14 Ahmedabad Street Foods No One Should Miss
Gujjus are foodies – yes we are. And Gujjus also invented some of the most amazing snack items in the world – the khaman, dhokla, fafda, thepla, khakhra, dalwada, chavana….. Now these items may or may not have been invented in Gujarat but Gujaratis have certainly made them their own. These items are carried along on every journey in shiny stainless steel containers with all requisite accompaniments like achaar, chhundo, chutney, chheenn and so on. No sooner does the bus/train start than do those containers emerge; to be generously offered around to all within arm’s reach. So even non-Gujaratis have at least a nodding acquaintance with Gujarati food, because you know they’ve traveled in the same train compartment redolent with various aromas of Gujju Nashtas. But Gujarati food is about more than just its snacks. Here are some Ahmedabad street foods you cannot afford to miss; residents and visitors alike:
1. Asharfi Ni Kulfi
There is a mind boggling variety of ice-cream available in Ahmedabad, but it goes beyond the Vadialals, the Amuls and even the Havmor ice creams. There is a robust kulfi tradition – people head out after dinner to sample the delights of malai kulfi, , strawberry, chocolate, sitaphal, mango, BPK (badam pista kesar), Rajbhog.. The list goes on.
2. Das Surti Khaman
This besan dish has many variants, served with or without the strangely named nylon sev. There is TamTam khaman, Sada Khaman, Mariwala (pepper) Khaman, and green-fry khaman and more!
Famous Nylon Sev
3. Induben na khakhra
This is a veritable Alibaba’s cave for the snacker – theplas, puris, ganthiyas, khakhras of every hue – with ‘Chinese’ flavoring, for the diet conscious, you name it!
4. Kitlli ni Chai
Outside every college or close to every office is that ubiquitous Indian thing – the chai thela. In Ahmedabad it is known as the kitli (literally kettle). Boiled to within an inch of its life, thick, syrupy sweet, delicious, chai is but an excuse. The kitli is a place to meet and greet, exchange news; even to have a really cheap date!
5. Everything at Manekchowk
Manekchow in the walled city is a hive of activity during the day; jewelers briskly ply their trade. By evening this place is transformed. Magically, food carts, stools, tables and chairs appear and all manner of food is served up: Ragda Pattice, Papri Chaat, pani puri, Pulao, exotic Sandwiches, Gujarati versions of chowmein and much more.
6. Everything at Law Garden
Similar to Manekchowk is Law Garden (so called because of the proximity to Gujarat Law Society School and College) in the newer areas of the city. You will find much of what you will find at Manekchowk – cheap and cheerful street food of Ahmedabad! Be sure to have the Pijja (Pizza for the untutored)
7. Kharek
This curiously Gujrarati Street food is made from dried dates, and digestive powders (churan). Typically the same guy will also serve you Hajmahajam nu pani (digestive water rather like jaljeera) It is must to help you digest what you have unwisely consumed at Manekchowk and Law Garden
8. Baraf Gola
This is a cheap treat made from shaved ice and sweet flavoured syrup packed around a wooden stick. Here’s the challenge – eat it all up without letting it break and fall!
9. Dalwada
I suppose they have dalwada, (a kind of dal pakoda) in other places in India. But they just do NOT taste the same as those in Ahmedabad – served with sliced onions and green chillies.
10.Jail na bhajiya
My nephew has told me about this street food of more recent nascence – Jail Na Bhajiya (literally Prison Pakodas) that are made and sold by prison inmates of the Sabarmati Jail.
11.Haleem at Bhatiyar Gali
Pounded wheat, dal, spices and meat – slow cooked and then served garnished with crisp fried onions, mint leaves and chopped chillies. This is Haleem or Khichda (purists will argue that the two are completely different and I bow to their superior knowledge). Haleem from Bhatiyar gali (literally chef’s lane) happens to be one of the most superior foods in the world. Also have the anjeer halwa at Bhatiyar Gali, Ahmedabad’s famous non-veg counterpart of Manekchowk and Law Garden.
12.Famous / Bera Mutton Samosas
There are those who argue that nothing can touch Famous Mutton Samosas (opposite St Xavier School Mirzapur). Then there are those who say Bera is the gold standard – I will take either.
13.Everything at Baghdad Fry Centre
Kheema, Mutton Chaap, Gurda, Kaleji, Bheja Fry, and other unmentionables organs of the animal find their way to the Tawa at Baghdad Fry Centre. Deliciously spicy, floating in oil – not for the faint of heart or stomach!
14.Magic Chicken at Juhapura
My young nephew – a true blue, clued in Amdavadi, offered yet another bit of information about what’s rocking the Street Food Scene of Ahmedabad recently. This is a new chicken dish that is served with ‘meeyonis’. Musht to Try
Post a Comment