Top 20 Famous Foods in Gujarat

Think about Gujarati food—what do you imagine? Maybe dhokla or Undhiyu, or even Fafda and Jalebi. All tasty choices! But what if I told you there is another side to Gujarati cuisine?? In this blog, we will explore traditional snacks and sweets, along with some newer dishes. Get ready to discover the top 20 famous foods from Gujarat!

Chalo Meetha Thi Chaalu Kariye

Shrikhand
Mohanthal
Jalebi
Basundi
Aam ras

The Classic Gujarati Dishes

Thepla
Khaman
Dhokla
Patra
Undhiyu
Fafda
Khandvi
Locho
Sev Tameta Nu Shaak
Khichdi
Gujarati Kadhi

Something Different From Traditional Dishes

Dabeli
Street Maggie
Gotala Dosa
Ajay’s Cafe Pizza and Burger

Chalo Meetha Thi Chaalu Kariye

Shrikhand

Shrikhand is a delicious dessert known for its fragrant flavour and creamy texture. It is made with yoghurt, cardamom (elaichi) and saffron (kesar) and sugar is added for sweetness. In Gujarati cuisine, Shrikhand is frequently served during festivals, weddings and other special events. People of all ages love this delicacy because of its sweet, fragrant flavour and its smooth, creamy smoothness.

Mohanthal

With a rich, nutty flavour and a hint of sweetness, it is a popular sweet treat enjoyed during festivals and special occasions. Mohanthal is made from gram flour (besan), ghee, sugar and nuts. It is served during festivals like Diwali, and it’s the kind of treat that sparks childhood memories and family gatherings. Mohanthal is often prepared with love and care, passed down through generations as a treasured family recipe.

Jalebi

In Gujarat, it’s a well-liked festive snack and street dish. Its taste is delightfully sweet. its golden colour and spiral design add to its aesthetic. In Gujarat, jalebi is a traditional dish that is frequently offered at religious ceremonies, weddings and festive occasions as a sign of luck. In Ahmedabad, starting Sunday mornings with Fafda – Jalebi and a cup of tea is a trend. Early in the morning, there is a huge queue to purchase them. Additionally, people occasionally eat jalebi by dipping it in Rabdi.

Basundi

Basundi is made from thickened milk and sugar and flavoured with elaichi and Kesar. It is often served chilled as a dessert during festivals and special occasions, symbolising joy and togetherness. Its smooth, sweet and aromatic taste makes it a favourite dessert among Gujaratis. It is enjoyed as a refreshing and indulgent treat, bringing joy and happiness to every occasion.

Aam ras

Aam Ras is a delicious dessert made from ripe mangoes. It holds cultural significance in all cities of Gujarat such as Ahmedabad, Rajkot, Surat and Vadodara. Its refreshing taste makes it a popular dessert enjoyed by people of all ages. Aam Ras is a delightful way to celebrate the mango season, bringing joy and happiness to every meal.

The Classic Gujarati Dishes

Thepla

They are loved in Gujarati households. Gujaratis carry them everywhere, especially when they travel. Theplas can remain fresh for 6 months when frozen, so Gujaratis pack them for their trips abroad. Enjoy them plain or with keri ni chutney or stuff them with spiced vegetables for a satisfying meal on the go.

Khaman

It is so delicious that Jethalal was trying to eat it secretly. They are so fluffy that they melt in your mouth. Made from gram flour (besan), khaman is seasoned with mustard seeds, curry leaves and green chillies. It’s both tangy and spicy. Whether you enjoy it for breakfast or as an evening snack, khaman is a Gujarati favourite that never fails to please.

Dhokla

The pride of Gujarat! They are made from a batter of rice flour and chana dal. The magic happens when they are steamed to perfection and then garnished with mustard seeds and curry leaves. Dhokla is light, tangy and tasty. Pair it with some pudina chutney, and you are in for a delicious experience.

Patra

Ever wondered what magic happens when you turn colocasia leaves (અળુના પાન) into a delicious dish? It’s Patra. This South Gujarat speciality is a combination of health and flavour. The leaves are cleaned and spread with a paste made with lentils, fresh coriander and a touch of heat. The leaves are then carefully rolled and steamed to perfection, resulting in a dish that’s both visually appealing and tasty.

Undhiyu

A vegetable dish made with seasonal veggies like purple yam, green beans, and eggplant, cooked slowly with spices such as Meethi and Hing. The secret ingredient? Freshly grated coconut! Undhiyu is often enjoyed with fluffy puris or steamed rice. It’s a popular winter dish, especially during the Uttarayan festival, when people fly kites.

Fafda

The iconic duo of Fafda Jalebi needs no introduction! A perfect combination of sweet and savoury. Fafda is crispy, each bite offers a satisfying crunch while jalebi, dipped in sugar syrup, gives way to a soft, syrupy interior. The sweet-salty tastes are what makes this combination so irresistible. Just like Jethalal from “Taarak Mehta ka Ooltah Chashmah” can’t resist his Fafda jalebi, you might find yourself reaching for more after just one bite!

Khandvi

Khandvi is a dish from South Gujarat prepared with yoghurt and gram flour. They are so soft that they melt in your mouth to create a pleasant experience with every bite. Khandvi is full of flavours and textures that are traditionally served with green chutney and a sweet Imli chutney. At Gujarati get-togethers and celebrations, khandvi is a must. Its careful preparation is a reflection of Gujaratis’ attention to detail and desire to produce a visually beautiful dish.

Locho

It is a breakfast dish of Surat and a must-try for anyone visiting the city. It’s typically served with a variety of chutneys, each offering a unique flavour – the green chutney, the sweet and tangy tamarind (Imli) chutney and the refreshing crunch of coconut chutney. A sprinkle of sev (thin gram flour noodles) adds a delightful textural contrast, making Locho a truly satisfying and flavorful breakfast experience.

Sev Tameta Nu Shaak

It is famous in the Kathiawar region, especially Rajkot, Saurashtra. The star of the show is the tangy tomato base, simmered to perfection with a touch of sweetness. Golden sev (gram flour noodles) add a delightful textural element. Don’t be surprised if you find a touch of chilli powder Sev tameta nu shaak is typically enjoyed with rice or roti, making it a complete and satisfying meal.

Khichdi

Simple yet comforting, khichdi is a classic Gujarati dish that goes beyond generations and regions. A basic khichdi is a delightful comfort food, perfect for a light meal or a side dish. Vegetables like peas, carrots and cauliflower can be added for extra flavour and nutrition. Some recipes incorporate spices like turmeric and cumin for a touch of warmth, while others might add ghee for extra richness. Khichdi is both versatile and delicious.

Gujarati Kadhi

The flavour of Gujarati kadhi is explosive, just waiting to burst on your tongue. This curry, which is made with yoghurt, is native to Gujarat. The way textures interact is what creates the magic. With every bite, you get a hit of earthy turmeric, tangy yoghurt, and a hint of spice from the chillies. Gujarati kadhi, traditionally eaten with roti or rice, is a bowl of warm comfort.

Something Different From Traditional Dishes

Dabeli

A well-known snack from Kutch and Saurashtra, but this street food variation offers a whole different experience. Imagine a perfectly seasoned, tender potato patty wrapped inside a bun. Then, a colourful variety of chutneys—sweet and spicy—along with a sprinkling of chopped onions and coriander. A last burst of pomegranate seeds gives a sweet crunch that enhances the flavour of every bite of Dabeli. This dish is an excellent grab-and-go option for satisfying your hunger while visiting Gujarat’s crowded streets.

Street Maggi

Yes, you read that right! Maggi has become a star player in Gujarati street food. Forget the plain and simple version you know – Gujarati street vendors are making all sorts of creative Maggi Craving something spicy? Ask for a “Masala Maggi” loaded with red chilli powder and chopped green chillies. Feeling cheesy? A “Cheese Maggi” with generous grated cheese might be more your style. And for those who like things a little differently.

Gotala Dosa

A classic South Indian dosa, stuffed with savoury and flavourful Gujarati potato filling, seasoned with fragrant spices like cumin and coriander. Each bite of Gotala dosa offers a delightful contrast –This unique dish is a celebration of cultural exchange, showcasing the growing influence of South Indian flavours in Gujarati cuisine.

Ajay’s Cafe Pizza and Burger

We all have those days. You know the ones – when only a juicy burger or a slice of cheesy pizza will hit the spot. Well, worry not! Ajay’s Cafe serves up some of the most delicious pizzas and burgers in Ahmedabad.

But wait, there’s more!

To quench your thirst alongside your satisfying meal, Ajay’s Cafe also offers refreshing cold coffees. So next time you’re craving comfort food in Ahmedabad, swing by Ajay’s Cafe. We guarantee you’ll leave with a #HappywaliFeeling!

Blog / News

Table of Contents