Gujarati food is so varied that anyone and everyone will find something for them. From mild dishes to spicy treats, the traditional Gujarati cuisine will surely make you break your diet oaths. And the desserts are simply mind-blowing.
But with so much food, we don't want you to get confused. Hence, we have created a list of the traditional food of Gujarat so you do not miss their regional dishes.
Traditional Gujarati Food List
- Dhokla
- Gathiya
- Khichdi
- Thepla
- Khandvi
- Jalebi Fafda
- Khaman
- Handvo
- Undhiyu
- Lilva Kachori
- Sev Tameta Nu Shak
- Gujarati Kadhi
- Basundi
- Mohanthal
- Khichu
- Gujiya
- Khakhra
- Surati Ghari
- Gota
- Dabeli
Dhokla
An exceptional Gujarat food, Dhokla, is soft and spongy and typically served in square pieces with chutney. It's a versatile dish that can be enjoyed anytime, whether for breakfast, lunch, dinner, or as a snack with tea. A tempering of mustard seeds, curry leaves, and cumin seeds are often added to enhance its flavours and aroma. Dhokla, made from fermented rice and chickpeas, is a must-try for all food enthusiasts visiting Gujarat.
Gathiya
Gujarat has a gem known as Gathiya. This traditional food of Gujarat has transcended regional boundaries to captivate taste buds across the country. These delightful bites are crafted from chickpea flour and fried to a beautiful dark yellow hue, offering a crunchy texture that remains pleasantly soft. Unlike many fried snacks that can become hard, Gathiya retains its inviting texture. For those with a sweet tooth, a delectable variant of Gathiya offers a sweet twist to this savoury treat. Whether enjoyed with morning tea or as an evening snack, Gathiya invites you to experience rich and diverse flavours.
Khichdi
Gujarati Khichdi stands out from regular Khichdi's exceptionally delicious taste, earning it the title of India's national food. This traditional Gujarat food is light, healthy, and nutritious, making it a favourite among many. In Gujarat, locals prepare their version of Khichdi using a mix of cereals, rice, ghee, and vegetables. These ingredients combine to create a flavourful dish catering to all tastes.
Thepla
Theplas are flatbreads crafted from gram flour, fenugreek leaves, and various spices. They are somewhat similar to thin Parathas enjoyed for breakfast. A Gujarat trip would be incomplete without savouring Thepla, an important dish of the traditional Gujarati cuisine. Best enjoyed whenever Theplas reach new heights of deliciousness when paired with a steaming cup of tea. Mango pickle provides the perfect complement for those yearning for an accompaniment. While Theplas are traditionally made with fenugreek leaves, those seeking variety can explore options such as Spinach and Radish variations.
Khandvi
Khandvi is a delectable combination of buttermilk and gram flour, flavoured with black sesame seeds and encased in delicate layers. These snacks offer a delightful balance of sweet and savoury flavours. Garnished with cumin and curry leaves, Khandvi boasts a taste that appeals to every palate. Popular in Maharashtra as well, this dish is irresistible, though achieving the perfect consistency can be challenging for amateur cooks. To taste authentic Khandvi, visit Ahmedabad or Surat and indulge in this delicacy for breakfast.
Jalebi Fafda
Filled with sweetness, Jalebi Fafda is a wonderful combination. It is a popular Gujarati snack that combines the crispy and savoury flavours of fafda with the sweetness of jalebi. Fafda is a crunchy snack made from gram flour (besan) and spices, while jalebi is a sweet, deep-fried dessert made from refined wheat flour batter soaked in sugar syrup. Combining these two contrasting flavours and textures makes Jalebi Fafda a unique and delicious treat often enjoyed as a breakfast or snack item. You may have had jalebi, but it tastes better with Fafda.
Khaman
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Dhokla and Khaman are often used interchangeably, but they are distinct dishes of the traditional Gujarati cuisine. Khaman, made from chana flour, has a spongy texture similar to Dhokla. As it contains more soda, it is fluffier and has a distinct aroma. What sets Khaman apart is its delightful blend of sweet and salty flavours that complement each other perfectly. If you're looking to experience the famous foods of Gujarat, trying it at a Gujarati restaurant is a must. You can also know how to make it to recreate its authentic taste at home.
Handvo
Include this delectable and renowned Gujarati dessert in your list of must-try dishes. Handvo is a savoury cake crafted from fermented lentils and rice, baked and pan-fried for a golden-brown hue. It comprises various vegetables and crushed peanuts, offering a distinct taste from Dhokla despite its similar appearance. Handvo is cooked in a unique pressure cooker and garnished with a tempering of curry leaves and cumin seeds to enhance its flavours.
Undhiyu
This Gujarati food is a medley of vegetables served with hot rotis. Undhiyu is a winter-special Gujarati cuisine cooked in an inverted clay pot, also known as an undhu, from which it gets its name. The recipe typically includes chickpeas, eggplant, banana, potatoes, and green peas, but you can add more vegetables according to your taste. All these ingredients are cooked slowly on a low flame with coconut, buttermilk, and a variety of spices. Undhiyu can also be served with puris. In fact, Undhiyu with puri and shrikhand is considered a perfect combination for Gujarati weddings.
Lilva Kachori
Lilva Kachori is a perfect snack for tea time during monsoon. These are crafted from various flours and stuffed with a special Gujarati filling, often featuring pigeon peas. To make them, prepare a dough of white flour, stuff pigeon peas or your preferred filling, shape it into balls, and fry until golden. Serve with a green or sweet chutney alongside a steaming cup of tea. It also makes a delightful snack to share with guests.
Sev Tameta Nu Shak
If you're in the mood for a light and flavourful dinner, this special food of Gujarat is sure to hit the spot. Even your kids will enjoy it! Known as "sev tamatar nu shak," this recipe features a tangy and sweet flavour from the combination of sev, tomatoes, and spices. Simply sauté diced onions and tomatoes in oil, then cook them over low heat until well blended. Garnish with sev and coriander for an added touch.
Gujarati Kadhi
It is another famous dish from the traditional Gujarati cuisine. This dish is simple, light, and delightful, offering a perfect blend of savoury and sweet notes in each mouthful. Known as white Kadhi, it derives its sweetness from jaggery. When enhanced with pakodas, this spicy-sweet combination is especially refreshing during summer. Typically enjoyed with plain rice and hot chapatis, Gujarati Kadhi completes a traditional Gujarati meal.
Basundi
You might believe that Gujarat is primarily known for its sweet treats, and you'd be correct. Basundi is a dessert similar to Rabdi, often served during special celebrations in Gujarat. It's made by simmering condensed milk and mixing grapes, apples, and other delightful flavours. If you're familiar with Rabdi from North India or other regions, Basundi is quite similar. Its flavours are unique and more enticing than the usual Rabdi and Falooda.
Mohanthal
This traditional sweet dish from Gujarat is a favourite, especially during festivals. Made from gram flour(sweetened) and adorned with cardamom and nuts, Mohanthal is a staple in most households. It holds significance during Janmashtami, as it is believed to be Lord Krishna's favourite sweet and is often shared with guests. While it is commonly made during festivals and gatherings, it is also a go-to dessert for satisfying sweet cravings. With its simple recipe and few ingredients, Mohanthal stands out as one of Gujarat's most delicious desserts.
Khichu
This sticky and smooth Gujarati food is a popular street food, often enjoyed during Navaratri. It's commonly found at nearby stalls. The dough and ingredients, like green chillies and cumin seeds, are steamed and seasoned with groundnut oil, enhancing the unique flavour of this dish. For those who prefer alternatives to rice flour, Khichu can also be made with Bajri and Nachani flour. Its sticky and smooth texture is especially loved by children, making it an ideal winter snack that is widely enjoyed during Gujarati festivals.
Gujiya
Gujiya is a traditional food of Gujarat that is a festival special. It is renowned during Holi and other festivities. The dough is filled with sweet fillings and deep-fried until golden, known as Ghughra in Gujarat. For those mindful of their health, the baked version offers a delicious and flavourful option without adding to their calorie intake.
Khakhra
Khakra is a special food of Gujarat and has gained popularity as a delicious evening snack. Its crispy texture and salty flavour make it a favourite among food enthusiasts. This flatbread, regarded as a Jain cuisine, is made with mat bean and wheat flour. Enjoy it with date-tamarind chutney and green chilli-coriander chutney. Khakra pairs well with pickles and is perfect for breakfast or snacks with tea.
Surati Ghari
It is named after being popular in Surat. It is a favourite sweet enjoyed during Chandani Padva. Its origins are traced to the 18th century. It was first created by renowned freedom fighter Tatya Tope's chefs to provide strength to soldiers during wartime. Ghari is round in shape and filled with delightful sweet fillings made from puri, ghee, and milk, offering a delicious treat.
Gota
Pakodas are a popular snack in India, made with different spices and styles in each state. In Gujarat, they make a special kind of Pakoda using Methi and Besan. One famous Gujarati Pakoda is Gota, a special Gujarat food during Holi. You can eat Gota with a sweet chutney made from tamarind and dates or with tomato ketchup. If you like Pakodas, you should try Gujarati Gota. You can find it at food stalls, and it tastes great with green chutney or sweet chutney, especially in the monsoon.
Dabeli
Dabeli can be considered the Gujarati equivalent of Mumbai's Vada Pav. While their textures are similar, Dabeli boasts a distinctive taste. This Gujarati food is a popular street food from Kutch. It is often enjoyed with evening tea or by itself as a snack. Its buns are filled with sev, peanuts, chutney, pomegranate, Dabeli masala, and spices.
So, aren’t these dishes tempting? Do keep this handy when looking for traditional food in Gujarat.
If you are staying at any Club Mahindra Resorts in Gujarat, check the menu for these dishes. Or you can even ask the experienced staff there for traditional Gujarati cuisine.
