Amreli, located in Gujarat, offers a variety of delicious and unique food items that reflect the local culture and traditional flavors of the region. From savory snacks to sweet treats, the food here is sure to satisfy all kinds of taste buds. Here’s a list of the top 10 foods you must try when visiting Amreli.
1. Khandvi
- Description: A savory snack made from gram flour and yogurt, Khandvi is thin, rolled-up pieces of steamed batter topped with mustard seeds, sesame seeds, and fresh coriander.
- Best Place to Try: Available in most local snacks shops and food stalls.
- Where to Find: Gopi Sweets, Kankaria Snacks, and local street vendors.
2. Dhokla
- Description: A popular steamed cake made from rice and chickpea flour, spiced with green chilies and mustard seeds, and garnished with fresh coriander. It’s light, fluffy, and perfect for a quick snack.
- Best Place to Try: Street food vendors and local restaurants.
- Where to Find: Dhokla House, Amreli.
3. Farsan
- Description: Farsan refers to a variety of deep-fried snacks, such as sev, gathiya, and khaman, which are often served as a side dish or snack with tea.
- Best Place to Try: Local sweet shops and roadside vendors.
- Where to Find: Shree Krishna Sweets, Amreli.
4. Khichu
- Description: A Gujarati snack made from rice flour and spiced with cumin seeds, green chilies, and ajwain, served hot with ghee.
- Best Place to Try: Street vendors and local eateries.
- Where to Find: Available in most local food stalls in Amreli.
5. Patra
- Description: Patra is made from colocasia leaves smeared with a spiced gram flour mixture, rolled up, steamed, and sliced into pinwheels. It’s a popular snack in Gujarat.
- Best Place to Try: Street food stalls and local restaurants.
- Where to Find: Soni Patra Shop, Amreli.
6. Undhiyu
- Description: A traditional Gujarati winter dish made with a variety of vegetables, fenugreek dumplings, and a medley of spices. It’s usually cooked in a clay pot and served with puris.
- Best Place to Try: Restaurants that specialize in Gujarati thali.
- Where to Find: Available at Thali restaurants such as Rajwadu and Swadist Thali in Amreli.
7. Thepla
- Description: Thepla is a type of flatbread made from whole wheat flour, fenugreek leaves, and spices. It’s a common breakfast food and is often served with yogurt, pickle, and buttermilk.
- Best Place to Try: Local restaurants and breakfast stalls.
- Where to Find: Available at breakfast spots such as Shree Thakar Bhojanaly.
8. Gujarati Thali
- Description: A full-course meal served on a single platter, featuring a variety of dishes like dal, rice, roti, sabzi (vegetables), and farsan, often complemented by a sweet dish.
- Best Place to Try: Thali restaurants offering authentic Gujarati cuisine.
- Where to Find: Swadist, Thaker Bhojanalay in Amreli.
9. Handvo
- Description: A savory cake made from rice and lentils, Handvo is baked with a tempering of mustard seeds, sesame seeds, and cumin. It’s delicious and filling.
- Best Place to Try: Traditional eateries serving authentic Gujarati cuisine.
- Where to Find: Available at local bakeries and restaurants.
10. Shrikhand
- Description: A popular Gujarati sweet made from strained yogurt, sweetened and flavored with saffron, cardamom, and nuts. It’s the perfect dessert to finish a hearty meal.
- Best Place to Try: Dessert shops and local eateries.
- Where to Find: Shree Krishna Sweets and other local sweet shops.
Where to Try These Foods:
- Shree Krishna Sweets: Famous for sweet dishes and snacks.
- Thali Restaurants: Such as Rajwadu and Swadist for an authentic Gujarati thali experience.
- Local Street Food Stalls: Found near the main roads and markets for casual snacks like Khandvi, Dhokla, and Farsan.
Tips for Eating in Amreli:
- Best Time to Visit: The cooler months from October to February are the best for enjoying street food and outdoor eating.
- Spicy Foods: Gujarati food can be mildly spicy, so adjust according to your tolerance levels.
- Street Food Hygiene: Always buy food from popular and clean street vendors for the best experience.