Top Local Dishes & Where to Try Them in Vadodara, Gujarāt, India
1. Dhokla
A soft, spongy cake made from fermented gram flour, steamed and garnished with coconut, coriander, and green chili. Try it at Mughal-e-Azam restaurant.
- Flavorful Spice: Dhokla's unique flavor comes from the combination of spices like turmeric, asafoetida, and fenugreek.
- Healthy Snack: Made with gram flour and steamed, Dhokla is a healthy snack option that's low in fat.
- Quick to Prepare: Dhokla can be prepared quickly, making it an ideal dish for busy street vendors.
2. Fafda-Jalebi
Crispy fried fritters made from gram flour served with sweet jalebis. Visit Kala Bhawan for a traditional experience.
- Perfect Combo: Fafda and Jalebi are usually eaten together, balancing the flavors of sweet and savory.
- Street Food Favorite: Fafda-Jalebi is a popular street food in Vadodara that's enjoyed by locals and tourists alike.
- Crispy Texture: The crispy texture of Fafda contrasts beautifully with the soft, syrupy Jalebi.
3. Khakhra
A thin flatbread made from wheat flour, usually served with spicy chutneys. You can find excellent Khakhras at Gopalbhai Fulabhai Khakhari Wadi.
- Versatile Snack: Khakhras can be eaten alone or used to scoop up spicy chutneys.
- Traditional Ingredients: Authentic Khakhra is made with traditional ingredients like wheat flour, salt, and water.
- Long Shelf Life: Khakhras have a long shelf life, making them an ideal travel snack.
4. Handvo
A savory cake made from gram flour, semolina, vegetables, and spices. Try it at Rajwadi Restaurant.
- Healthy Option: Handvo contains a variety of vegetables, making it a healthy choice.
- Spicy Twist: The unique blend of spices gives Handvo its distinct flavor.
- Gluten-Free Variant: Handvo can be made gluten-free using rice flour instead of gram flour.
5. Undhiyu
A hearty mixed vegetable curry cooked in earthen pots under steam. Experience Undhiyu at Shree Nagarwala.
- Seasonal Veggies: Undhiyu is traditionally made with seasonal vegetables such as brinjal, okra, and green yam.
- Slow-Cooked Flavor: The slow cooking process allows the flavors of the vegetables to meld together beautifully.
- Comfort Food: Undhiyu is a comforting, homestyle dish that's perfect for cold weather.
6. Ganthia
Crunchy, deep-fried snacks made from gram flour. You can find Ganthias at Shreeji Ganthiya Bhandar.
- Crispy Texture: Ganthias have a unique, satisfying crunch that's hard to resist.
- Traditional Snack: Ganthia is a traditional snack in Gujarat, with origins dating back centuries.
- Sweet and Savory: Ganthias can be enjoyed alone or with sweet chutneys for a mix of flavors.
7. Khaman
A soft and spongy cake made from fermented gram flour, steamed and garnished with coriander, green chili, and coconut. Visit Triveni Sweets for a delicious Khaman.
- Soft and Fluffy: Khaman's unique texture comes from the fermentation process, resulting in a soft, fluffy cake.
- Easy to Eat: Khaman is easy to eat with your hands or with a fork, making it convenient for travelers.
- Spicy Topping: The spicy green chili and coriander topping adds a delightful kick to the otherwise mild Khaman.
8. Pakoda
Various fritters made from vegetables and gram flour, deep-fried and served with chutney. Try them at any local street food stall.
- Versatile Ingredients: Pakodas can be made with a variety of vegetables, making it easy to cater to different tastes.
- Crispy Texture: The crispy texture of Pakodas is a satisfying contrast to their soft filling.
- Spicy Flavor: Pakodas are usually spicy, adding a zing to any meal.
9. Thepla
A savory flatbread made from wheat flour, vegetables, and spices. You can find delicious Theplas at Surti Thepla House.
- Healthy Snack: Theplas are a healthy snack option as they contain a variety of vegetables.
- Spicy Flavor: The unique blend of spices gives Thepla its distinct flavor.
- Long Shelf Life: Theplas can be stored for a long time, making them an ideal travel snack.
10. Khandvi
A soft, spiraled noodle made from fermented gram flour. Visit Manek Chowk for a delicious Khandvi.
- Flavorful Spice: Khandvi's unique flavor comes from the combination of spices like turmeric, asafoetida, and fenugreek.
- Quick to Prepare: Khandvi can be prepared quickly, making it an ideal dish for busy street vendors.
- Light and Tasty: Khandvi is a light and tasty snack that's perfect as a quick meal.
11. Sev Tameta Nu Shak
A tangy and spicy salad made from green mangoes, peanuts, and sev. Enjoy it at any local street food stall.
- Tangy Flavor: The sourness of the green mangoes balances the spiciness of the dish.
- Healthy Option: Sev Tameta Nu Shak is a healthy option as it's made with vegetables and nuts.
- Street Food Favorite: Sev Tameta Nu Shak is a popular street food in Vadodara that's enjoyed by locals and tourists alike.
12. Khandvi Dhokla
A combination of Khandvi and Dhokla served together. You can find it at Shreeji Food Point.
- Unique Blend: Khandvi Dhokla combines the soft, spongy texture of Dhokla with the spiraled noodles of Khandvi.
- Spicy Flavor: The unique blend of spices gives Khandvi Dhokla its distinct flavor.
- Quick to Prepare: Khandvi Dhokla can be prepared quickly, making it an ideal dish for busy street vendors.
13. Masala Dosa
A large, crispy pancake filled with spiced potatoes. Try it at Hotel Swagat.
- Crispy Texture: The crispy texture of the Masala Dosa is a satisfying contrast to its soft, flavorful filling.
- Spicy Flavor: The unique blend of spices gives the Masala Dosa its distinct flavor.
- Large Portion: Masala Dosa is a large dish, making it filling and satisfying.
14. Vada Pav
A savory snack consisting of a deep-fried potato patty in a soft bun with chutney and garlic paste. You can find it at Ajanta Fast Food Center.
- Crispy Texture: The crispy texture of the Vada contrasts beautifully with the soft bun.
- Spicy Flavor: Vada Pav is usually spicy, adding a zing to any meal.
- Street Food Favorite: Vada Pav is a popular street food in Vadodara that's enjoyed by locals and tourists alike.
15. Kulfi Faluda
A traditional Indian ice cream made from milk, sugar, and flavors like rose, saffron, or pistachio. Enjoy it at Bhatiyar Gali.
- Creamy Texture: Kulfi Faluda's unique texture is a delightful mix of creaminess and crunchiness.
- Refreshing Dessert: Kulfi Faluda is the perfect way to cool down during hot weather in Vadodara.
- Traditional Ingredients: Authentic Kulfi Faluda is made with traditional ingredients like rose petals, saffron threads, and pistachios.