The Bookshop Inc is the kind of bookstore you'll walk into with one book in mind, only to come out, slightly guiltily, with three or four. The store's a Delhi legacy – it had its beginnings in the charming neighbourhood of Jor Bagh in 1971, where the tiny, beloved shop stayed put for 52 years, until it shifted to a bigger location to the equally charming Lodhi Colony, cats and all.
Strangely, the larger space hasn't really changed much at all about what The Bookshop Inc boasts – which is a very well curated collection of books. Sure, they have more shelves to display their wares on now, but the selection still feels tight, carefully controlled. There's lots of stuff here from independent presses, loads of South Asian literature, and international selections, too. Their rotating displays are also organised by theme, like latest food writing, curated essay collections, and old world literature. The store really focuses on those overlooked corners of the literature world – the kind of books that wouldn’t usually get space in more commercial shops.
The biggest draw here's the staff. They're usually sat behind the counter, reading – but they're less cashiers and more literary co-conspirators, if you will. They won't come up to you unless you go to them, but their knowledge of their stock (best seen, by the way, in the loving, careful way they run their Instagram page) is awe-inspiring, to say the least. They're a human BookTok algorithm, in some ways – a whole lot better, in fact, because they nudge you towards books that aren't in the limelight, but are wonderful all the same.
It's worth mentioning that The Bookshop Inc definitely has a distinct personality – it's not the kind of store that caters to all readers. They do stock some bestsellers aimed at casual readers, but their selection is special simply because it's far more niche than that.
Opening times:
Tue-Sun 11am-7.30 pm. Mon closed.
Time Out Tip:
Keep an eye out on their Instagram page if you're interested in book readings, talks, and lectures by well-loved authors. They host plenty of them here – and if you purchase a ticket, you can usually redeem the amount by buying a book at the shop.