AHMEDABAD’S STREET FOOD HOTSPOTS
It is well known in the foodie circles; Ahmedabad is a food heaven for foodies. To leave Ahmedabad without hitting any of these 5 iconic street food spots is an unforgivable sin. From sweet jalebis and to shaved-ice golas and kothi ice cream, and from tangy pani puris to spicy vada pavs, samosas and chaats, there is food for everyone here. Ahmedabad loves its tawa pulaos, its fusion sandwiches, its ganthiyas and its pizzas; and Ahmedabad’s love for all cheese is evident in almost all of its street foods.
Here’s a short video by Things2do that should get you prepped for the content to come. If you like this ‘top 10 Indian street foods in Ahmedabad’ video, be sure to subscribe to their channel.
Interestingly, though Gujarat is predominantly vegetarian, there are certain spots where you do get mouth-watering non-vegetarian street food. But for the purposes of this article, we will pick the 10 best vegetarian street food spots to him when in town. So let’s get started with a 5-spot street food tour of Ahmedabad, especially for foodies.
01.
Manek Chowk
Manek Chowk is the most iconic night street food market in Ahmedabad. It is often crowded with people and you should go early if you wish to eat in peace. Street food here is delicious and affordable. You will need to do quite a bit of walking and checking things out before you pick that perfect street food that you’d like to have, for the options are truly unlimited.
Some of the most famous foods to try here are Balan’s Gwalior Dosa, khada pav bhaji at Kailash Pav Bhaji, and the ghughra & farali sandwiches at Manek Sandwich & Pizza among others like chaat, fafda, ice-cream sandwich, methina gotla, etc.
Manek Chowk is a night food market street and it opens at 8PM daily and closes at midnight.
Here’s a Manek Chowk food market short video by Bhooka Saand. Be sure to follow him for more amazing food tour videos.
02.
Urban SBR Social
While Manek Chowk is a historic street food market within the walled city of Ahmedabad, Urban SBR Social is its more modern, contemporary and youth-centric in Thaltej, the newer part of Ahmedabad city. This evening street food market opens at about 6:30PM and remains lively till as late as 1:30AM.
Unlike Manek Chowk that mostly serves out traditional Indian street food, Urban SBR Social is more into fusion foods. The more popular items available here are the jamun mocktail from Ice-Studio, pani-puri from Chat pe Charcha and vagharlelo rotlo from desi Tadka. You get all kinds of fusion food here including Indo-Mexican, Indo-Chinese, Indo-Continental and more.
Subscribe to Youtuber Veggie Paaji who has several Ahmedabad food tour videos that might interest you. Here’s an interesting one below.
03.
Happy Street Law Garden
The Law Garden street market and khau galli, already an iconic location for shoppers, strollers and foodies, has recently been revamped into a ‘ happy street’. With its 42 food-truck style food shops, which include not just food places, but also tea stalls and coffee houses, is a 300-metre stretch of street, now a foodie’s paradise.
Apart from food, the beautiful Darwaja-style street decoration, colourful lights, hot and happening crowds and even a cycle track are the crowd-pullers here. The street is not just known for lip-smacking street delicacies but is well known to have the most hygienic street food in town. Must-try food items here are the katka pav, pav bhaji, pani puri, kulfi, vada pav and dabelis. Several types of sandwiches are available here and the aloo-matar sandwich of Anand Sandwich is a definite must-try.
Here’s a look of Law Garden’s Happy Street as filmed by Bansi Bishnoi. Do subscribe to his channel if you like his video.
04.
Food Junction
Food Junction is a slightly smaller food joint right next to Rajpath Club. Some of the big names in the Ahmedabad street food industry, such as Jasuben Pizza and Balan Dosa also have their stalls here. You can try the usual street stuff here, such as Frankies, paranthas, vada pavs, but definitely for a slightly higher price than what is available elsewhere because of the premium neighbourhood.
This late-night fast-food area operates from 7:30PM to 2AM daily and there is ample parking for patrons.
Here’s a video about Ahmedabad’s Food Junction by Youtuber Golgappa Girl. Follow her for more such exciting videos.
05.
Other Stand-Alone Eateries
Ahmedabad has several stand-alone eateries that are loved by locals and tourists alike. Here’s a list of some of the more popular places and the delicacies they are most famous for.
Picture Courtesy:Wikimedia Commons: Gaurav Dhwaj Khadka
RK Vada Pav
RK Vada Pav right on one corner of Vijay Crossroads is my personal favourite Vada Pav in Ahmedabad as is the standard case with any ex-HLIC student, though Sriji Krupa Bombay Vada Pav offers it some good competition.
Agarwal Bhel & Pani Puri Centre
With multiple franchises across town, including one in Law Garden, Agarwal’s serves by far, some of the best pani puri, dahi puri and bhel puri in town.
Asharfi Kulfi
As the name suggests, Asharfi Kulfi is the Mecca for kulfi lovers. They have several outlets across town and they serve normal kulfis, pot kulfis as well as stick kulfis. Oh and did we mention, they even shave sugar-less kulfis, imagine that!
Laxmi Ganthiya Rath
The traditional Gujarati breakfast item ganthiyas are best had with the traditional yellow chutney and a papaya salad at Laxmi Ganthiya Rath in Ambawadi. If you cannot reach here, hit the Iscon Ganthiya outlet on Satellite Road instead.
Gajanand Pouva House
Try the regular poha, dahi poha and masala poha at Gajanand Pauva House. These are the main food items that make this breakfast place famous with the locals. They also serve other local items such as khichu, so if you are new to Gujarati food, this is a great place to start your culinary tour. They open early, at around 5:30AM.
Gulab Golawala
Gulab Golawala is an absolute must-visit destination for ice gola lovers. Golas are traditional shaved ice desserts enjoyed in almost all parts of India. Unlike other street gola sellers, Gulab Golawala’s golas contain 18 different types of fresh fruits too. You also find dry fruits, khoya and even rasgullas in some exotic golas here. To be honest, at Rs 200 per gola, this is the cheapest piece of heaven out there.
Leaving you with some stunning visuals of Ahmedabad’s famous golas by India HD. This particular video is of a street gola vendor in Chandlodiya. Follow the channel for more such HD videos.
Try the Best Pizza Frankie in Ahmedabad
If you’re on the hunt for a unique culinary experience in Ahmedabad, look no further than the mouthwatering creation known as the pizza frankie. Nestled in the busy University Area of Ahmedabad, this fusion delight combines the classic elements of a thin crust pizza with the hearty, flavorful stuffing of a traditional frankie.
What Makes This Pizza Frankie Special?
- Innovative Fusion: Imagine a crispy thin crust layered with your favorite frankie fillings.
- Cheese Lovers Rejoice: A generous helping of cheese is a must, capturing the essence of the local palate.
- Torch-Fired Perfection: This creation is finished off with a quick torch, adding a delightful charred flavor.
- Unique Toppings: Topped with crispy wafers, it offers an unexpected crunch that elevates the eating experience.
Where to Find It
Head over to the very popular spot at 2GPW+6WG on Shree Pannalal Patel Marg in the University Area. Although they boast a wide variety of offerings, the standout option must be their pizza-pasta thin-crust frankie. Don’t miss the chance to indulge in this savory masterpiece that perfectly captures the vibrant flavors of Ahmedabad.
With such a creative twist on a classic favorite, it’s no wonder this pizza frankie has become a must-try for both locals and visitors.
Another Must-Visit Destination: Manubhai Dal Pakwan
Manubhai Dal Pakwan offers a unique taste experience that has become a beloved tradition since the 1950s. This spot is renowned for its signature dish, dal pakwan, which features savory chana dal paired with perfectly crisp puri.
Located in the Sindhi camp area, an area established for those who migrated from Sindh after the Partition, you’ll find this iconic kiosk at Sorabji Compound Road, in Sardar Colony, Ahmedabad.
Aslam Omletwala: a Must-Visit for Eggetarians
Aslam Omletwala offers a unique culinary experience that has captured the hearts of eggetarians. Nestled in the vibrant neighborhood of Gheekanta, Bhadra, Ahmedabad, this eatery specializes in egg-based dishes that leave a lasting impression.
Signature Dish:
The star attraction here is undoubtedly their delectable egg curry. It features a tantalizing combination of boiled egg keema served atop a perfectly cooked plain omelette, creating a harmonious blend of flavors and textures that’s hard to resist.
Eggetarian Haven:
The menu celebrates the versatility of eggs, catering exclusively to those who relish egg-centered meals. With a variety of dishes that elevate this humble ingredient, Aslam Omletwala has become a go-to destination for egg enthusiasts seeking something beyond the ordinary.
Warm Ambiance:
Beyond the mouthwatering fare, the welcoming atmosphere and friendly service enhance the dining experience, making it an inviting spot for both locals and visitors.
For those passionate about egg cuisine, Aslam Omletwala promises a delightful journey through an inventive menu, making it a favorite haunt in Ahmedabad.
Where can I find Ahmedabad’s unique toasted dabeli?
If you’re in Ahmedabad and eager to try a unique toasted dabeli, head over to a spot in the Vardhmannagar Society on Ghatlodia Road. Known for its distinct preparation, this dabeli is toasted perfectly on a gas toaster, setting it apart from the usual offerings in the city. This specific technique gives the dabeli an irresistible crispy texture and is a local favorite you won’t want to miss.
Why Street Food Enthusiasts Must Visit Royal Vadapav and Dabeli in Ahmedabad?
For street food aficionados visiting Ahmedabad, Royal Vadapav and Dabeli is a culinary destination you simply can’t miss. Here’s why:
- Classic Dabeli Delight: Dive into a warm, fluffy pav stuffed with traditional spiced potato filling. Each bite is an explosion of flavors, perfectly balanced by a sweet and spicy tamarind chutney.
- Savory Sauces: Complement your dabeli with a side of tangy green chutney and classic ketchup. These condiments add layers of taste, catering to both spicy and sweet palates.
- Crunchy Toppings: What sets their dabeli apart is the addition of masala peanuts, offering a delightful crunch with every mouthful.
- Authentic Experience: This spot is renowned for providing an authentic street food experience in the heart of the city, making it a quintessential stop for both locals and visitors.
With its distinctive flavors and textures, it’s no surprise this place is a favorite among those who crave genuine street-side snacks. Whether you’re a seasoned street food lover or a curious traveler, a visit here promises an unforgettable taste of Ahmedabad‘s vibrant food culture.
Top Spots for Dhokla and Masala Puffs in Ahmedabad
Ahmedabad is a paradise for those who crave authentic Gujarati snacks. Here are some must-visit spots for the best dhokla and masala puffs in the city:
1. Delightful Dhokla
- Located next to Amrapali Lakeview Tower, near Vastrapur Lake, the Live Dhokla Centre is a top choice for dhokla lovers. Known for its soft, fluffy texture and range of flavors, it offers an affordable way to indulge.
2. Spicy Masala Puffs
- For a fiery twist, head over to the sandwich spot opposite Subway at Campus Corner, Vasant Vihar. This place is famous for their tantalizing masala puffs—crispy, spicy, and sure to satisfy your cravings.
3. Unique Gujarati Twists
- Craving something unique? Visit the popular eatery near Gujarat University, close to L.D. College on Prl Road. Here, you can explore various types of locho, a delectable steamed gram flour dish with a modern twist.
Whether you are looking to savor a classic or try something new, these places promise a delicious experience.
Where can you find the spiciest sandwich in Ahmedabad?
If you’re on the hunt for the spiciest sandwich in Ahmedabad, look no further than Vasukaka Ni Sandwich. Nestled at Aggarwal Centre, Ashram Road, near the Bajaj Rickshaw Showroom in Usmanpura, this spot is renowned for its fiery sandwiches that are famous across Gujarat.
This isn’t just any sandwich; it’s a layered masterpiece packed with vegetables and slathered in a potent homemade garlic paste. They churn out an impressive 300 sandwiches every hour, a testament to their popularity. But be warned: you might not be able to tackle this spicy delight without reaching for a glass of water!
Where can you try different types of locho in Ahmedabad?
If you’re looking to indulge in an array of locho varieties in Ahmedabad, head over to a popular spot near Gujarat University. Located close to L.D. College on Prl Road in Navrangpura, this place serves up delicious locho—a savory, steamed dish crafted from gram flour. It’s a favorite among both locals and visitors who frequent Ahmedabad.
Where to Find Delightful Falooda in Ahmedabad
If you’re on the hunt for a variety of falooda flavors in Ahmedabad, head over to Astodia Juice Corner located at Astodia Darwaja in the Old City area of Raipur, Khadia. This well-loved local spot is famous for offering a multitude of refreshing falooda flavors, perfect for beating the summer heat. It’s a favorite among locals looking to enjoy a cool, sweet treat.
Which location is renowned for its meat-stuffed samosas in Ahmedabad?
If you’re in Ahmedabad and on the hunt for mouthwatering meat-stuffed samosas, head over to a spot on Mirzapur Road, directly across from St. Xavier’s High School in the Old City area. This location has built a reputation over the decades, delighting patrons with its distinctive small triangular samosas filled with perfectly spiced minced mutton. Known for their flaky exterior and flavorful filling, these samosas have become a beloved treat among locals and visitors alike.
What is the Manek Chowk ice-cream sandwich and where can it be tried?
Some of the most famous foods to try here are Balan’s Gwalior Dosa, khada pav bhaji at Kailash Pav Bhaji, and the ghughra & farali sandwiches at Manek Sandwich & Pizza among others like chaat, fafda, ice-cream sandwich, methina gotla, etc.
While exploring the vibrant culinary scene, don’t miss the chance to savor the Manek Chowk ice cream sandwich. This delightful treat is a three-layered bread sandwich filled with jam, ice cream, and chocolate chips in each layer, offering a fun and crazy snack experience. You can find this unique creation at Manek Chowk Rd in the Old City, Danapidth, Khadia, Ahmedabad.
These local delicacies are just a glimpse into the rich tapestry of flavors waiting to be discovered in this bustling area.
