A food trail in the heart of Ahmedabad

A food trail in the heart of Ahmedabad (1)

Khavanu, pivanu, majja ni life! This is the mantra residents of Ahmedabad swear by! Whether they are catching up with friends, or a business meeting, shopping, or picking groceries, snacks and especially street snacks are looked forward to more than often and are the highlights of the day. KETKI GADRE goes on a lip-smacking journey…

You wouldn’t know the number of items that can be cooked up with besan (gram flour) unless you visit Gujarat. Fried besan snacks are especially popular in Ahmedabad and form the majority of their street food. Ahmedabad’s street food scene is evergreen – no matter what season or time of day. Let’s dig into the favourites!

Fafda and Jalebi

This is the breakfast staple in Ahmedabad and Saurashtra. A day cannot start without eating this fried plateful served with green papaya spiced salad and kadhi (a thick gravy made from gram flour and yoghurt, with Indian spices) On the side? Crispy jalebis. There are generationally run chains of family-run restaurants that make and sell fafda and jalebi for all days of the year, making it a staple street food and must-have. Fafda-jalebi is especially popular during Dussehra when locals line up at midnight in queues to get a piece of fried heaven.

Where: Oshwal, 14, Ajanta Commercial Complex, Ashram Rd, Usmanpura

Khaman

Soft, spongy, sweet, and savoury is how khaman can be described. Though it is confused with dhokla, khaman is softer and juicier and one of the favourite street foods of Ahmedabad. Garnished with mustard seeds, green chillies and coriander, khaman is a healthy and delicious snack. 

Where: Das Khaman, 2, Trade Center, Stadium Cross Rd, Navarangpura Gam, Navrangpura

Dal-Wada

Dal-Wada is to Ahmedabad what kanda bhajji is to Pune, especially when it rains. This deep-fried concoction of ground fermented yellow lentils with ginger and chilli paste is a monsoon must-have street food and enjoyed otherwise too.


Where: Ambica Dalwada Centre, G – 3, Shivam Complex, B/h H. L. Commerce College

Chai and maska-bun

Bread-Butter is revered in Ahmedabad in the form of maska-bun. Tea is the official beverage of Ahmedabad, and it is known that business deals worth crores happen over chai-ki-kitli in this city. The maska-bun makes for the perfect tea accompaniment on street in between meetings

Where: Lucky Restaurant, Opposite City College, Lal Darwaja

Dabeli

Also known as the Indian burger, dabeli is a bread bun sandwiched in the perfect mix of potato filling, spices, chutneys, peanuts, and pomegranate, nicely bathed in butter and served hot. It is an explosion of sorts in the mouth with crunchy as well as soft textures and a combined taste of sweet, hot, and sour. It feels like a festival when one is savouring dabeli – a gift from Kutch.

Where: Karnavati Dabeli, Shop No. 1/ Ground Floor, Radhamandir Complex, Opp. Hirabhai Tower, Uttamnagar, Maninagar

Bhajiya 

A brand in itself, this small shop in the old city of Ahmedabad has been serving bhajiyas for over 87 years and has an ardent fan base thanks to the consistent taste maintained over the years. The mix bhajiyas are the most sought-after option.

Where: Raipur Bhajiya House, Raipur Darwaja

Samosa

Samosa is probably the favourite street snack all over India, served in so many varieties and versions. There is no dearth of options: while the most common is the potato filling, there is also the Chinese flavoured noodle filling, as well as paneer or chicken fillings. Samosas in Ahmedabad have a special daal filling available and is known as Navtad na Samosa.

Where: Maharaj Samosa Centre, Kunjan Complex, 1 & 2, Kumkum Society, Sardar Patel Stadium Rd, Naranpura 

Burgers

This is a place that serves desi burgers in the heart of Ahmedabad and has a fan following due to its variety of meat burgers as well. For almost two decades, this place has been selling burgers with different fillings such as aloo tikki, egg, chicken burgers, and many more, all topped with cheese. Other snacks which make it to their shelves are paneer puff, aloo puff, Danish buns and cupcakes. 

Where: Salimbhai’s Burger and Puffs, Besides L.J Campus, Sarkhej – Gandhinagar Hwy, Sarkhej

Kulfi

This list would be incomplete without mentioning the sweet tooth of Gujaratis. This street dessert is a favourite among the locals. The humble kulfi is the one that can single-handedly take on the frosty cupcakes, chocolate pancakes and maple syrup waffles. 


Where: Asharfilal Kulfi, Nr. Happiness Parlour, Vijay Cross Road, Navrangpura

All these food haunts are a beloved part of the city and their wares can be best enjoyed standing by the roadside, or sitting on rickety benches and plastic chairs, while the Ahmedabad traffic moves on. 

Leave a comment

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Farzi Beach Goa: Cocktails, Sunset Vibes & Playful Plates by the Sea

If you’re looking for a beachside spot in Morjim that mixes sundowner energy with inventive cocktails, Farzi Beach Goa is worth a stop. Part of Zorawar Kalra’s ever-growing stable of Farzified concepts, this laid-back restaurant at Mayfair on the Sea brings Farzi’s trademark playfulness to a breezy coastal setting, complete with live music and a front-row view of the Arabian Sea. Sip: Creative Cocktails by the Shore The bar menu is where Farzi Beach really sparkles. The KitKat Picante featuring tequila, fresh watermelon, Tabasco, and lime is an instant mood-setter, balancing sweet heat with tropical freshness. Picante lovers can also try the Wasabi Fistron, a sharp kick of wasabi, mint, and cucumber, or the Habanero Picante for a deeper spice hit. From the Farzi style creations, the Kokum Collins (Goan kokum puree, gin, citrus) is tangy and refreshing, while the Chuski Margarita riffs on the classic with an aam panna chuski perched in the glass. With an extensive cocktail list covering everything from fruity spritzes to smoky infusions, there’s something for every palate and every Instagram story. Bite: Fusion Plates & Familiar Comforts Farzi Beach’s food menu is extensive, featuring a diverse range of Indian, Asian, European, and Middle Eastern flavours. Tapas like Dahi Puchka Shots and Hibiscus Pani Puri are playful and photogenic the latter comes with a rose-rimmed edge and the option of spiking it with vodka. The Asparagus & Edamame Dim Sum is soft and fresh, while the Dal Chawal Arancini cleverly fuses homestyle comfort with Italian crispness. For non-vegetarians, the Chicken Changrezi Quesadilla stands out with its juicy filling and a smoky red-pepper sauce. Pizzas are crowd-pleasers too: the Tropical Temptation is all about sunshine flavours, and the Jasper Chicken Pizza piles pulled chicken, red paprika, and spring onion over a thin crust. If you’re looking

The New Wave of Indian Fine Dining

From luxury ice cream to buzzy rooftop clubs, India’s dining scene is brimming with exciting new openings. Here’s a look at the freshest launches across Bengaluru, Hyderabad, Pune, and Mumbai. Nandhini Opens Grand New Outlet on St. Mark’s RoadWhere: Bangalore Bengaluru’s iconic Andhra dining destination, Nandhini, has unveiled its latest and most ambitious outlet yet on St. Marks Road, opening September 10th. Spanning 6,000 sq. ft. with a 250-seat capacity, this marks one of the brand’s most significant projects to date. Designed by Reshma Raju & Nishant Raju of Abstract Design Studio, the space blends tradition with contemporary flair, inspired by Bengaluru’s T2 Airport and its “Garden City” identity. The outlet offers thoughtful experiences, such as the Biryani Bell ritual and Polaroid giveaways, alongside two private dining rooms for intimate gatherings. Guests can enjoy Nandhini classics, including Andhra Meals, Chilli Chicken, and Nellore Biryani, as well as exclusive new dishes such as Gunpowder Popcorn, Paneer Ghee Roast Biryani, Appam with Mutton Chops, and more. A refreshed bar menu featuring beer on tap and signature cocktails complements the fiery Andhra flavours. With 18 outlets in Bengaluru, Nandhini now sets its sights on national and international expansion, bringing Andhra cuisine to the global stage. SALT Restaurant All Set To Launch Its Second Outlet Where: Hyderabad Adding to the city’s evolving dining scene, SALT is set to open its second outlet in Hyderabad, offering a fine-dining experience that celebrates Indian cuisine with a modern twist. Already loved in Chennai, Bengaluru, and Pune, SALT lives up to its tagline “Indian Food Made Interesting” with Chef Balachander leading the charge. The menu spans across India, from Galouti Kebabs and Butter Chicken Lollipops to Alleppey Fish Curry and Masaledar Prawn Biryani, complemented by inventive mocktails like Kala Khatta and Turmeric Maple Hot Toddy. The new space

Festive Flavors: Chefs Share Their Favourite Recipes for a Delicious Diwali

Diwali is a festival of lights, laughter, and above all flavours that bring families and friends together. From age-old mithais to inventive fusion bites, the festive table is as much a celebration as the fireworks in the sky. This year, we bring you chefs who open their recipe books and hearts, sharing dishes that add sparkle to your celebrations. Whether you’re planning an elaborate spread or looking for quick festive fixes, these recipes promise to make your Diwali truly memorable. CHEF MALVIKA HADA KUMAR About Malvika: Malvika Hada Kumar is a recipe developer and food content manager with over eight years of experience in curating engaging culinary content. What began as a passion for cooking soon turned into The Spicy Story her platform dedicated to simple, creative, and approachable recipes. In just two years, she has built a vibrant community of over 1 million followers, inspiring food lovers with flavours, traditions, and stories from her kitchen. About recipe – Mathe Wale Aloo A rustic Rajasthani-style potato curry simmered in buttermilk, infusing it with an earthy aroma and a comforting taste. What makes it truly special for Diwali is its simplicity! After all the decadent sweets and heavy festive dishes, this simple curry with garma garam pooris feels like home on a plate. Mathe Wale Aloo Recipe 👇🏻 Ingredients – 2 tbsp oil 1 tsp cumin seeds 1/2 tsp mustard seeds 1/4 tsp hing 1 tbsp ginger, finely chopped 2 green chillies, finely chopped 2 tbsp besan 1 tsp red chilli powder 1/2 tsp turmeric powder 2 tsp coriander powder 1/2 cup water 2-3 boiled potatoes, slightly mashed 1-1/2 cups buttermilk Salt, to taste 1 tsp dry mint 1/2 tsp garam masala powder 1 tbsp coriander, finely chopped Instructions: Heat oil. Add cumin seeds, mustard seeds, hing, and cook for a

Celebrating Goddess Durga with South Indian

Durga Puja is one of the most vibrant and widely celebrated festivals in India, especially in West Bengal, Assam, Odisha, and Tripura. The festival, which honours Goddess Durga’s victory over Mahishasura, is marked by grand pandals, cultural programs, traditional rituals, and of course, food. While Bengali delicacies like khichuri, luchi, aloor dum, and mishti doi usually dominate the festival menu, this year, why not add a unique twist by embracing the rich flavours of South India? South Indian cuisine is known for its aromatic spices, diverse vegetarian options, and comforting flavours. Adding these dishes to your Durga Puja celebrations not only introduces variety but also showcases India’s culinary diversity. Imagine enjoying your bhog with crispy dosas or finishing a cultural evening with a steaming bowl of payasam it’s a fusion that blends tradition with innovation. One of the simplest yet most flavourful dishes to include is lemon rice. Light, tangy, and quick to prepare, lemon rice can be served as part of the bhog or as an evening snack for pandal hoppers. For a richer dish, bisi bele bath, a wholesome mix of rice, lentils, tamarind, and spices, brings comfort food vibes with a festive flair. Its hearty texture and aromatic seasoning make it a perfect counterpart to traditional khichuri. When it comes to snacks, South India offers endless options. Medu vada, the crispy lentil doughnut, pairs beautifully with coconut chutney and sambar. These golden delights can easily be served at community gatherings during Puja evenings. Another great option is masala dosa crispy crepes stuffed with spiced potatoes, served with chutneys. It’s a crowd favourite and can be adapted to large gatherings. Of course, no festival is complete without sweets, and South India has plenty to offer. Payasam, made with rice or vermicelli, simmered in milk and flavoured with cardamom

You May Also Like

Connect with us