Here is your complete guide to the Top 10 Must-Try Foods in Junagadh, tailored especially for first-time tourists and city visitors. This includes dish details, where to eat, cost per plate, when to try, and local tips—no other source needed.
1. Gujarati Thali
- What It Is: A traditional platter with rotla, dal, kadhi, sabzi, rice, farsan, pickle, and sweet.
- Where to Try:
- Patel Restaurant (Majevdi Gate)
- Adarsh Dining Hall (Zanzarda Road)
- Cost: ₹150–₹250
- Best Time: Lunch (11:30 AM – 3:00 PM)
- Tip: Ask for unlimited thali option—great value and experience.
2. Locho
- What It Is: Soft, steamed savory snack made from gram flour and spices, topped with sev, chutneys, and cheese.
- Where to Try:
- Gopal Locho House (Sardar Patel Market)
- Street vendors near MG Road
- Cost: ₹40–₹80 per plate
- Best Time: Mid-morning or evening
- Tip: Try “Cheese Locho” for the full local street food flavor.
3. Sev Khamani
- What It Is: Crumbled dhokla mixed with spices, topped with sev, pomegranate, and coriander.
- Where to Try:
- Local farsan shops near Majevdi Gate
- Timbavadi Food Corner
- Cost: ₹30–₹60
- Best Time: Breakfast or evening snack
- Tip: Pair with a cup of hot masala chai.
4. Bhung (Herbal Lentil Soup)
- What It Is: A unique thick broth made from herbs, lentils, and mild spices—served hot in winter and at Bhavnath fairs.
- Where to Try:
- Bhavnath Mela Grounds (Feb)
- Temple stalls near Girnar base
- Cost: ₹30–₹50
- Best Time: Winter evenings
- Tip: Try with khakhra or roti for a filling meal.
5. Jalebi-Fafda Combo
- What It Is: Deep-fried sweet (jalebi) paired with savory chickpea strips (fafda), served with chutney.
- Where to Try:
- Timbavadi Bhajiya House
- Shops near MG Road and railway station
- Cost: ₹30–₹60
- Best Time: Early morning breakfast
- Tip: Eat fresh for crispy texture and full flavor.
6. Kathiyawadi Ringan no Olo (Smoked Eggplant Curry)
- What It Is: Roasted brinjal mashed and cooked with spices and garlic; served with bajra rotla and garlic chutney.
- Where to Try:
- Jay Mataji Bhojanalay (Timbavadi)
- Local dhabas on Girnar Road
- Cost: ₹80–₹150
- Best Time: Dinner
- Tip: Pair with buttermilk (chaas) to balance the spice.
7. Khichu
- What It Is: A steamed rice flour dough seasoned with jeera, oil, and chutney; soft, mildly spiced.
- Where to Try:
- Stalls near Girnar Taleti and Damodar Kund
- Cost: ₹20–₹40 per plate
- Best Time: Evening snack
- Tip: Ask for green chili paste if you like it spicy.
8. Pav Bhaji (Junagadhi Style)
- What It Is: Spicy mashed vegetable curry served with butter-toasted buns and raw onion.
- Where to Try:
- Honest Restaurant (Girnar Road)
- Zanzarda Road street carts
- Cost: ₹60–₹120
- Best Time: Late evening
- Tip: Try with extra butter and a side of cold cocoa.
9. Thepla (Spiced Flatbread)
- What It Is: Soft wheat flour flatbreads with methi (fenugreek), turmeric, and spices.
- Where to Try:
- Breakfast stalls near Majevdi Gate or MG Road
- Cost: ₹10–₹30 per piece
- Best Time: Breakfast or picnic snack
- Tip: Carry it for your trek to Girnar—it’s filling and doesn’t spoil easily.
10. Chikki (Peanut Jaggery Brittle)
- What It Is: Local sweet made with roasted peanuts and jaggery, sometimes with sesame or dry fruits.
- Where to Try:
- Sweet shops near Girnar Ropeway or Damodar Kund
- Cost: ₹30–₹80 per pack
- Best Time: Anytime snack or edible souvenir
- Tip: Ask for vacuum-packed versions for travel.
Summary Table
| Food Item | Where to Try | Avg. Cost | Best Time | Pro Tip |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Gujarati Thali | Patel Restaurant, Adarsh Dining Hall | ₹150–₹250 | Lunch | Ask for unlimited option |
| Locho | Gopal Locho, Sardar Market | ₹40–₹80 | Evening | Add cheese and chutney |
| Sev Khamani | Farsan shops, Timbavadi Corner | ₹30–₹60 | Morning/Evening | Eat with hot chai |
| Bhung | Bhavnath Mela, Girnar Taleti | ₹30–₹50 | Winter Evenings | Combine with khakhra |
| Jalebi-Fafda | MG Road, Railway Station stalls | ₹30–₹60 | Breakfast | Eat fresh and warm |
| Ringan no Olo + Rotla | Kathiyawadi Dhabas, Timbavadi | ₹80–₹150 | Dinner | Add chaas (buttermilk) |
| Khichu | Girnar Taleti food stalls | ₹20–₹40 | Late afternoon | Ask for chili oil |
| Pav Bhaji | Honest Restaurant, Zanzarda Road | ₹60–₹120 | Late evening | Go with cold cocoa or masala soda |
| Thepla | Breakfast carts, local markets | ₹10–₹30 | Morning | Carry for treks |
| Chikki | Sweet stalls near Girnar | ₹30–₹80 | Anytime | Buy vacuum-packed packs for takeaway |
Final Tips for Food Lovers
- Morning dishes (Jalebi-Fafda, Thepla) are best enjoyed before 9 AM.
- Evening snacks (Locho, Pav Bhaji) are best after 5 PM from busy vendors.
- Spice Level: Kathiyawadi food can be spicy; ask for “mild” if needed.
- Drinks to Pair: Buttermilk (chaas), Cold Cocoa, and Sugarcane Juice.
- Pack to Carry: Thepla, Chikki, and Khichu travel well for long journeys.