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A festival like Navaratri is a community celebration, and so there has to be food - in this case, some lip smacking Gujarati street food.
Navaratri in Gujarat is a colourful affair filled with Garba, Dhandiya, Puja, and some amazing Gujarati street foods.
Here are some delicious Gujarati Street foods and some of the best places to find them. You could also check for these in your own city where there are dandiya and garba fest organised. Certainly Mumbai will have all of these, since it is so close to Gujarat and has a vibrant community.
Khaman Dhokla is one of the first foods that come to our minds when we mention Gujarati food. Sev Khamani is a really popular tea-time snack that takes it to the next level.
Image source: Freepik
Khaman, which is essentially a steamed chana dal ‘cake’ is crumbled first, topped generously with sev, coconut bits, spicy green chutney, and pomegranate seeds.
Reading the ingredients is enough to imagine what a delightful mix of flavors this dish offers. Some of the most popular joints in Ahmedabad are Lijjat Khaman House and Das Khaman, having many outlets around the city. Check it out here.
This is a popular and unique breakfast combo that is a Gujarati staple.
Image source: DipakShelare from Getty Images Free for Canva Pro
Both are crunchy and deep fried but complement each other in flavors. Fafda is spicy and made from chickpea flour, while Jalebi comes soaked in sugar syrup. It also comes with a papaya sambada (salad) and green chillies.
There are many places in Ahmedabad where you can find authentic Fafda Jalebi. Some of the most popular joints are here.
Faraali Pattice is a delectable snack that is also vrat-friendly, which is where it gets its name from. As you bite into the potato patties, you will get a sweet kick typical of Gujarati dishes, as it is stuffed with nuts, raisins, and coconut.
Image source: Dassana’s Veg Recipes
If you want to make it at home, try out the above linked recipe.
You can find several places in Ahmedabad serving up faraali pattice as well as other snacks suitable for those who fast during Navaratri.
We know this post is about street foods, but the Gujarati-style masala chai is something one must not miss, and ‘tapri chai’ found at most city street corners, sweet and well boiled, is the best here.
Image source: Twitter/ Deepal Trivedi/ Irani Bakery
A piping hot cup of adrak chai made with the perfect blend of masala, tea, and sugar is sure to elevate your street food tasting experience.
Here are some unassuming places where you’re sure to find the most authentic glass of masala chai, with some maska (butter) bun by the side.
This Gujarati ‘burger’ has its roots in the Kutch region, so it is often called ‘Kachchi/Kutchi Dabeli’.
Image source: Masud Pathan from Getty Images
The dabeli masala is the secret ingredient here, bursting with flavours like cinnamon, fennel, coconut, fresh pomegranate seeds, and sesame seeds. Add to it a mix of green and imli chutney, potatoes that melt in your mouth, and some crunchy masala peanuts – you have the perfect Kutchi Dabeli! Karnavati Dabeli is a very popular place to find a good Kutchi Dabeli.
This is a seemingly unrelated item when we talk of Gujarati Street foods, but ask any Ahmedabadi, and he will tell you how popular it is among the locals!
Image source: HemantMandot from Getty Images Free for Canva Pro
A Ghotala Dosa is anything but ordinary – the crispy exterior hides a blend of vegetables, masala, and oodles of cheese and butter. Walk along the streets of Manek Chowk, and you will find the bustling Balan Dosa outlet serving up plates of Ghotala Dosas hot from the Tawa.
This is a very simple tea-time time snack that most of us are familiar with. Made with besan and spiced to just the right amount, it is a Gujarati staple, found across the city in many tea stalls.
Image source: Kailash Kumar from Getty Images Free for Canva Pro
ISCON Gathiya is one of the most popular places to find fresh gathiya being made in front of your eyes. You can also find travel essential Gujarati snacks like Theplas and Khakras in their outlets.
If you are someone who loves a loaded plate with bits and pieces of snacks, you are sure to love this Special Gujarati Thaali at the nearly 120 year old Chandravilas Restaurant, just for Rs 150/-
Image source: YouTube
It is sure to satiate any Gujarati street food craving you may have with items such as Fafda, Jalebi, Sev Usal, and Dhokla, along with some flavorful Kadhi.
While we have covered some all-time Gujarati favourites, we would love to hear from you if you have more to add to the list. Tell us in the comments section about your favourite Gujarati Street foods. Wishing everyone a Happy Navaratri!
An engineer turned SAHM of two who wants to be known beyond that. Passionate about words, parenting, making eco-friendly choices, feminism and lifelong learning. read more...
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