Gandhidham, a coastal city in the Kutch district of Gujarat, is a vibrant place with a rich history and culture. Located on the shores of the Gulf of Kutch, Gandhidham has developed into a major industrial and commercial hub over the past few decades, while retaining its small-town charm. When in Gandhidham, you must sample the lip-smacking Gujarati delicacies like dhokla, thepla, fafda, and handvo that reflect the diverse food habits of the locals.
The city is famous for its chaats, dabelis, and sweets like ghari and ladva. You can try the traditional Kathiawadi food like bajra rotlas, kadhi, and khaman at small eateries and enjoy a meal at one of the rooftop restaurants while taking in the sea views. Overall, Gandhidham has a rich and delicious food culture with both traditional Gujarati and modern fast food options.
Come and explore the alleys of Gandhidham for delicious traditional dishes
Bajara Na Rotla
The famous Bajara na rotla dish from Gandhidham in Gujarat is a delicious treat that everyone should try at least once! This simple yet flavourful meal features bajra or pearl millet flatbreads served with a spicy besan or chickpea flour curry. What makes this dish so special is the use of bajra, a nutritious cereal crop that grows well in the arid climate of Gujarat. This hearty dish is the perfect representation of the diverse flavours of India.
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Restaurant recommendation: Desi Dhaba, Rabindranath Tagore Road, Gandhidham
Type: Vegetarian
Budget: ₹200- ₹400 approx
Dabeli
The dabeli is a burst of flavours that will delight your taste buds. This sweet-savoury snack originates from the Kutch region of Gujarat and has become a beloved street food in Gandhidham. The magic of dabeli lies in its chutneys. A soft potato-stuffed bun is slathered with a zesty peanut chutney, then dunked in a sweet tamarind chutney. These chutneys strike a perfect balance between spicy, sour, sweet and salty. Every bite explodes with taste. With its complex medley of tastes and textures, Gandhidham's dabeli has rightfully earned its fame.
Restaurant recommendation: Binharif Dabeli, Jawaha Chowk, Gandhidham
Type: Vegetarian
Budget: ₹100- ₹200 approx
Handvo
This savoury vegetable cake is a beloved staple in Gujarati cuisine, made from a batter of rice, lentils, and an assortment of vegetables. The blend of ingredients lends the handvo a wonderful texture - slightly crispy on the outside, soft and moist on the inside. When cooked to perfection, the handvo slices beautifully and makes for a hearty, wholesome, and irresistible snack or light meal. No wonder it's a highlight of Gujarati thalis and a point of pride for the city of Gandhidham! This tasty treat showcases the diversity and richness of vegetarian Gujarati cooking.
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Restaurant recommendation: Shreeram restaurant, Ward No. 12-A, Gandhidham
Type: Vegetarian
Budget: ₹100- ₹250 approx
Thepla
Thepla is a beloved staple in Gujarati cuisine. With a unique texture that is simultaneously soft and flaky, theplas are a treat for the taste buds. Their deliciousness stems from the array of spices blended into the dough - everything from garlic, green chili, cumin, and coriander to turmeric and asafoetida. No matter how you eat them, theplas are impossible to resist! Their unique taste and texture make them a shining star of Gujarati cuisine.
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Restaurant recommendation: Chahal Pahal, Ward No. 5-A, Gandhidham
Type: Vegetarian
Budget: ₹100- ₹250 approx
Undiyo
This mouthwatering one-pot meal brings together an array of fresh produce like yam, green beans, potatoes, and plantains, simmered in a zesty gravy of spices and coconut. As the veggies meld together, they create a symphony of textures and aromas. Traditionally cooked in earthen pots, the dish allows each vegetable to soak up the flavours while retaining its own distinct taste. For many, a meal is not complete without a serving of this satisfying and soulful dish. Its balance of nutrition and rich flavours has made undiyo a staple in Gujarati cuisine.
Restaurant recommendation: Green Palace Garden Restaurant, Ward 7-D, Gandhidham
Type: Vegetarian
Budget: ₹200- ₹350 approx
Fafda
Fafda, the crunchy and flavourful snack of Gandhidham, has earned fame across Gujarat for its addictive taste and texture. This dish of soft fried dough balls made from chickpea flour originates from the Kutchi community. Vendors compete to perfect the art of frying fafda to a golden brown while retaining a soft interior. This moreish treat remains deeply rooted in the food culture of Gandhidham. Just one bite explains why it is so beloved in Gujarat and beyond.
Image credit: Freepik
Restaurant recommendation: Gaytri Nasta center, Shakti Nagar, Gandhidham
Type: Vegetarian
Budget: ₹100- ₹250 approx