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. 

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Hunaaan Indiranagar: A Contemporary Pan-Asian Dining Experience

From bold spices that make you question every meal you’ve ever had to dishes that taste like they’ve travelled the world, Hunaaan delivers flavours that refuse to play it safe. Neha Dua gives a lowdown of the place. This contemporary Pan-Asian restaurant in Indiranagar packs the heat of Thai food, the heartiness of Korean cuisine, delicate Japanese dishes, and wholesome Chinese fare. Step into the 40-seater cosy place for a meal that will slap you awake and then lull you into a food coma. Plates exploding with personality Not having sushi here would be nothing short of criminal. The Ebi Tempura and Avocado Maki is everything one expects from Japanese cuisine. The prawn tempura comes alive in a riot of colours and flavours. Vegetarians, fret not, you can indulge in the Avocado Garden. Their dumplings are delectable, with very fine wrappers and perfectly balanced flavours. The Chilli Coriander Chicken Dumpling is a sight for sore eyes and hits you with a kind of balanced chaos that you can’t have enough of. And if you like your dumplings soupy, the Basil Flavoured Curry Dumpling won’t disappoint. Raise a glass to excellence A smooth Virgin Pina Colada, featuring creamy coconut milk, has the potential to teleport you to a tropical destination, while the Soju Picanté, a Hunaaan Signature Cocktail, is aptly described as “Everything you want from a picanté: Spicy, lemony, and we dare you to have just one.” Shaken. Stirred. Sipped. A little oink, a little sugar, and a lot of swagger Hunaaan’s imported pork belly deserves a mention. Doesn’t melt in your mouth, but is definitely less fatty than several other places. If you’re a tofu fan, don’t skip the tofu sizzler. But be prepared to share it with one or two others, for the portion size is HUGE. Although

Pure Kitchen to SOL55: Café Hops Across India

What: The Pure KitchenWhere: Bandra The Pure Kitchen brings a refreshing, honest take on clean eating to Bandra, one that feels warm, approachable, and rooted in real nourishment. Founded by Aaliya Ahuja of Oleander Farms and Saltt Karjat, the brand reflects her belief that healthy food shouldn’t feel like a punishment. Instead of restricting ingredients, The Pure Kitchen champions better alternatives: monk fruit instead of refined sugar, unprocessed honey over syrups, and clean, mindful swaps that elevate nutrition without compromising flavour. What truly sets the space apart is its transparency; every dish arrives with a protein count and calorie breakdown, empowering diners to make choices that serve their lifestyle. From low-carb bowls and vibrant vegan plates to guilt-free desserts, the menu balances comfort with consciousness. The Bandra outlet itself is a cosy, calm reprieve, ideal for mindful lunches, post-workout meals, or a quick grab-and-go treat from the charming coffee window. Pure, fuss-free, and thoughtfully crafted, The Pure Kitchen makes eating clean feel genuinely delightful. What: Dynamo, Vagator Hilltop Where: Goa Dynamo, located on the scenic Vagator Hilltop in Goa, is redefining the state’s sundowner culture with a seamless transition from laid-back sunset moods to an energetic, music-driven nightlife atmosphere. The Cliffside restro-lounge offers uninterrupted sea views, a curated cocktail program by internationally acclaimed consultants, and a menu shaped by chefs trained under award-winning culinary leaders. Signature plates such as Chaap & Chokha, Chilaquiles, Falafel Mezze Platter, and Korean Wings pair effortlessly with cocktails like Special Train to Goa, Spirit of the West, and Calico: The Painted Horse, each crafted with depth, flavour, and narrative. The interiors combine rustic Wild West cues with contemporary metal accents, creating a warm yet edgy aesthetic across its terrace, lounge seating, VIP sections, and bar-side tables. As the sun dips and the music builds, Dynamo

Kai Kitchen in Bangalore: A global feast in the clouds

Bangalore is often known for its weather, start-up culture, and (unfortunately) traffic. Let’s throw another iconic thing into this mix: Kai Bar and Kitchen. Located on the thirteenth floor in the heart of the city, this rooftop restaurant feels like an escape pod from the city below. Once you step off the elevator, the noisy streets become a thing of the past, as you get ready to indulge in an “elevated” dining experience. Allow NEHA DUA to walk you through it. The exceptional use of natural light makes the already spacious interiors look even larger and more open. The retractable glass ceiling, coupled with the relaxed atmosphere, creates an inviting vibe, perfect for indulging in a sobremesa that lasts hours! Their special fixed lunch menu, aptly named Zenith, is proof that great food tastes even better with a view. It comprises a thoughtfully curated selection of Asian, Continental, Oriental, and Mediterranean influences. Five courses, five moments You would expect the prices to be as sky-high as the view, but they are unbelievably down-to-earth. Zenith offers two options in its fixed menu: a three-course meal priced at 999 and a five-course meal priced at 1299. Plus taxes, of course. We highly recommend the latter, because the more the better, right? Soups, salads, dimsums, sushi, appetizers, large plates, and desserts. Gotta have ‘em all. The Smoked Chicken Salad, with baby arugula, dressed to perfection with a yuzu vinaigrette, feels fresh and is quite the looker. The Togarashi Crispy Lamb seemed a little too crisp, but felt familiar and comforting in its own right. Vegetarians, you will probably love the Edamame Dumplings and Green Paradise Sushi, both offering a symphony of flavours. A very special mention here to the Chocolate and Cranberry Cookie Dough Tart with Mascarpone Cream. Decadent yet subtle, the berries’

Top New Restaurant Menus in Mumbai and Delhi

What: New menu at Vanilla Beans Where: Bandra, Mumbai Vanilla Beans, Mumbai’s premium eggless patisserie, has launched its New Strawberry Menu, celebrating the city’s strawberry season with fresh, handcrafted creations. Known for its artisanal, made-to-order desserts, the Bandra-based brand founded by mother-son duo Deepa and Rohit Desai continues to champion seasonal produce through layered textures and bold flavour pairings. This year, alongside its cult-favourite Nutella Strawberry Cake (also available in single-serve tubs from ₹250), Vanilla Beans introduces two new highlights: the Nutella Strawberry Krispy Kunafa, made with imported kataifi and homemade pistachio paste for a delicate crunch, and the Nutella Strawberry Crunchy Crumble, featuring a buttery crumble over creamy Nutella and fresh strawberries. The expanded collection also includes Belgian Dark Chocolate Strawberry, Biscoff Strawberry, and Strawberry Cheesecake, with vegan and sugar-free options across cakes, bentos, and tubs. What: KampaiWhere: New Delhi Kampai, one of Delhi’s most prominent modern Japanese restaurants under TasteShop Pvt. Ltd., celebrates its seventh anniversary with a first-of-its-kind feedback-driven menu. Known for its authentic flavours and warm hospitality, the brand invited loyal diners and 10 leading food enthusiasts to co-create its refreshed culinary direction. Guided by the Kampai chef team, months of tastings and guest review sheets shaped a dynamic new menu that blends Japanese classics with contemporary Asian influences. The revamped selection introduces bold additions such as Sandos, Sushi Tacos, Crispy Nori Bites, Prawn Sesame Toast and Cornets, all enhanced with Japanese condiments and house-made sauces. Desserts see a dramatic upgrade too, featuring a Pull-Up Cake, Cotton Cheesecake, and the much-awaited Mochi in signature flavours. With locations in Aerocity and Vasant Kunj, Kampai continues to pair minimal Japanese aesthetics with a vibrant social dining atmosphere marking a new chapter fuelled by community, creativity, and collaboration. What: SumaWhere: MumbaiSuma, Mumbai’s newest fine-dining destination by S.P. Motles, founded

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