Long considered one of India’s capitals for street snacks, Ahmedabad is a food lover’s delight.

By PRACHI JOSHI

The walled city of Ahmedabad in Gujarat is home to a series of preserved monuments, art galleries, cafes, shopping streets and traditional wooden homes in 300-odd pols or neighbourhoods. Food is, of course, a big part of its living heritage, and there is much to sample here when it comes to local fare.

There is also a vibrant street food culture with several popular hubs like Manek Chowk, Law Garden, Bhatiyar Gali and more, in India’s first UNESCO World Heritage City. Read on to discover the quintessential Amdavadi dishes that you must try.

METHI NA GOTA

Gujaratis love their fried snacks, especially methi na gota. Prepared by adding chopped fenugreek leaves into a spiced chickpea batter and fried as spongy balls, this winter delicacy is served hot with a spicy chutney.

TRY IT AT:

Sabarmati Jail Bhajiya House Dr. Ambedkar Road, Hridaya Kunj

FAFDA-JALEBI

A breakfast of fafda-jalebi will get your Ahmedabad trip off to a great start! Fafda is a savoury gram flour fritter, often served with a side of sambhariyo (tempered papaya sauce). It goes well with the sweet, crunchy jalebi, for they offer a burst of flavours when served piping hot together.

TRY IT AT:

Chandravilas Gandhi Road, Kalupur

KHAMAN

Spongy, fluffy khaman or dhokla is a classic Gujarati snack—glazed with sugar syrup, bursting with flavours and yet, a simple preparation made with gram flour, yoghurt, spices and herbs. A tempering of mustard seeds, asafoetida, and chillies elevates this healthy, steamed dish.

TRY IT AT:

Khaman Multiple outlets; daskhaman.com

GUJARATI THALI

With seasonal preparations like khaman, patra, khichdi, undhiyu, rotli and more served in a heavy metal plate, a Gujarati thali is the perfect lunch for a lazy day. Enjoy aamras (sweet mango pulp) with hot pooris and wash it all down with a tall glass of refreshing chaas (buttermilk)!

TRY IT AT:

Rajvadu Atithi, Bodakdev

KHAKHRA

Think of Gujarati snacks, and khakhra is probably the first to come to mind. This crunchy, flat, savoury cracker (of sorts) comes in many flavours—from plain, methi, or jeera to even non-traditional variants like cheese, Mexican and Manchurian!

TRY IT AT:

Induben Khakhrawala Multiple outlets; indubenkhakhrawala.in

AMDAVADI PIZZA

You cannot visit Ahmedabad and not try the famous Amdavadi pizza. With a crisp biscuit-like base slathered with tomato ketchup, this delicious Gujarati version of pizza is topped with vegetables and copious amounts of cheese—what’s not to like?

TRY IT AT:

Jasuben Shah Old Pizza Navrangpura

HANDVO

A spiced vegetable cake, handvo is a common teatime snack in Gujarat. Grated bottle gourd is mixed with soaked lentil, rice batter and spices, and then baked to golden perfection.

TRY IT AT:

Swati Snacks 13 Gandhibag Society, Panchavati Road, Law Garden

MUTTON CHAAP

Ahmedabad is also famous for its authentic meaty delights. The succulent mutton chaap, or slow-cooked lamb chops in gravy, will leave you wanting for more.

TRY IT AT:

Z K Fry Centre Khas Bazaar, Bhadra

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