Vadodara is a food lover’s paradise, offering a range of delicious and unique dishes that reflect Gujarat’s rich culinary heritage. Here’s a detailed guide to the top 10 foods to try in Vadodara, perfect for tourists and visitors:
1. Dhokla
- Description: A popular snack in Gujarat, Dhokla is a savory steamed cake made from fermented rice and chickpea flour. It is light, fluffy, and served with tangy chutneys.
- Where to Try: Vishal’s Chat, Mandvi Market, and local eateries around Sayajigunj.
- Cost per Plate: ₹30 – ₹100
- Highlights: A delicious and healthy snack that can be eaten for breakfast or as an appetizer.
2. Fafda with Jalebi
- Description: This is one of the most iconic breakfast combinations in Vadodara. Fafda is a crispy, deep-fried snack made from chickpea flour, usually served with spicy Chutney and sweet Jalebi.
- Where to Try: Lokmanya Nagar, Sayaji Garden, and Khanderao Market.
- Cost per Plate: ₹50 – ₹150
- Highlights: The perfect blend of savory and sweet for a traditional Gujarati breakfast.
3. Khandvi
- Description: Khandvi is a soft, rolled snack made from gram flour and yogurt, seasoned with mustard seeds, sesame seeds, and curry leaves. It’s light yet flavorful.
- Where to Try: Vishal’s Chat, Sasumaa Gujarati Thali.
- Cost per Plate: ₹40 – ₹100
- Highlights: A flavorful and healthy snack, light yet packed with taste.
4. Patra
- Description: Patra is a savory roll made from colocasia leaves smeared with a spicy gram flour paste, steamed, and sliced into pieces. It’s a popular street snack that’s both filling and flavorful.
- Where to Try: Sasumaa Gujarati Thali, Mandvi Market.
- Cost per Plate: ₹50 – ₹150
- Highlights: A delicious, healthy, and spicy Gujarati snack often enjoyed with chutney.
5. Thepla
- Description: Thepla is a traditional Gujarati flatbread made from wheat flour, fenugreek leaves, and spices. It’s often served with yogurt, pickles, or curry.
- Where to Try: Aaram Nagar Food Street, Shiv Sai Dormitory.
- Cost per Plate: ₹60 – ₹150
- Highlights: A flavorful, spicy flatbread perfect for breakfast or lunch, especially paired with yogurt and pickles.
6. Dabeli
- Description: Dabeli is a famous street food consisting of spicy mashed potatoes stuffed in a bun, garnished with pomegranate seeds, peanuts, and chutney. It’s often referred to as the Gujarati burger.
- Where to Try: Sayaji Garden, Sasumaa Gujarati Thali.
- Cost per Plate: ₹40 – ₹100
- Highlights: A spicy, tangy, and crunchy street food loved by both locals and visitors.
7. Pani Puri
- Description: Pani Puri, also known as Gol Gappa, is a popular street food where small, round, hollow puris are filled with spicy and tangy water, potatoes, and chickpeas.
- Where to Try: Vishal’s Chat, Sayaji Garden, Mandvi Market.
- Cost per Plate: ₹30 – ₹80
- Highlights: A refreshing and spicy snack with a burst of flavors.
8. Khichu
- Description: Khichu is a savory, spicy steamed dish made from rice flour, seasoned with cumin and ajwain (carom seeds), and served with a dollop of ghee. It’s a popular comfort food in Gujarat.
- Where to Try: Lal Baug, Shiv Sai Dormitory.
- Cost per Plate: ₹50 – ₹120
- Highlights: A soft, spicy dish perfect for a light snack or meal, especially when served with chutney.
9. Surati Locho
- Description: Locho is a savory dish made from steamed gram flour, topped with a spicy tempering of mustard seeds, chilies, and garlic, often served with chutney.
- Where to Try: Surati Locho House (A local favorite spot).
- Cost per Plate: ₹40 – ₹100
- Highlights: A popular breakfast or snack item in Surat and Vadodara, known for its tangy and spicy flavor.
10. Handvo
- Description: Handvo is a savory baked cake made from rice and lentils, flavored with mustard seeds, sesame seeds, and green chilies. It’s often enjoyed with yogurt or chutney.
- Where to Try: Vishal Mega Mart, Sasumaa Gujarati Thali.
- Cost per Plate: ₹60 – ₹150
- Highlights: A healthy, filling, and flavorful snack often served during festivals or family gatherings.
Additional Tips
- Street Food Safety: Always ensure you buy from reputable street food vendors to avoid foodborne illnesses. It’s important to check the cleanliness of the stalls before ordering.
- Best Time to Visit: Street food in Vadodara is most popular in the evening, especially around Sayaji Garden, Mandvi Market, and Lal Baug.
- Don’t Miss the Chutneys: Most dishes come with flavorful chutneys. Don’t miss out on trying them, as they enhance the taste of the dish.
- Cash and Payments: While many vendors in Vadodara accept cash, some may also have digital payment options (QR codes for UPI), so it’s handy to carry both.
Enjoy your culinary adventure in Vadodara and make sure to indulge in these local favorites for an authentic taste of the city!