Gujarat Food Guide A typical meal in most Gujarati households consists of roti dal or curry vegetables, kathol rice, and farsan. But the taste of the entire Gujarat is not limited to this only. Rather it is much more than that.
Gujarat Food Guide: Gujarat is one of the most prosperous states in the country with colorful clothes, a cheerful style, geography, history, and culture. As you progress here, the taste of the food here starts changing. A typical meal in most Gujarati households includes rotli (a flatbread), dal or kadhi, shaak (a dry or gravy dish), kathol (a dish made from lentils or whole beans), rice, and farsan (a snack item). Huh. Most Gujarati dishes are an unusual combination of sweet, salty, and spicy flavors. If you are going to Gujarat or are planning to go, then we are already going to tell you about some very delicious local food, which you will not forget to taste.
Ahmedabad
Visit Ahmedabad, one of the largest cities of Gujarat and the former capital of the state, and try the very popular Gujarati thali here. This thali was first served in the year 1900 at Chandravilas restaurant, which is still the first choice of food lovers.
Where to go and what to eat
Apart from the many scrumptious, upmarket restaurants and cafes around the city, roadside food is also a treasure trove. The person present here must visit Manek Chowk. This vegetable market square by day turns into a bustling street food market at night. A variety of food is served in stalls surrounded by several heritage poles. Sandwiches, Gujarati cuisine, South Indian, Chaat, Kulfi...pav bhaji, and chocolate sandwich/pizza food with a whole host of flavourful dishes. Located in Law Garden, in the newer part of the city, Khau Gali is great for whetting your appetite after shopping. Chaat, pani puri, dosa, uttapam, idli, dhokla, pav bhaji, dabeli, kulfi, ice cream, and Chinese and Italian snacks are served here with an Indian twist. On the other hand, Bhatiyar Gali here provides the best option for non-veg lovers.
Rajkot
You will find spicier food in this city in the heart of Kathiawar than you can find in the whole of Gujarat. There is a strong Rajasthani influence in the food here and in the nearby Bhavnagar, Jamnagar, Surendranagar, Porbandar, Junagadh, Botad, Morbi, and Gir-Somnath.
where to go and what to eat
Here you must try the Kathiawadi thali, which is spicier than the Gujarati version. These include the allele Marcha (fried green chilies), rotla, and some vegetables. Sev tamta nu shaak, papad nu shaak, lasania bataka, or ringan nu olo, and chaas. Rasawala Dhokla, Bajra Bhakri, Methi Thepla, Kathiawadi Aakha Adad, Kathiawadi Stuffed Onion, and Dhokli Nu Shaak are some of the dishes you should not miss out on. If you have time, head to Jamnagar to enjoy Ghuto, a mixed vegetable and lentil curry enjoyed with crumbled rotla. While in Bhavnagar, don't miss out on the dry snack ganthia.
Bhuj
A dry city and its people believe in "Simple Living and High Thinking". Their food follows this line and tends to be simple and satisfying. A nutritious meal here is incomplete without a glass of buttermilk.
what to eat
Kutchi cuisine uses minimal oil and prefers lilo spices. The food here is simple and includes kadhi, khichdi, and bajra no rotlo, which includes hardy vegetables like guvar nu shaak. Dairy products are abundantly used here as the people of this region have a large population of livestock. People here like Shrikhand a lot in sweets. Kutch offers some special items which are best served here. Like Dabeli, consider this dish as a cousin of Mumbai's Vada Pav. Kachhi pakwan is a deep-fried dry snack made of maida and ajwain that echoes the Sindhi dal dish. Apart from this, Gulab Pak is a famous dessert here which is a delicate barfi made of rose petals, milk, and sugar. After preparation, it is garnished with chopped and roasted almonds, cashews, and pistachios.
Vadodara
The multicultural ethos is deeply rooted in this city. Under the vision of Maharaja Sayajirao Gaekwad III of Baroda State from 1875 to 1939, the state's cultural capital is known for its love of food.
where to go and what to eat
Several Gujarati restaurants in Vadodara serve their versions of the thali. Apart from this, there are many options for street food lovers as well. Soorsagar, located in the heart of the city, is a street food hub in the evenings. As soon as the night falls, shops of chaat, samosas, sandwiches, and balls start growing. In Mangal Bazaar, moong dal kachoris at Pyarelal ki Kachori and Samrat's ice cream are the favorites. This shop has been running since the 1950s.
No visit to Vadodara is complete without relishing the delectable Duliram Na Peda at Pendawala Duliram Ratanlal Sharma, located on Ravpura Main Road. Another eatery that you must check out is Jagdish Farshan, which was established in the year 1938. Located on Ajwa Road, this shop is known for its Bhakarwadi, Lilo Chewda, Suko Chewda, Sweets, and Namkeen.
You cannot leave Vadodara without tasting Sev Usal. Spicy and tangy peas curry tastes best when topped with chutney, sliced onions, and white buns. Also, don't forget to try the Lilo Chevado.
Surat
The commercial nerve center of South Gujarat is as famous for its love of food as it is for its diamonds and textiles.
where to go and what to eat
Undhiyu is a must-try if you are in Surat. It is an elaborate mixed vegetable dish that is a winter staple. The name of this recipe is derived from the word "undhu", which means 'upside down'. The dish was traditionally cooked upside-down in earthenware pots (matlu) cooked from above. This Surti is made with classic winter vegetables. Apart from the many restaurants, visit Piplod for street food. The many stalls and joints here offer traditional Gujarati snacks along with Italian, Chinese, and Mexican options. Be it pav bhaji, dhokla, or sev khamni, this eat street has something for everyone.
Also, a batter made of chickpea flour is seasoned with groundnut oil and served with butter, sev, coriander, and onion rings. Round off your meal with Surti Ghari, which is made from "puri" flour and stuffed with a delicious filling of mawa, sugar, and gram flour. Before going to Gujarat, make a list of all these dishes, so that you do not miss anything.
