When you think about Gujarati food, the usual names come to our minds – Dhokla, Thepla, Fafda and Jalebi (thanks to Jethalal and TMKOC). Agreed, they are delicious. But food in Gujarat has grown much beyond these usual Farsan items or the infamous meethi daal. This blog will take you through a mouthwatering list of the top 20 famous foods in Gujarat that you must try in 2024.
Table of Contents
20 Famous Foods of Gujarat
Ganthiya
Source: Hungrito on X
Ganthiya is an extremely popular Gujarati snack that might surprise you! Let’s just say it’s the soft and savoury twin brother of Fafda, Gujarat’s favourite Sunday naasto (snack). Unlike other deep-fried snacks, it’s not crunchy but rather soft and puffy. Made from besan (chickpea flour), it’s basically thick strings of hand-rolled dough kneaded with spices like turmeric powder and carom seeds add flavour deep-fried in groundnut oil. It is often enjoyed with a semi-spicy hari (green) chutney and masala chai. Bhavnagar in Gujarat is famous for its Ganthiya variety, so be sure to try some if you’re in the city!
Khaman
Okay. We know, you must be thinking “Arey, but this is toh dhokla no?” No, it is not. Khaman is made entirely from fermented besan batter, unlike its more famous cousin Dhokla, where rice is coarsely grounded into its batter. Khaman has a light, fluffy texture and comes in two variants – Vati Dal Khaman, the savoury one and Nylon Khaman, the sweeter and softer one. Khaman is usually served with mint chutney, fried chillies or some sweet and thick Gujarati kadhi. The Khaman in Surat is considered to be the top tier, followed by the ones from other cities like Ahmedabad and Vadodara.
Patra
Source: Freepik
Patra is an innovative and delicious snack from Gujarat. It’s a leafy roll made from layering Alnu Paan (અળુના પાન) with a semi-thick besan batter, spread all over the surface, rolled tightly and steamed until it’s cooked through. Once these rolls are taken out of the cooker, they’re cut into circular discs and then tossed into a pan with some groundnut oil, mustard seeds and chillies. Bardoli in Gujarat is known to serve some of the best Patra. But it is widely available at almost every Farsan mart in almost every city of Gujarat.
Khandvi
Another beloved snack of the Gujaratis, the Khandvi are tiny bite-sized rolls made with, yes you guessed it right, besan and the usual spices. What adds a creamy and smooth texture to it is the blending of curd in the batter. Khandvi has a fan following across all ages. Some may even compare it with its North Eastern counterpart La Phing, but they’re two very different items and that’s a topic we might discuss some time later. One can find Khandvi everywhere across Gujarat in farsan shops of all sizes. In fact, Khandvi has regularly featured in the menus for visiting world leaders in India for their dinner and lunch with Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
Methi na Gota
Source: TasteAtlas
This is not just any ordinary pakora or bhajiya. Methi na Gota are deep-fried fritters made of besan, methi (fenugreek) leaves and spices. The methi leaves are coarsely chopped and mixed into the besan batter that already has the spices and some baking soda in it. Once deep fried until golden brown, they have a light crunch on the outside but a surprisingly spongy and soft inside unlike the Kanda Bhajiya (which has a more crispy texture overall). While it is said that Dakor has the best Gota in Gujarat, we’d suggest going to any of the farsan outlets near your house and enjoying it with some ketchup.
Locho
Source: NDTV Food
Locho is a steamed Gujarati farsan originating in Surat. Made from gram flour, the dish gets its name from its loose consistency and irregular, dumpling-like shape. It’s somewhat related to Khaman, but unlike its cousin, Locho isn’t served in pre-cut pieces. It’s typically seasoned with oil, butter, sev, spices, coriander and onions. Widely enjoyed in Surat, this snack is particularly popular as Surti Locho. Its popularity extends to Navsari and other regions of South Gujarat as well.
Cholafari
Source: Trending in Ahmedabad on Facebook
This flaky Gujarati snack, traditionally enjoyed during Diwali, offers a delightful textural contrast similar to papad or chips. Its irresistible flavour comes from a simple yet zesty seasoning of chilli powder and dry mango powder, creating a perfect balance of sour and spicy. While mastering the art of fluffy cholafari at home can be tricky, this recipe unlocks the secret to achieving perfect texture every single time.
Ghughra
Source: Chitralekha
Tikha Ghughra is a beloved street food hailing from the Gujarati city of Jamnagar. These deep-fried dumplings, packed with a fiery potato filling, are a true explosion of flavour. The star of the show is the crispy exterior, giving way to a burst of spiced potato goodness. To complete the experience, a symphony of toppings is added – tangy and sweet chaat chutneys, crunchy masala sing (peanuts) and a sprinkle of nylon sev for textural contrast. This delightful mix of sweet, sour and spicy flavours makes Tikha Ghughra a favourite among all ages in Jamnagar.
Undhiyu
Undhiyu is a must-have dish for Gujarat’s beloved kite-flying festival, Uttarayan. No Uttarayan is complete without the delicious trio of Undhiyu, Puri and Jalebi. This mixed vegetable dish is a regional speciality of Surat, Gujarat. Its name comes from the Gujarati word “undhu,” meaning “upside down,” reflecting the traditional cooking method in a matlu (earthen pot) buried underground and fired from above. Undhiyu is a seasonal delight, featuring winter vegetables like green beans, raw bananas, small eggplants, potatoes and purple yam available along the South Gujarat coastline, including Surat, Navsari and Valsad regions. These vegetables are simmered in a dry paste made with coriander leaves, ginger, garlic, green chillies, sugar and some freshly grated coconut and slow-cooked with oil and a minimal amount of water, just enough to steam the root vegetables.
Sev-Tameta nu Shaak
This Gujarati comfort food literally translates to “tomato and sev curry” and is a delightful explosion of textures and flavours. Originally from the Kathiyawad region of Gujarat, this dish has a base that is a simple yet flavourful tomato gravy simmered with spices. Then comes the magic touch – a generous helping of sev. The sev adds a delightful crunch that contrasts perfectly with the smooth tomato base. The sweetness from a touch of sugar balances the tangy tomatoes, making Sev Tameta nu Shaak a crowd-pleasing favourite. This is served with Bajra No Rotlo or Bhakhri.
Tuver na Totha
Source: Cooking With Siddhi
Tuver na Totha is a comforting and flavourful Gujarati dish perfect for a warming lunch or dinner. The star of the show is tuver dal, a type of pigeon pea, simmered in a rich and slightly spicy tomato gravy. Fresh ingredients like ginger, garlic and green chillies add depth of flavour, while warming spices like turmeric and cumin bring a touch of heat. The dish is typically cooked until the lentils are tender and the gravy has thickened nicely.
Traditionally, Tuver na Totha is served with pan-seared flatbreads like roti or paratha. These crispy breads are perfect for scooping up the delicious stew and soaking up all the flavourful gravy. It’s a simple yet satisfying meal that’s sure to leave you feeling happy and content.
Ringa No Olo
Source: Cookpad
Ringna No Olo is a delicious Gujarati sabzi made with roasted eggplant (also called brinjal or baingan) and a blend of spices. The roasting brings out the delicious flavour of the eggplant, which is then mashed and cooked slightly with green chillies, ginger and other spices. This dish is very similar to Baingan Ka Bharta, a popular dish from other parts of India. They’re made similarly, with just a few small differences. Ringna No Olo is a great choice for lunch or dinner during winter in Gujarat and it goes perfectly with Bajra No Rotlo (flatbread made with millet flour) or Bhakhri (another type of flatbread).
Kaik Meethu Pan
Matho
Source: Ghodke Sweets
Matho is a delightful Gujarati dessert that shares similarities with Shrikhand but offers a lighter experience. Made with hung curd and cut fruits, Matho boasts a refreshing taste with a touch of probiotic goodness. Unlike the thicker and creamier Shrikhand, Matho has a thinner consistency, perfect for warmer months. This allows for a delightful addition – fruits! Mixed fruit Matho is a popular summer treat, featuring a vibrant mix of chopped seasonal fruits like mango, pomegranate and grapes. Served chilled, Matho is a burst of flavour and a perfect way to cool down on a hot day.
Basundi
Keri no Ras
Keri no Ras, also known as Aamras, is a simple yet delightful Gujarati dish that celebrates the king of fruits – the mango. Freshly hand-peeled Alphonso mangoes, known for their sweetness and flavour, form the base of this dish. The juicy pulp is then blended with a touch of water or milk to create a smooth and refreshing drink. A sprinkle of saffron adds a touch of luxury, while cardamom and nutmeg provide an aromatic touch.
Non-traditional, but unmissable
Kutchi 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.
Amdavadi Vadapav
Source: Gujarati Rasoi
The Amdavadi Vadapav takes the classic Bombay street food, Vada Pav and adds a unique Gujarati touch. The star of the show remains the same – a deep-fried potato patty, spiced with turmeric, cumin and coriander, known as a vada. However, instead of a simple bun, Amdavadi Vadapav uses a soft and pillowy ladi pav. The magic happens when the vada is generously pan-seared in butter, giving it a crispy golden exterior and a rich buttery flavour. This delightful creation is then tucked into the soft ladi pav and finished with a combination of sweet and tangy chutneys, typically ketchup and green chutney. The Amdavadi Vadapav is a must-try for any vada pav enthusiast, offering a unique and flavourful twist on a beloved street food.
Sandwich Dhokla
Sandwich Dhokla is a creative twist on the classic Gujarati savoury snack, Dhokla. Made from a fermented batter of rice and chickpea flour, Dhokla is usually steamed into soft and fluffy squares. Sandwich Dhokla takes this base and elevates it to a whole new level. Here, the steamed Dhokla squares are generously spread with a layer of flavourful green chutney. This chutney layer is then covered by another layer of steamed Dhokla, creating a delicious sandwich. Sometimes, a dollop of tangy yoghurt is added between the layers for extra flavour and moisture. Cut into bite-sized pieces, Sandwich Dhokla is a visually appealing and delightful snack, perfect for parties.
Nadiad nu Puff
Source: Foodaholics in Ahmedabad
Anyone and everyone who’s lived in Gujarat for over 3 years has surely heard about Nadiad Nu Puff and most probably got to eat it too if they’ve visited the city. Yes, while puff is a European baked snack, but us Indians surprisingly the Gujaratis have made it our own with vegetable and paneer-based stuffings. These puffs are prepared early in the morning and heaved in ovens right in front of the customers, so they know they’re getting the freshest snack possible. The bakeries like Punjab Bakery, a favourite among the locals, have perfected this flaky snack over time and made it a big part of the city’s food scene. They’re a must-try for anyone visiting Nadiad and a staple for those who live there.
Ajay’s Cafe Pizza and Burger
Just like the Puffs, Gujjus have also made America’s favourite fast food meal, consisting of burgers, pizzas and a drink, their own. All this with Ajay’s introducing their own desi and classic pizza and burgers in Ahmedabad and other cities of Gujarat. Everything you want for a delicious meal that makes you happy – tasty burgers in different flavours, cheesy pizzas with a variety of toppings, refreshing cold coffee and Mango shakes along with crispy fries served with Peri Peri seasoning and a variety of dips – You will find it at an Ajay’s in a city.
Save this list and share it with friends and families who are travelling to Gujarat. Don’t miss trying all the dishes and definitely finish it off with a tall glass of cold coffee from Ajay’s Cafe in Gujarat for a #HappyWaliFeeling.