee while enjoying your next read.

PVR Priya

Go and watch a movie at the iconic Priya theater that has been here since the early 90's. It recently got a facelift with PVR taking over and has several eateries in the same building for your post-movie meals.

Vasant Vihar Park

For some moments of peace, visit the park that surrounds the back of the complex for some much-needed quiet. It is well-lit and safe, with security too!

Get A Makeover

The market has several salons where you can go and get pampered. Check out the newly launched Looks Prive, Geetanjali, Neu, Lakme Salon and Hair Masters among others.

Get A Massage

Get a relaxing massage and tissue therapy at one of the luxury spas here. You will spot Natura Thai Spa, VLCC Wellness Centre and Buddha Spa to name a few.

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opinionated fashion & beauty writer who follows a strict pros & cons framework for her recommendations; writer & editor with 4 years of experience