Diamond in the rough

In the narrow lanes of the old Shahpur Jat village, which now houses high-end fashion designer stores, one also chances upon a mix of theme cafes, bookshops, and quirky stores offering the craziest of things.

In the heart of the third of the seven cities, Siri Fort, this village has undergone an express makeover from a sluggish backwater to a shopper’s paradise and up-to-the-minute lifestyle hub, leading many to refer to it as the new Hauz Khas village. Says designer Nida Mahmood, who retails from here: “In this metro culture, the place still has a raw village feel. It still has make-belief finesse. At every few steps you will experience the city and rural feel together.”

Patterned with manholes, the Jangi House lane is Shahpur Jat’s fashion street with cheap imitations of costly brands and customised outfits. Head towards the Mubarak Pakistani suit shop for the finest patterns by Pakistani designers with a wide price range. Over at the Tan Him store, you’ll find cartoon printed cushion covers, customised bamboo blinds and mats. The Shoe Garage offers you reasonably priced customised shoes and modish bags. At the other end of the Siri era stonewall lies the Tohfa wali Ghumbad that takes you back to 14th century Khilji architecture.

This little city within a city is a treat. The hole-in-the-wall vendors selling beads and trinkets, and tailoring workshops will intrigue you. While Hauz Khas Village may be a good pace to drink and eat, Shahpur Jat, with its shopping options, has its own distinct flavour.