India’s first luxury grocer opens at The Chanakya
Le Gourmet at The Chanakya in New Delhi
Marche Retail has unveiled Le Gourmet at The Chanakya in New Delhi, a DS Group concept that positions itself as India’s first destination for luxury grocery. Conceived as a refined marketplace with the soul of a neighborhood café, the store is built around discovery: rare produce, cult global brands, chef-crafted foods, and elegant touches that turn routine shopping into a leisurely, sensory experience.
The curation is the point. Shelves bring together storied labels such as Harrods, Swiss tea house Sirocco, Bacha Coffee, and Maestrani Swiss Chocolates. Alongside these, Le Gourmet introduces eye-catching debuts to the capital region, including 24K Gold Coffee available in Delhi NCR for the first time, the store’s own 24K gold-dusted tea, gold-coated dates, and a sweeping selection of caviars sourced from around the world. The pantry spans continents with Japanese snacks, Korean condiments, Mediterranean oils, and staples from across East and Southeast Asia, mirroring the way discerning home cooks shop today: globally, seasonally, and with intent.
Freshness and wellness receive equal emphasis. The grocery range is designed to meet varied lifestyles and diets without compromising on flavor or provenance. Expect organic produce and seasonal fruit alongside vegan, keto, and gluten-free choices. There are showstoppers—Japanese melons, white strawberries, hydroponic greens—and chef-loved herbs like kaffir lime and bird’s eye chili that are usually hard to track down. Clean-label essentials, from Khapli and millet flours to cold-pressed oils, cage-free eggs, and organic spices, round out a selection that feels both indulgent and mindful.
At the heart of the store is an elevated culinary program that blurs the line between retail and restaurant. The deli counter turns out handcrafted pastas, fresh pesto, and truffle-laced cheeses that invite immediate tasting or take-home entertaining. Meat and seafood are ethically sourced and premium, with highlights such as Jamón Ibérico de Bellota, fresh prawns, duck, turkey, and a range of gourmet sausages. For connoisseurs, the caviar case reads like a tour of the world’s best—Oscietra, Kaluga, Russian Beluga, and Labeyrie—accompanied by prized truffles to finish plates with finesse.
Le Gourmet’s French-inspired bakery adds a daily rhythm to the space. Warm, crusty loaves emerge throughout the day, while a patisserie selection pays homage to classics. The café extends the experience with an all-day menu that moves seamlessly from breakfast to late afternoon: truffle eggs, classic French omelettes, seasonal salads, and made-to-order pastas are prepared with the same premium ingredients found on the floor. For those who like to gift through gastronomy, curated hampers and specialty boxes showcase the store’s breadth and polish.
Playful indulgences are part of the charm. Guests can sample ice cream macarons, try a gelato burger, or pick up Middle Eastern delicacies such as stuffed dates and baklava. The beverage bar is a destination in itself, pouring rare tea infusions—think Royal Earl, Velvet Lotus Mist, and Jasmine Blue Reverie—alongside Turkish sand coffee and an opulent 24K Gold Cappuccino that doubles as a conversation piece.
Beyond products, the store is designed as a place to spend time. Live tastings punctuate the day, international stations rotate to keep the offering fresh, and chef-curated counters invite interaction. Lighting and music are carefully tuned, staff are trained to guide rather than rush, and the flow encourages lingering—perfect for a slow brunch, a midday treat, or a pre-dinner shop that naturally turns into a bite and a beverage.
Convenience is treated as a luxury, too. For those who prefer to entertain or unwind at home, Le Gourmet offers two-hour express delivery, bringing premium ingredients to the doorstep while they’re at their best. Packaging and presentation are considered down to the smallest detail, and service extends to personalized recommendations, seasonal pairings, and chef interactions that help guests build menus, stock a weekend larder, or assemble a gift that feels truly bespoke.
Le Gourmet’s arrival reflects a broader shift in India’s food culture: a rising appetite for global flavors, a deeper respect for provenance, and a desire to make everyday rituals feel special. It’s a store that encourages culinary curiosity, whether you’re hunting for a precise condiment, planning a celebratory spread, or simply grabbing a coffee that turns an errand into a moment.
Le Gourmet is open daily from 11:00 AM to 11:00 PM at The Chanakya, New Delhi.
