Gujarat, a state on India’s western coast, offers a culinary journey unlike any other. Its vegetarian-forward cuisine bursts with sweet, sour, and spicy notes, a result of its rich history, location, and the resourceful ingenuity of its people. Join me, a food blogger passionate about Gujarati food, as we explore the most popular traditional dishes that define this delicious cuisine.
1. Undhiyu
Description:
Undhiyu is the crown jewel of Gujarati winter cuisine. It’s a mixed vegetable casserole teeming with root vegetables like potatoes, sweet potatoes, yam, and purple yam, along with green beans, unripe bananas, and muthia (fried chickpea flour dumplings). Cooked upside-down in a clay pot with spices and a special masala, Undhiyu is a flavor explosion.
Recipe:
https://foodviva.com/gujarati-recipes/undhiyu/
Key Ingredients:
Root vegetables, green beans, spices (fenugreek, turmeric, coriander, cumin, etc.), coconut, oil.
Popular Restaurant:
Sasumaa Gujarati Restaurant (Ahmedabad) – known for its authentic home-style Undhiyu.
2. Dhokla
Description:
Dhokla is a fluffy, savory cake made from fermented rice and chickpea batter. Steamed for a light and airy texture, it’s often served with green chutney and a sweet chutney. Soft, tangy, and with a hint of spice, Dhokla is a beloved breakfast and snack.
Recipe:
https://www.dishbyrish.co.uk/2021/03/steamed-coconut-and-semolina-dhokla/
Key Ingredients:
Soaked rice, chickpeas, ginger, green chili, yogurt, turmeric.
Popular Restaurant:
Swati Snacks (Mumbai & Ahmedabad) – offers a delicious variety of Dhokla.
3. Thepla
Description:
Thepla is a spiced flatbread made with whole wheat flour, fenugreek leaves, yogurt, and spices. Often enjoyed for breakfast or while traveling, these flavorful flatbreads are versatile and filling.
Recipe:
https://www.indianhealthyrecipes.com/methi-thepla-recipe/
Key Ingredients:
Whole wheat flour, fenugreek leaves, yogurt, spices (chili powder, coriander).
Popular Restaurant:
Gordhan Thal (Ahmedabad) – their Gujarati Thali features delicious Theplas.
4. Gujarati Kadhi
Description:
This sweet and tangy yogurt-based stew is a Gujarati staple. The thin, flavorful Kadhi is made with a base of yogurt, chickpea flour, and delicate spices. It’s often enjoyed with rice or khichdi for a comforting and balanced meal.
Recipe:
https://pipingpotcurry.com/gujarati-kadhi/
Key Ingredients:
Yogurt, chickpea flour (besan), sugar, turmeric, ginger, green chili
Popular Restaurant:
Agashiye (Ahmedabad) – has a reputation for their classic, comforting Gujarati Kadhi.
5. Khandvi
Description:
Khandvi are delicate, savory rolls made from a thin batter of yogurt and chickpea flour. Steamed, tempered with spices, and garnished with fresh coconut and coriander, these bite-sized rolls offer a melt-in-your-mouth experience.
Recipe:
https://www.sanjanafeasts.co.uk/2020/04/gujarati-khandvi-patuli-paturi/
Key Ingredients:
Chickpea flour (besan), yogurt, turmeric, mustard seeds, green chili
Popular Restaurant:
Soam (Mumbai) – specializes in Gujarati cuisine and their Khandvi is a crowd-pleaser.
6. Gujarati Dal
Description:
Gujarati Dal, a cornerstone of the cuisine, is a sweet, sour, and slightly spicy lentil stew. Made with toor dal (split pigeon peas), jaggery (or sugar), tamarind, and a blend of warm spices, its unique flavor profile distinguishes it from other regional dals.
Recipe:
https://www.cookwithmanali.com/gujarati-dal/
Key Ingredients:
Toor dal, jaggery/sugar, tamarind, tomatoes, turmeric, chili powder
Popular Restaurant:
Friends Union Joshi Club (Surat) – serves a tasty Gujarati Dal within their traditional Thali.
7. Sev Tameta nu Shaak
Description:
This quick and delicious dish is a favorite for its balance of sweet, sour, and spicy flavors. Sev Tameta nu Shaak features a vibrant tomato base, tempered with spices and topped with crispy sev (fried chickpea flour noodles) for added texture.
Recipe:
Key Ingredients:
Tomatoes, sev, onions, spices (turmeric, chili powder, coriander, cumin), sugar
Popular Restaurant:
Vishalla (Ahmedabad) – offers a rustic ambiance and delicious Sev Tameta nu Shaak.
8. Bhakri
Description:
Bhakri is a dense, unleavened flatbread made with either millet or sorghum flour. Often cooked on an open fire, Bhakri has a rustic flavor and chewy texture. It’s a great accompaniment to curries and vegetable dishes.
Recipe:
https://www.tarladalal.com/bhakri–gujarati-recipe-628r
Key Ingredients:
Millet flour or Sorghum flour, water, salt
Popular Restaurant:
The Village (Ahmedabad) – features authentic village-style food, including Bhakri
9. Handvo
Description:
Handvo is a savory baked cake made with a nutritious batter of rice, lentils, vegetables, and spices. Often cooked in a traditional handvo cooker, it develops a slightly crispy exterior and a soft, flavorful interior. Perfect for breakfast or as a satisfying snack.
Recipe:
https://www.indianhealthyrecipes.com/handvo/
Key Ingredients:
Rice, lentils (mixture of dals), bottle gourd, spices, yogurt
Popular Restaurant:
Sasuji (Vadodara) – specializes in home-style Gujarati favorites and their Handvo is a highlight.
10. Surti Undhiyu
Description:
Surti Undhiyu is a regional variation from the city of Surat, known for its unique ingredients and preparation. It often includes papdi (flat beans), peanuts, and a distinct spice blend. Surti Undhiyu offers a different flavor profile than the traditional Undhiyu.
Recipe:
Key Ingredients:
Similar to traditional Undhiyu, plus flat beans (papdi), peanuts, and Surti Undhiyu masala.
Popular Restaurant:
Ghooghra Gota (Surat) – well-regarded for their authentic Surti Undhiyu.
Conclusion
Gujarati cuisine is a treasure trove of flavors waiting to be explored. From street food to home-cooked favorites, its vegetarian dishes are an adventure for the tastebuds. Whether you’re a seasoned foodie or a curious newcomer, the vibrant world of Gujarati cuisine promises to surprise and delight.
