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A Brief Introduction
Old Delhi is a place of love, culture, traditions, and history; however, while exploring the old Delhi, any navigation app can locate the bustling Chandni Chowk, which showcases the comeback of the iconic sweet shop nearly a decade after its closure. The modern app will guide you to the vintage sweet shop, Ghantewala, which was opened in 1790 and became renowned for its traditional Indian sweets. Times may have changed, but the timeless charm of their sohan halwa and Karachi halwa remains the same. Each bite still carries the rich flavours and textures that have made these sweets beloved for many generations.
Video Credits: Ghantewala Confectioners/ YouTube
History And Origin
This iconic sweet shop was established in the year 1790 by Lala Sukh Lal Jain from Amber and is believed to be the favourite sweet shop of Mughal emperor Shah Alam II. There are many theories about how it got its name, "Ghantewala."
One story says that Mughal Emperor, Shah Alam II, named the shop himself and asked his servants to bring sweets from the ghante ki neeche wali dukaan (the shop beneath the bell), which over time simply became Ghantewala. Back then, the area was sparsely populated, and the Emperor, living in the Red Fort, could hear the bell from a nearby school.
Image Credits: Wikimedia Commons
Another story about how it was named "Ghantewala" is that the founder, Lala Sukh Lal Jain, used to walk through the streets ringing a bell to get people's attention and sell the delightful sweets. As he grew popular, people began calling him "Ghantewala," a Hindi-language word for the man who rings a bell.
Additionally, it is also mentioned in the newspaper 'Dihli Urdu Akhbar' of 23 August 1857 that the shop was loved by mutineers, who assembled in Delhi to dethrone the emperor.
Specialities Of Ghantewala
The iconic sweet shop, which started by selling the popular Rajasthani sweet mishri halwa, became well-known for treats like sohan halwa, motichoor laddus, kalakand, and Karachi halwa, as well as snacks like samosas, namkeens, and kachoris, which were made with pure desi ghee and khoya, coconut, and rich nuts. Their sweets were also exported to the Gulf and other countries.
Why Did Ghantewala Shut Down In 2015?
Ghantewala, the iconic 234-year-old sweet shop in Old Delhi, closed in July 2015, leaving food lovers and locals shocked. Sushant Jain, the seventh-generation owner, cited changing tastes, legal issues, and financial struggles as reasons. Despite efforts, the shop's legacy couldn't be sustained at that time.
Rebirth Of The Iconic Shop
Ghantewala, on August 19, 2024, was revived by Sushant Jain and his son Aryan Jain, the seventh and eighth generations of Lala Sukh Lal Jain. This historic brand, known for its authentic sweets, is said to blend traditional recipes with modern management. According to the owners, they are using natural ingredients and pure desi ghee while ensuring quality with lab-tested products. The father-son duo aims to attract both nostalgic patrons and Generation Z customers.
Image Credits: Wikimedia Commons
Famous Personalities Who Have Visited Ghantewala
Ghantewala has been a favourite sweet shop for many notable figures, including presidents, prime ministers, Bollywood stars, and international tourists. Jawaharlal Nehru, Morarji Desai, Mohammad Rafi, and Rajiv Gandhi enjoyed sweets from here. Additionally, the climax of B.R. Chopra’s 1954 film Chandni Chowk was filmed at this iconic location.
Specialities Of The Newly Reopened Shop
The revamped menu of the Ghantewala features traditional beloved items like aloo laccha, Mysore pak, dalmoth, and pista lauj. It also introduces gluten-free options such as ragi laddu and sweet treats made with dry fruits and natural sweeteners. Additionally, customers can enjoy Delhi's famous street foods, chhole-bhatura and chaat, all made in pure desi ghee.
