Here’s a detailed guide to the Top 10 Foods to Try in Anand, designed for new tourists and city visitors who want to experience the best of Anand’s culinary offerings. This guide ensures you’ll have a seamless and enjoyable food experience while exploring the city:
1. Dhokla
- Where to Try: Patel’s Sweets & Restaurant, Anand
- Cost per person: ₹50 – ₹100
- What It Is: A fluffy, steamed savory cake made from gram flour and yogurt, seasoned with mustard seeds and garnished with coriander and chilies.
- Why Try: Dhokla is a traditional Gujarati snack that is light, flavorful, and often eaten as breakfast or a tea-time snack. It’s soft, spongy, and delicious with a tangy chutney.
2. Gujarati Thali
- Where to Try: Gokul Restaurant, Anand
- Cost per person: ₹250 – ₹500
- What It Is: A traditional platter that features a variety of vegetarian dishes, including dal, sabzi, chapati, rice, kadhi, and sweet dishes like shrikhand or gajar halwa.
- Why Try: The Gujarati Thali is a must-try as it offers a complete meal with a perfect balance of sweet, salty, and tangy flavors, reflecting the essence of local cuisine.
3. Khandvi
- Where to Try: Shreeji Snacks & Sweets, Anand
- Cost per person: ₹50 – ₹100
- What It Is: Thin, rollable, savory snack made from gram flour and yogurt, topped with mustard seeds, sesame, and fresh coriander.
- Why Try: Khandvi is a popular snack in Gujarat, famous for its smooth texture and lightness. It’s a perfect snack for those who want something savory and easy to eat.
4. Dabeli
- Where to Try: Famous Vada Pav Stall, Anand
- Cost per person: ₹40 – ₹100
- What It Is: A Gujarati burger, made with pav (bread roll) stuffed with a spicy potato mixture, peanuts, pomegranate seeds, and chutneys.
- Why Try: Dabeli is a flavorful street food that’s crunchy, spicy, and tangy. It’s a must-try for anyone who loves a good snack with complex flavors.
5. Pav Bhaji
- Where to Try: Anand Railway Station Street Food, Anand
- Cost per person: ₹50 – ₹150
- What It Is: A rich and spicy mixture of mashed vegetables served with buttered pav (bread roll).
- Why Try: Pav Bhaji is one of the most popular street foods in Gujarat and India, served hot and loaded with butter. It’s a hearty, filling meal that you can find in almost every food stall in Anand.
6. Farsan
- Where to Try: Shreeji Bazaar, Anand
- Cost per person: ₹100 – ₹200
- What It Is: A variety of fried and crispy snacks, such as khandvi, farsan, dhokla, khaman, and thepla.
- Why Try: Farsan is the term used for a variety of snacks, and trying different types will give you a taste of Gujarat’s street food scene. It’s light, crispy, and often served with chutneys.
7. Thepla
- Where to Try: Anand Market, Anand
- Cost per person: ₹50 – ₹150
- What It Is: A type of flatbread made from wheat flour, fenugreek leaves, and spices, often served with yogurt or pickle.
- Why Try: Thepla is an iconic Gujarati dish, often enjoyed as a snack or light meal. It’s hearty, flavorful, and packed with nutrients. It’s a great choice for those looking to try something unique.
8. Kulfi
- Where to Try: Anand Street Food Lane, Anand
- Cost per person: ₹50 – ₹100
- What It Is: Frozen milk-based dessert flavored with cardamom, saffron, pistachios, or mango.
- Why Try: After a spicy meal, kulfi offers a refreshing and cool treat. It’s a rich and creamy dessert that’s a perfect way to end your street food journey in Anand.
9. Kachori
- Where to Try: Anand Railway Station Street Food, Anand
- Cost per person: ₹30 – ₹80
- What It Is: Deep-fried dough filled with a spicy mixture of lentils or potatoes.
- Why Try: Kachori is one of Gujarat’s favorite snacks. It’s crispy, flavorful, and perfect for a quick bite. Best enjoyed with tangy chutney and a hot cup of tea.
10. Sev Khamani
- Where to Try: Anand Market, Vallabh Vidyanagar
- Cost per person: ₹50 – ₹100
- What It Is: A traditional Gujarati snack made from crushed dhokla mixed with spices and topped with crispy sev (fried chickpea flour noodles), onions, and tomatoes.
- Why Try: Sev Khamani is a delicious and spicy snack that combines flavors of savory, tangy, and crunchy in one bite. It’s popular as a breakfast or snack item.
Conclusion
Anand is a food lover’s paradise, with a variety of Gujarati street foods that capture the essence of the region’s flavors. Whether you’re craving something spicy like pav bhaji or looking for a sweet treat like kulfi, Anand’s street food offerings are sure to satisfy your taste buds. From savory snacks like dabeli and khandvi to the delightful Gujarati thali, there’s something for everyone.