Best foods to try in Surat on your first visit | Culinary Delights of Surat

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Surat, known as the "Food Capital of India," offers a vibrant street food scene and traditional Gujarati dishes that are a must-try for first-time visitors. Here’s a concise list of the best foods to sample, focusing on iconic dishes and where to find them, based on local specialties and popular recommendations:

1. Locho
   • What: A steamed gram flour snack with a soft, fluffy texture, served with green chutney, sev, and spices. Born from a happy accident while making khaman, it’s a Surati breakfast favorite.
   • Where: Jani Farsan (Rang Upvan Road) or Shreeji Locho.
   • Price: ₹30–50.
2. Undhiyu
   • What: A seasonal vegetable casserole made with Surati papdi, sweet potatoes, raw bananas, and spices, slow-cooked for a rich, spicy-sweet flavor. Best in winter due to ingredient availability.
   • Where: Kansar Gujarati Thali (Athwalines) or Joshi Jeshankar Dhanjibhai Bhajiyavala (Chauta Bazar).
   • Price: ₹150–200.
3. Ghari
   • What: A rich, sweet treat made from mawa, ghee, sugar, and nuts, popular during festivals like Chandani Padva.
   • Where: Jamnadas Sweet Shop or local sweet shops like Sarasiya Khaja.
   • Price: ₹20–50 per piece.
4. Khaman Dhokla
   • What: Fluffy, steamed chickpea flour cakes with a tangy-sweet flavor, served with green chutney. Rassawala Khaman (spicy gravy version) is a local twist.
   • Where: Jalaram Locho and Raswala Khaman or Gopal Locho.
   • Price: ₹30–50.
5. Ponk Vada
   • What: Crispy fritters made from tender roasted jowar, a winter-exclusive snack served with chutney.
   • Where: Jalaram Ponk Vada or Dattatrey Ponk Vada.
   • Price: ₹125 onwards.
6. Dabeli
   • What: A spicy-sweet potato filling with dabeli masala, served in a pav with chutneys, pomegranate, and peanuts. A Kutchi specialty adopted by Surat.
   • Where: Dilip Dabeli (near Experimental School, evening only) or Karnavati Dabeli Center.
   • Price: ₹15–30.
7. Surati Sev Khamani
   • What: A spicy, tangy snack made from crumbled khaman topped with sev, garlic, and spices.
   • Where: Jalaram Locho or Mukesh Sev Usal.
   • Price: ₹30–50.
8. Aloo Puri
   • What: Small maida puris topped with boiled potatoes, black gram, onions, and tangy kokum chutney.
   • Where: Khalid Bhai’s Aloo Puri stall (Rander) or Ganesh Alupuri (Jahangirpura).
   • Price: ₹60 onwards.
9. Khichyu
   • What: A healthy steamed rice flour snack topped with oil and pickle masala, offering vibrant Gujarati flavors.
   • Where: Khichu wagons or street vendors in food markets.
   • Price: ₹210 onwards.
10. Cold Coco
    • What: A chilled, chocolatey drink, perfect for a refreshing break.
    • Where: A-one Juice Centre or Gokulam Dairy (Althan Garden).
    • Price: ₹30–50.

Tips for Your Food Adventure:

• Explore Street Food: Visit areas like Chowk, Rander, or near Iscon Mall for authentic street food experiences. Eating at roadside stalls offers a unique vibe not found in upscale restaurants.
• Ask Locals: Locals often guide you to hidden gems beyond listed eateries.
• Timing: Many dishes like Ponk Vada are winter-specific, so plan your visit between October and February for the full experience.
• Vegetarian Focus: Most Surati cuisine is vegetarian due to the Jain and Hindu population, but non-vegetarian options like Khow Suey or egg dishes (e.g., Bhai Bhai Egg Centre) are available in places like Rander or Nanpura.

For a memorable culinary experience, start your day with Locho or Aloo Puri for breakfast, enjoy Undhiyu or Dabeli for lunch, and end with Ghari or Cold Coco as a dessert or drink. Pair these with a visit to bustling food hubs like Chauta Bazar or Vesu for the true Surati vibe. Enjoy your foodie journey in Surat!