Ever scrolled through endless food reels on Instagram on a lazy Sunday afternoon and wanted to eat those tasty delicacies? Yeah, me too. But there is a city where food is not just for survival; it’s a symphony of flavours, a celebration of tradition and an experience that will leave you wanting more. Welcome to Ahmedabad, the beating heart of Gujarat where its street food scene is on a whole other level.
Let’s dive into the top 20 foods that will make you say ‘Jalso padi gayo’.
Table of Contents
Bhakarwadi
This crispy, flaky snack is made from gram flour dough rolled with a spicy filling and deep-fried. It’s a perfect on-the-go snack or a delicious accompaniment to a cup of chai. Imagine a savoury, flaky pastry with a spicy kick – that’s the delightful flavour of Bhakarwadi.
Handvo
This savoury-sweet cake is a unique Gujarati speciality. Made with a variety of lentils and vegetables, it’s steamed to perfection and has a slightly sweet and nutty flavour.
Bhakhri
This whole wheat flatbread is a staple in Gujarati cuisine. It’s typically served with a spoonful of ghee or a vegetable curry for a satisfying and healthy meal.
Ghughra sandwich
An incredibly easy and quick recipe for grilled sandwiches loaded with cheese and filled with vegetables. It is essentially a spicy cheese sandwich that is served as a light snack with a basic masala of onions and peppers. It is incredibly popular in the streets of Ahmedabad.
Dhokla
The king of Gujarati snacks! Dhokla is a fluffy, savoury cake made from fermented gram flour. Steamed to perfection and served with a spicy green chutney and a dash of grated coconut. It’s the perfect anytime snack.
Khaman
It is often confused with Dhokla. They are bite-sized squares of spongy goodness swimming in a tangy chutney. A sprinkle of chopped coriander and mustard seeds adds a delightful textural contrast, making Khaman a true textural and tastebud adventure.
Vada Pav
This Mumbai street food has found a loving home in Ahmedabad. A deep-fried potato patty tucked inside a soft pav bun with chutneys and a sprinkling of fried green chillies, it’s a quick, affordable and oh-so-satisfying snack.
Dabeli
This spicy potato patty inside a soft bun is a foodie’s dream come true. Tangy, sweet and bursting with flavour from a secret spice mix. It’s an explosion of taste and texture.
Dal vada
A deep-fried fritter made with a spiced lentil paste. Crispy on the outside and soft and fluffy on the inside, it’s typically served with a sweet and spicy chutney.
Ragda Patties
Craving something a little saucier? Ragda patties are for you! A deep-fried potato patty gets enveloped in a rich, flavourful chickpea curry (Magda) and topped with chopped onions, coriander and a sprinkle of sev. There’s a flavour explosion in every bite, perfect for satisfying those hunger pangs.
Tea & Maska Bun
No Gujarati snack experience is complete without a cup of hot chai and a maska bun. This sweet, fluffy bun is generously spread with butter, creating a perfect combination of sweet and savoury. It’s the ultimate comfort food, perfect for a relaxed evening with friends or family.
Bhaji Pav
Pav Bhaji is a fast food dish from Mumbai (Bombay), India, consisting of a vegetable curry (bhaji) cooked in tomato gravy and served with a soft bread roll (pav). The bhaji is served with Pav – soft, buttery buns. As an added treat, the bhaji can be topped with cheese!
Sev Khamani
Sev khamani is made with sev (thin gram flour noodles) tossed with chopped vegetables, peanuts, pomegranates and a tangy green chutney. It’s a refreshing and light option.
Masala Dosa
A South Indian staple, has found a special place in Ahmedabad’s heart. This thin, crispy crepe made from fermented rice and lentil batter can be enjoyed plain or stuffed with a variety of fillings. The masala dosa comes with a potato filling cooked with a delicious spice mix.
Cheese Masala Dosa
Amdavadi and cheese have a special relationship. They have introduced cheese masala dosa that adds a delightful layer of melted cheese for an extra indulgent treat. Imagine a giant, crispy crepe filled with spiced potatoes or creamy cheese.
Ganthiya
These little chickpea flour puffs are a staple Gujarati snack. Light, airy and deep-fried to perfection, they are often enjoyed with a cup of chai (Indian tea) for a satisfying afternoon pick-me-up.
Fafda & Jalebi
This classic Gujarati combo is a match made in flavour heaven. Fafda is a crispy gram flour flatbread with a hint of turmeric, while the jalebi, a bright orange sweet pretzel dipped in sugar syrup, provides the perfect hint of sweetness. It’s like yin and yang on a plate, a sweet and salty match that will leave you wanting more of both.
Gota
Don’t mistake it for an area of Ahmedabad, it’s an actual dish. It is a deep-fried spicy and savoury snack from Gujarat. These fritters are made with besan, also known as gram flour, fenugreek leaves (methi), spices and herbs. They are usually served as a snack during tea time.
Frankie
This rolled snack takes inspiration from the Lebanese wrap but adds a desi twist. Stuffed with a variety of fillings like paneer and vegetables, along with chutneys, onions and cheese, it is a customisable and delicious meal on the go.
Burger & Pizza from Ajay’s Cafe
Any conversation about Ahmedabad’s food scene is incomplete without the mention of Ajay’s Cafe! Ahmedabad is such a cosmopolitan city, it enjoys its Gujarati flavours and continental tastes with the same love. Visit any of the Ajay’s Cafe at any time during the day, it will be bustling with Amdavadis enjoying Apna Burgers or a cheesy pizza with a classic cold coffee while playing games on the board games tables.
Now that there’s a delicious list, it is time to start planning outings with friends this summer!