Summary: (Last Updated: March 2026) Planning a Gujarat trip? Explore the best Gujarati food, including iconic dishes like Dhokla, Thepla, and Undhiyu for a truly authentic experience.
From the beginning, travel has always been associated with food, shelter, and in search of a better place to stay. Time passed and the concept of Travel changed. Now people travel to different places for leisure, adventure, and other purposes. We have to be true to ourselves that whenever anyone plans a trip, one thing they surely check is the local food of that place.
Traveling gives us the experience to feel the essence of any place, whereas food allows tasting the culture of that place. So let’s go to the vibrant land of Gujarat and we take you through the dishes that one needs to try on their Gujarat Tour for a memorable experience!
Also Read: Let’s See What Gujarat Is Famous For!
Gujarati cuisine is one of the most unique and flavourful regional cuisines in India, known for its perfect balance of sweet, spicy, and tangy flavours. Unlike many other Indian cuisines, Gujarati food is predominantly vegetarian and uses ingredients like gram flour (besan), lentils, rice, seasonal vegetables, and a variety of spices.
The cuisine reflects the culture and climate of Gujarat, offering dishes that are not only स्वादिष्ट but also easy to digest and travel-friendly.
One of the most distinctive features of Gujarati food is its subtle sweetness. This comes from the traditional practice of adding jaggery or sugar to balance spicy and tangy flavours. The sweetness also helps in preserving food for longer durations, which was historically important in Gujarat’s warm climate.
Gujarati cuisine can be broadly divided into the following categories:
Also Read: Must-Try India Street Foods: A City-by-City Guide! (Updated)
Gujaratis are known for their love for Khaman & Dhokla and is considered one of the traditional foods of Gujarat! Khaman is made from gram flour similar to locho but is perfectly steamed to be made into cake shape.
Whereas Dhokla is made from rice or gram flour and is usually slimmer in size than Khaman. Both are served hot and with red, green chutney.
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Gujarati & Thepla are inseparable! You heard it right; both are made for Ek Duje K Liye! Anytime Gujaratis travel, they make sure to pack Thepla! Thepla stays fresh for days and is a good source of energy!
The paratha shaped Thepla is made from Fenugreek leaves, spices, and Wheat which is then mixed well to make the dough. Thepla can be eaten with ghee, butter, chutney, pickle, sev tomato sabji, tea, coffee, or just about anything the heart says to mix it with!
An all-time star for Gujarati Food! A true Gujju will have Handvo any given time of the day! It is closely associated with the Dhokla family. It is a single thick layered made in a pan or Handvo cooker.
There are about anything and everything you can add in making Handvo along with cumin seeds, mustard, curry leaves, peas, ginger, garlic, green chili, coriander in gram flour. Have it with tomato sauce or chutney!
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As mentioned earlier Undhiyu is from Surat. You can try this dish anywhere in Gujarat during wintertime or to be specific during the Kite Flying Festival!
From the house of Kathiyawadi, this delicacy is best taken with Rotlo (Made from Maize or Millet). Best time to have it is during the winter.
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Healthy food can be expensive, said someone who never had Khichdi! It is one of the healthiest and light food out there! Gujarati Food is incomplete without mention of Khichdi, Gujjus cook this at least 3 times a week and all you need is cereals, rice, and vegetables.
Unlike any other cuisine, Gujarati Food gives a great deal of flexibility! You have Khichdi with Curd, milk, pickle, Dal, fried, or just Khichdi alone. Either way, it is going to touch your soul!
Also Read: Indian Cuisine Unveiled: Exploring the Wonders of Famous Indian Dishes
It’s Spicy, It’s Tangy, It’s Peppery. Yes, it’s Sev Usal! One of the most sought after street foods. The curry is made with peas, garlic, and lots of chilli served with Pav and Onion, Gathiya on the side! Have this spicy treat on your next stop to Gujarat!
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Coming to a notch down on the spice level and light on the stomach as well, and we have Khandvi! As with most of the snacks of Gujarati Food, it is made from gram flour as well along with curd. This beautifully rolled Khandvi’s can be relished as it is or most used green chutney!
Gujjus morning partner in crime with Tea or Coffee is none other than Gujarati snacks – Khakhra! Thin crust like round shaped Khakhra can be made from pretty much anything! When a Gujarati likes something they experiment and bring different flavors on the table.
Initially, Khakhra was available in Masala, Meethi (Fenugreek), and Jeera; however now new flavors such as Pani Puri, Lemon & Spicy, Lemon, Ginger, Chocolate, Pizza and many more. So do stop by one of the Farsan stores in Gujarat and buy yourself some delicious Khakhra!
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Long, Crunchy, and found in the early mornings with Tea at pretty much every city in Gujarati! Yes, we are talking about Fafda & Jalebi. Fafda is again made from gram flour and long in shape. They are served hot with fried chilli and onions. Jalebi is made from Maida flour and is circular.
Usually, people eat Fafda & Jalebi in the morning with Tea/Coffee. On the day of Dussehra, people line up to buy both in bulk and the morning meal is Fafda & Jalebi.
India has amazing varieties of Dal! Gujarat has her own Gujarati Kadi, it is made from again Gram Flour (Apparently Gujjus are in love with Gram Flour)
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Legends has it that Mohan Thal is the favorite dessert of Lord Krishna! And when God likes something it’s always good! It is mostly bought during Janmashtami, however nowadays for any celebration people opt for Mohan Thal!
Sticky and sweet are the words that come to mind when we think of Fada Lapsi. It is made from Ghee, Fada (Ground Wheat), and Sugar. Any special occasion or festival this treat is a must!
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Made from Moong Dal, it is a must-have feast during the rainy season with green chilly and onions. Every Gujarati whether at home or office wants to order Dal Wada when it rains!
Again, the love for Chana Dal is evident! Sev-Khamani is made from chana dal, sev, green chili, garlic, ginger, and spices. Coming from Surat, this dish is light for the stomach and good for health!
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Colocasia leaves are mixed with gram flour along with other spices and rolled before they are steamed. People have it two ways, boiled and fried. Either way, both taste good with some chutney!
Sunday ho ya Monday roj khaye Gathiya, is the vibe in Gujarat! Mornings at home or on the street usually start with Gathiya and Chai. And if you happened to be in Rajkot then do try the Meethi Chutney and fried chilies that will shake you to the core!
Gujarati food is a delightful blend of flavours, traditions, and culture. From street food to traditional meals, these famous Gujarati dishes offer something for every traveller. Whether you are a food lover or planning your next trip, exploring the traditional food of Gujarat is an experience you shouldn’t miss.
Planning to explore Gujarat and taste these delicious dishes? Check out our specially curated Gujarat tour packages that combine culture, Gujarati food, and unforgettable travel experiences.
Some of the most famous Gujarati dishes include Dhokla, Khaman, Fafda Jalebi, Undhiyu, Thepla, Khandvi, and Gujarati Kadhi. These dishes represent the authentic flavours of Gujarat and are widely loved by both locals and tourists.
Gujarati food often has a slightly sweet taste because sugar or jaggery is added to balance spicy and tangy flavours. This combination creates a unique taste profile that makes Gujarati cuisine stand out from other Indian cuisines.
Popular Gujarati breakfast options include Khaman, Dhokla, Fafda Jalebi, Khakhra, and Thepla. These dishes are light, स्वादिष्ट, and perfect to start the day.
A traditional Gujarati thali includes roti, dal, rice, vegetables, Gujarati kadhi, farsan (snacks), pickles, chutneys, and a sweet dish. It offers a complete meal with a perfect balance of flavours.
Thepla and Khakhra are the most travel-friendly Gujarati foods due to their long shelf life. They are easy to carry and can be enjoyed anytime during a journey.
Some must-try Gujarati street foods include Sev Usal, Fafda Jalebi, Dal Wada, and Sev Khamani. These dishes are popular for their bold flavours and are easily available across cities like Ahmedabad, Surat, and Vadodara.
Undhiyu is best enjoyed during the winter season, especially during the Uttarayan (kite festival). It is made using seasonal vegetables and is a speciality of Surat.
Nikita Karia has eleven years of experience working in the B2B travel trade, focusing on international destinations. Thus, writing tourism content comes naturally to her. She has traveled across countries- like Singapore, Mauritius, Sri Lanka, Maldives, and South Africa.
Additionally, she has a flair for writing about healthcare, technology, mental health, education, and e-commerce. Her purpose of the write-up is to simplify the contents in a way that resonates with the reader. When she is not writing, she enjoys tweaking her gardening skills
