The vibrant western state of India - Gujarat, India, is popular for its cultural richness and architectural marvels, but it is also incredibly diverse and delightful for its street food scenes. Gujarati street food aptures the essence of the state, an amalgamation of sweet, spicy and tangy flavours in every bite. Whether you are on a stroll through bustling lanes of Ahmedabad, relaxing near the lake in Vadodara or exploring coastal vibes of Surat, you will find that local street food vendors dishing out iconic snacks have become symbols of the culinary identity of Gujarat. 

With Foodism, we are now diving into 5 must-try street foods in Gujarat that every foodie or traveller should sample at least once. 

1.Dhokla

Gujarati snacks are incomplete without this quintessential item - Dhokla. It is a soft, fluffy and mildly tangy steamed cake made from fermented rice and chickpea flour (besan). It is a staple in almost every household and even a favourite street food option for people. 

Dhoklas are typically served with green chutney and sweet tamarind chutney, amazingly garnished with mustard seeds, curry leaves, and freshly grated coconut. It is served piping hot and from steaming trays right on the roadside stalls. 

Remember it is a must-try because it is light and healthy as it is steamed, has a perfect balance of sweet and savoury and importantly, it is loved by vegetarians and an ideal option for breakfast or a mid-day snack. 

If in Gujarat, try Khaman Dhokla in Surat; it has a melt-in-mouth texture. Nylon Khaman from Ahmedabad is fluffier and brighter yellow.

2. Sev Usal

Are you craving something spicy, tangy and heartwarming? Sev Usal can be your go-to Gujarati street food. This dish is mainly from Vadodara, it has a spicy curry made with peas and topped generously with sev (fried crunchy chickpea flour noodles), onions and garnished with coriander and lemon juice. The base of the curry differs - from green peas to white peas, it is loaded with ginger, garlic and other masalas that tingles the taste buds. 

The reason for it being a must-try is that it is a filling street food, and the contrasting texture of the sev and soft peas is irresistible. It is a popular Gujarati snack during cooler months. One can order a double-sev or extra spicy version of this dish from the local stalls in Fatehgunj or Alkapuri in Vadodara. Pair it up with a glass of buttermilk for an ultimate indulgence. 

3. Locho

As quirky as the name sounds, Locho is an accidental invention and has now become one of the most popular street foods of Surat. It is made from gram flour batter and urad dal (quite similar to dhokla batter but steamed differently). The dish Locho gets its name from its uneven, loose and distorted appearance.  Once done, Locho is topped with spicy chutneys, sev, butter, coriander and lime juice. You get a creamy, spicy and crunchy explosion of flavours. 

Apart from Surat, you might not find Locho like this anywhere else. It is a healthier alternative to fried snacks, yet satisfying to the taste buds. It comes in several variations like Butter Locho, Cheese Locho or Chinese Locho for fusion lovers. 

4. Fafda-Jalebi

This is my personal favourite! The pair of Fafda-Jalebi is not just a street food but an emotion, it’s a significant part of a cultural ritual in Gujarat. People enjoy this delicacy on Sunday mornings or festivals like Dussehra. The Fafda is crispy and salty, made with chickpea flour, beautifully contrasting to the sweet, syrup-soaked spirals of Jalebi. It is served with raw papaya chutney and fried chillies, this combo is a delightful mix of crunch, sweetness, spice and warmth. 

The unique combination is rarely found, a popular breakfast item on the streets of Ahmedabad and Rajkot, and the sweet and salty contrast tingles your taste buds. All these reasons collectively make Fafda-Jalebi worth a must-try street food. 

You can go early morning to Iscon Circle or Oswal in Ahmedabad for hot and fresh Fafda-Jalebi. Make sure you try it with green chutney and fried chillies for a flavourful burst. 

5. Ganthiya

It is another gram flour fried snack that is slightly softer than sev, but quite addictive. These are thick and crunchy sticks, everybody’s favourite. It can be enjoyed with a cup of masala chai, green chutney and pickled chillies. This item has different versions - Tikha Ganthiyan, which is a spicier version to Farsan Ganthiya served with papaya chutney and fried chillies. These are available in different versions across the state. 

It is an all-day popular snack, can be paired with tea, it comes in spicy and mild versions and is sold by weight at different local farsan shops as street snacks across Gujarat. 

You can buy fresh Ganthiya from traditional farsan shops like Jalaram Ganthiya in Rajkot or Das Khman in Ahmedabad. Enjoy this snack with raw papaya sambharo and indulge in this true Gujarati tea-time snack. 

Bonus Street Foods to watch out for - 

• Khichu
• Bhungra Bateta
• Dabeli 
• Ghugra Sandwich 

Gujarat’s street food is a celebration of contrasts - you get sweet and spicy, crispy and soft, tangy and soothing. From the bustling streets of Manek Chowk in Ahmedabad to the flavour-packed food carts of Surat, every city of this state has its own street food identity. 

Whether you are a local, rediscovering your roots or a traveller who loves to experience local delicacies, if you visit Gujarat, do look for these 5 must-try street foods - Dhokla, Sev Usal, Locho, Fafda-Jalbi and Ganthiya. These food items offer more than taste, they offer stories, tradition and culture in every bite.