Apart from being tagged as “Diamond City”, “Silk City”, “Clean City”, awarded the “Best City”, Surat is also known for its amazing food and the way they enjoy it. There is an old saying that says, “Surat Nu Jaman Ne Kaashi Nu Maran” which means dine in Surat and die in Kaashi for the ultimate experience of the soul. The variety of Street foods in Surat will amaze you.

The yummy Khaman to Khamani, the buttery Paranthas with more than 100 varieties and similar number in varieties of Dhosa to even Dabeli, the array of chats from Delhi and Rajasthan, the variety of Handvos it has all.

But what doubles the joy of savouring food here is a unique culture that exists nowhere but in Surat. There is an area in Piplod where the footpath is lined with several hawkers with their menus just as in Restaurants. They spread Carpet on the footpath where people either order food or bring their own and enjoy it on the roadside amidst the shiny lights of Malls and cars zipping past.

If you are visiting Surat, this is definitely not a miss. From variety in almost all the dishes you will also find some unique platters.

1. Locha

It is a dish that got invented by mistake while making a normal Khaman due to a messed up consistency and hence got this name “Locha”. But it surprisingly tastes so good that it contradicts its own name.

The best part of Surat’s street food is you have variety in every single dish. Like in Locha, you can have Cheese Roll Locha, Schezwan Locha, Italian Locha etc.

Probably all possible Surti-Western combo you can ever imagine!

2. Undhiyu

This spicy authentic vegetable casserole is a winter assortment which is been passed from generation to generation still not all can pull this delightful dish well. The etymology of Undhiyu comes from the Gujarati word “Undhu” which means upside down as it is cooked for hours in earthenware stirring the specific 8 vegetables (cultivated in Surat) upside down traditionally.

3. Ponk Vadas

The reason I wait for winters is this. Again a dish that Surat has the monopoly over. This perfectly crisp Jowar grain fritters are just irresistible. Ponk vadas are served with spicy Sev (Vermicelli) and Green Chutney.

4. Ghari

A sweet dish, dipped in Ghee and stuffed with Dryfruits though full of calories, not all can resist. Ghari is made on the special day of ChandiPadwa wherein, Ghari worth of millions is relished by Suratis. Truly deserves to be in Guiness book of world record!

5. Surti Sev Khamni

“Khamani” the name sounds as a better half of Khaman. Khamni is a dish with Chana Dal (Split Bengal Gram) as the key ingredient with a unique combination of Garlic, Ginger, Chillies with Sugar that will definitely tickle your taste buds.

6. Collegian

Every college student has it in their snacks list. It is a kind of a chat with Peanuts as main ingredient. And as like any other Surti Dishes it is also garnished with Sev.

 

7. Sosyo

Did you know this is the first ever Indian soft drink? When Gandhiji called for a ban of imported products under the Swadeshi movement, Mohsin Abdul Rahim Hajoori introduced an Indian variant in 1927. The taste was described as ‘the perfect mix of whiskey, rum and soda’ and was called ‘Whisky No’.

Later the apple and grape cider was named ‘Socio’ which eventually became Sosyo!

Each year, over 50 million bottles are consumed, mainly in Gujarat and Maharashtra and even exported as far as UAE, South Africa, New Zealand, UK and USA.

8. Khichu

Khichu is simple, spicy and delicious healthy Gujarati Snacks. This steamed rice flour street food is very famous in Gujarat. Khichu is actually a dough use to make Rice Papad or “Khichiya” and now you very well know how it got that name. It tastes delicious with Achar Methi Masala and oil.

9. Rassawala Khaman Dhokla

Nothing can replace the satisfaction of devouring this tangy and spicy treat. Again a new version of Khaman.

10. Ice Dish

Who doesn’t love Ice Gola? But by now you have got to know one thing about the lovely people of Surat and that is Surtis want the best when it comes to eateries and that is why they give a makeover to even the simplest dish just like this!

11. Nan Khatai

Nankhatai is a biscuit of Indian origin from the roots of Surat. Though nowadays it is available at other places too, whoever visits Surat never fails to take a pack back.

12. Bhajiya

Ever imagined variety in Bhajiyas? They have Aalo Pakodas to Kanda Bhajiya, Tameta Bhajiya, Ratalu Bhajiya etc Relishing this delectable Bhajiyas on the beach side is a pleasant experience.

 

13. Cold Coco

Once you have it bet you can’t wait for one more but you have to, wait in a queue! This chocolate milk out stands any other chocolate drink completely.

14. Ice Paan

Ice Paan is a twist to ethnic Paan stuffed with Slush. Putting it altogether in your mouth will make you finish it as fast as possible.

So if you are are a foodie and ever plan to visit Surat then don’t forget to taste the Street foods in Surat.

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