Delhi Spice Market

My biggest concern coming into India  A few times, that septic smell comes up and is a little overpowering, but for the most part, the smells are exotic.  There is incense burning everywhere and the different scents pass from one vendor to the next.  In the spice market it was overpowering. Some of the chilies were so strong we all would cough just passing by their shop.   Everything was out in big bags full of chilies, nuts, every spice you could imagine. Sacks just full of them. And men everywhere were bartering and discussing. They seemed to have little interest in us. 

was the smell.

We went to a spice store and the guy told us about the healing powers of several different types of spice. We tasted cinnamon shards and turmeric and fennel mixed with mint to cleanse the palate.  In India, chefs use multiple spices and mixes to get just the right curry flavor. So far my favorites are the butter Chicken that is really more like a mild masala mix and something they call karma flavoring. The karma veggies were amazing! The selection of teas and chai were tempting. 

I love the compactness of the marketplace.  As Megan said, there is no personal bubble. Everyone is close.  The Muslims built this part of old Delhi and they did not believe in wastefulness.  There are small shops that two people can pass in with goods on either side.  Above the shops are more shops or peoples homes. If there is a small corner that could be built upon, they will squeeze it in.  Originally, the alleys in the market were built so small so that they could get the most from their space, but also so that the women, who were not allowed to go out, could talk to each other between homes.  The buildings are all colors, styles and in various states of functionality, most very old, some even from pre-colonial days.