CR Park Market 2 (Market No. 2) is CR Park’s most comprehensive market — larger in overall footprint than Market 1, with a wider range of shops covering everything from fish and groceries to electronics, clothing, pharmacies, and banking services. It is located centrally in the colony, with the Shani Temple situated directly behind it.
What Market 2 Is Known For
| Category | What to find | Key shops |
|---|---|---|
| Restaurants | Maa Tara, Oh Calcutta, Madly Bangalee | Shops 45-47, K-1 |
| Sweets | Sandesh, rasgulla, mishti doi, chhena jalebi | Annapurna, Kamala |
| Fish | Larger fish alley with more variety | Rear lane |
| Bengali groceries | Mustard oil, panch phoron, posto, kashundi | Multiple stores |
| General retail | Electronics, clothing, pharmacies, banking | Various |
Key Establishments
| Shop | Shop Number | Known For | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Maa Tara | Shops 45-47 | CR Park’s most famous Bengali restaurant; Mutton Kosha, Bhetki Paturi | ~Rs 500 for two |
| Annapurna Sweets | Shop 38 | Sandesh, rasgulla, chhena jalebi, mishti doi, nolen gur sweets (winter) | Rs 200-400/kg |
| Oh Calcutta | K-1, CR Park Main Road | Mid-range Bengali restaurant; Chingri Malai Curry | Rs 800-1,000 for two |
| Fish Alley | Rear lane | Larger than Market 1’s fish section; wider variety; slightly better prices | Rs 200-3,000/kg |
| Bengali grocery stores | Multiple | Mustard oil, panch phoron, posto, Gobindobhog rice, kasundi | Various |
The Larger Fish Alley
Market 2’s fish section is bigger and more competitive than Market 1’s. More vendors mean more variety and marginally better prices. The fish alley runs along the rear of the market, creating a dedicated zone separate from the dry goods shops. This is where serious home cooks and restaurant suppliers come for bulk purchases.
During Hilsa season (July-October), Market 2’s fish alley becomes a pilgrimage site. Vendors compete on the quality and origin of their Hilsa — Padma River Hilsa from Bangladesh (when available, considered the finest), Hooghly River Hilsa, and sea Hilsa.
Maa Tara Restaurant
Maa Tara (Shops 45-47, Market 2) is CR Park’s most iconic sit-down eatery. Operating for decades, it serves home-style Bengali food in a no-frills setting.
Must order:
- Mutton Kosha — Slow-cooked goat curry; rich, dark, intensely spiced; their signature dish
- Bhetki Paturi — Barramundi steamed in banana leaf with mustard paste
- Aloo Posto — Potatoes with poppy seed paste; a Bengali everyday classic
- Chingri Malaikari — Prawns in coconut milk; rich and aromatic
- Fish Fry — Crisp, golden, Bengali-style battered fish
A meal for two typically costs Rs 400-600. Open 11 AM - 10:30 PM daily. No reservations — first come, first served.
Annapurna Sweets
Annapurna Sweets (Shop 38) is Market 2’s premier sweet shop and one of CR Park’s most beloved institutions.
Year-round specialties:
- Sandesh — Fresh chhena sweets in multiple flavors: nolen gur, mango, rose, pistachio
- Rasgulla — Soft, spongy chhena balls in light sugar syrup
- Mishti Doi — Sweetened set yogurt; caramelized, rich
- Chhena Jalebi — A Bengali twist on jalebi, made with fresh cottage cheese
Seasonal highlights:
- Nolen Gur specialties (December-February) — Date palm jaggery is available only during winter. Nolen Gur Sandesh, Nolen Gur Rasgulla, and Nolen Gur Payesh are worth a special trip.
- Joynagar Moa (January) — Puffed rice balls bound with nolen gur; a winter-only delicacy
- Mango sweets (May-July) — Aam Sandesh and Aam Doi during mango season
Bengali Specialty Groceries
Market 2 has the best selection of Bengali groceries in Delhi:
| Item | What it is | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Mustard oil (Kachchi Ghani) | The primary cooking fat in Bengali cuisine; pungent, sharp | Rs 150-220/litre |
| Panch Phoron | Five-spice blend (fenugreek, nigella, cumin, black mustard, fennel) | Rs 40-80/100g |
| Posto (Poppy Seeds) | White poppy seeds; ground into paste for Aloo Posto | Rs 120-180/100g |
| Kasundi | Fermented mustard sauce; Bengali condiment | Rs 60-120/bottle |
| Gobindobhog Rice | Short-grain aromatic rice; used for payesh and special dishes | Rs 100-160/kg |
| Nolen Gur (seasonal) | Date palm jaggery; winter-only (Dec-Feb); smoky caramel flavor | Rs 300-600/kg |
| Gondhoraj Lebu | Aromatic Bengali lime; intensely fragrant | Rs 10-20/piece |
Practical Information
Address: Market No. 2, Chittaranjan Park, New Delhi 110019
Nearest metro: Nehru Enclave (Magenta Line) — 12 min walk / 5 min auto
Hours: Shops 9 AM-9 PM, restaurants 11 AM-11 PM, sweet shops 8 AM-9 PM, fish alley best 7-9 AM
Closed: Some shops close one day per week; restaurants open daily
Payment: Cash essential. Some restaurants accept UPI. Few accept cards.
ATM: Available in Market 2 (multiple banks)
Parking: Very limited. On-street only. Metro strongly recommended.