Top 10 Foods to Try in Surat

Surat

Surat is a culinary paradise, famous for its vibrant and unique food culture. From mouthwatering street food to traditional delicacies, the city has something for every food lover. Here’s a detailed guide to the Top 10 Foods to Try in Surat, ensuring tourists and city visitors won’t need to look for additional information.

1. Surti Locho

  • Why Try: A signature dish of Surat, Locho is a steamed savory snack made from gram flour and spices. Its soft, crumbly texture and unique flavor make it a must-try.
  • Where to Try:
    • Jalaram Locho House (Adajan, Athwa Gate)
    • Gopal Locho Khaman House (Varachha, Ring Road)
  • Price Range: ₹50 – ₹100 per plate
  • Best Accompaniment: Green chutney and sev.
  • Secret Tip: Try the Butter Cheese Locho for a rich, creamy twist.

2. Undhiyu

  • Why Try: A traditional Gujarati mixed vegetable dish, Undhiyu is cooked with seasonal vegetables, spices, and a generous amount of oil. It’s especially popular during winter.
  • Where to Try:
    • Sasuma Gujarati Thali (Ring Road)
    • Kansar Gujarati Thali (Ghod Dod Road)
  • Price Range: ₹150 – ₹300 per serving
  • Best Accompaniment: Puri and shrikhand.
  • Secret Tip: Visit during Uttarayan (kite festival) for the freshest Undhiyu.

3. Surti Sev Khamani

  • Why Try: A sweet-and-savory dish made from crumbled gram flour cakes, topped with sev, pomegranate seeds, and a tangy chutney.
  • Where to Try:
    • Chauta Bazaar
    • Jagdish Farshan (Athwalines)
  • Price Range: ₹40 – ₹80 per plate
  • Best Accompaniment: A cup of hot chai.
  • Secret Tip: Ask for extra pomegranate seeds for a refreshing twist.

4. Ponk Vada

  • Why Try: A seasonal delicacy made from tender roasted jowar grains (Ponk), mixed with spices, and deep-fried into crispy vadas.
  • Where to Try:
    • Varachha Food Markets
    • Adajan Patiya
  • Price Range: ₹80 – ₹150 per plate
  • Best Time to Try: Winter (November to February).
  • Secret Tip: Pair it with a tangy chutney or sprinkle lime juice for enhanced flavor.

5. Ghari (Sweet Dish)

  • Why Try: A rich, calorie-laden sweet made with ghee, sugar, and dry fruits, Ghari is a specialty of Surat, traditionally served during festivals.
  • Where to Try:
    • Shree Mahadev Sweets (Athwalines)
    • Thakkar Ghariwala (Zampa Bazaar)
  • Price Range: ₹200 – ₹400 per kg
  • Popular Flavors: Kesar, pista, and mawa.
  • Secret Tip: Best enjoyed fresh during Chandi Padva (a local festival).

6. Khaman

  • Why Try: A spongy, savory snack made from fermented gram flour, Khaman is a versatile and flavorful dish enjoyed as breakfast or a snack.
  • Where to Try:
    • Jalaram Khaman House (Ring Road)
    • Dhiraj Sons (Multiple outlets)
  • Price Range: ₹30 – ₹60 per plate
  • Best Accompaniment: Green chutney and fried chilies.
  • Secret Tip: Try Masala Khaman for an added burst of spices.

7. Surti Fafda and Jalebi

  • Why Try: A classic Gujarati breakfast, Fafda (crispy chickpea flour strips) paired with sweet, hot Jalebi is a perfect blend of sweet and savory.
  • Where to Try:
    • Gopal Snacks (Athwalines)
    • Chauta Bazaar
  • Price Range: ₹50 – ₹100 per plate
  • Best Accompaniment: Papaya chutney and fried chilies.
  • Secret Tip: Visit early morning for freshly fried fafda and jalebi.

8. Surti Khichdi

  • Why Try: A wholesome and lightly spiced dish made with rice, lentils, and vegetables, Surti Khichdi is comfort food at its best.
  • Where to Try:
    • Khichdi Samrat (Adajan)
    • Sasuma Gujarati Thali (Ring Road)
  • Price Range: ₹100 – ₹200 per serving
  • Best Accompaniment: Kadhi and papad.
  • Secret Tip: Try Palak Cheese Khichdi for a flavorful twist.

9. Bhajiya

  • Why Try: Surat’s Bhajiya (fritters) are a crispy and delicious snack, often made with besan (gram flour) and onions or potatoes.
  • Where to Try:
    • Lashkari Bhajiya (Dumas Beach)
    • Bhagal Char Rasta
  • Price Range: ₹30 – ₹60 per plate
  • Best Accompaniment: Tangy green chutney.
  • Secret Tip: Pair it with a steaming hot cup of chai during monsoons.

10. Ice Gola

  • Why Try: A refreshing summer treat, Ice Gola is flavored crushed ice served on a stick and topped with sweet syrups.
  • Where to Try:
    • Gopi Talav
    • Pal RTO Food Stalls
  • Price Range: ₹30 – ₹80
  • Popular Flavors: Kala khatta, rose, and mango.
  • Secret Tip: Add condensed milk for a creamy twist.

Quick Comparison Table

Food ItemBest Places to TryPrice RangeBest AccompanimentSecret Tip
Surti LochoJalaram Locho House, Gopal Locho₹50 – ₹100Green chutney, sevTry Butter Cheese Locho for a rich twist.
UndhiyuSasuma Thali, Kansar Thali₹150 – ₹300Puri, shrikhandVisit during Uttarayan for fresh Undhiyu.
Sev KhamaniChauta Bazaar, Jagdish Farshan₹40 – ₹80Hot chaiAdd extra pomegranate seeds for a refreshing kick.
Ponk VadaVarachha, Adajan Patiya₹80 – ₹150Green chutneyOnly available in winter (Nov-Feb).
GhariMahadev Sweets, Thakkar Ghariwala₹200 – ₹400 per kgFresh creamBest enjoyed during Chandi Padva festival.
KhamanJalaram Khaman, Dhiraj Sons₹30 – ₹60Fried chilies, green chutneyTry Masala Khaman for added spice.
Fafda JalebiGopal Snacks, Chauta Bazaar₹50 – ₹100Papaya chutneyFreshly fried fafda and jalebi are the best.
Surti KhichdiKhichdi Samrat, Sasuma Thali₹100 – ₹200Kadhi, papadTry Palak Cheese Khichdi for a unique flavor.
BhajiyaLashkari Bhajiya, Bhagal Char Rasta₹30 – ₹60Green chutneyPerfect during monsoons with chai.
Ice GolaGopi Talav, Pal RTO Food Stalls₹30 – ₹80Condensed milk (optional)Try Kala Khatta flavor for a tangy taste.

Pro Tips for Foodies in Surat

  1. Early Bird Advantage: For breakfast items like Fafda Jalebi, visit early morning for the freshest batches.
  2. Seasonal Specials: Ponk and Undhiyu are available only during winter, so plan your visit accordingly.
  3. Hygiene: Stick to popular stalls and eateries with good hygiene practices.
  4. Experiment: Don’t shy away from trying fusion varieties like Butter Locho or Chocolate Dosa.

This guide ensures a flavorful and unforgettable culinary journey through Surat.

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