A Local’s Food Guide To Eating Out In Ahmedabad: 5 Spots You Must Try

Gujarat’s culinary scene is deeply intertwined with its culture, climate and history. Its cuisine reflects the legacy of many traditions that made the region its own. Influenced by the Rajputs, Marathas, Mughals, and interactions with distant lands, the Gujarati plate became increasingly colourful. As a hot, dry state, it has cooking styles adapted to the heat. To think of Gujarati cuisine as solely vegetarian is to restrict its potential. Though it may not have indigenous recipes, borrowing never halted. From biryanis to kebabs, this state serves it all today.

Amdavadi Cuisine is one of the pillars of the state’s food. In Ahmedabad, the capital city’s street food culture is any foodie’s dream. Here, sweet, tangy and spicy flavours come together across the city’s culinary landscape. Here are 5 places you can consider visiting that will guide you through Ahmedabad’s culinary landscape.

Swati Snacks

If you’re looking for moderately priced food that keeps you coming back for more, this eatery is a must-try. They serve a wide range of dishes, from pani puri and bhelpuri to idli and dosa. Their authentic Gujarati dishes are what truly take the crown, though. Each dish is packed with flavour and the essence of home-cooked food. Their patra and panki are a must-try for anyone seeking to experience the charm of Gujarati cuisine. Panki is a traditional, savoury pancake made from spiced batter and sandwiched between banana leaves. Patra is a sweet and tangy vegetarian snack made from taro leaves rolled in besan batter. These rolls are steamed, sliced, and then pan-fried before serving.

End your meal with dessert. They have a dessert of the day, which lets you skip the decision-making process. If you’d like to take a peek at the menu, there are plenty of options. From traditional desserts, home-made ice creams and chuski (ice lollies), they have it all.

With wood benches and stainless steel tabletops arranged in a cafeteria-style setup, their decor is modern and minimal. Quick service and a warm smile make your dining experience comfortable. Instead of fine dining extravagance and fanciness, go out for a nice, cosy meal with your family at Swati Snacks.

Address: Law Garden, Ahmedabad – 380006

Timings: 12:00 pm-10:45 pm

Price for two: ₹500-₹800

Gordhan Thaal

Authentic Flavours. Multiple dishes. Unlimited Refills. This is what Gordhan Thaal promises. Perhaps that is why it is one of the most popular restaurants in the city, flooded with people at lunch and dinner. Its royal ambience immerses you in culture, while the quick service keeps you constantly gulping down food. Even before your plate is nearly empty, someone will be at your table offering refills on three different side dishes. From the popular fafda and kadhi to lesser-known Gujarati dishes, delve into traditional flavours here. Feel free to make the four servings of aamras the highlight of your meal!

Address: Sapath Complex, Ground Floor, Sarkhej – Gandhinagar Hwy, Opposite Rajpath Club, Bodakdev, Ahmedabad, Gujarat 380015

Timings: Lunch- 11:00 am-3:00 pm; Dinner- 7:00 pm- 10:30 pm

Price for two: ₹800-850

New Irani Restaurant

The New Irani Restaurant is a 120-year-old eatery in the heart of the old, walled city of Amdavad. This muslim-owned space serves some of the best Gujarati muslim food, famous for its butter chicken and mutton bhuna. Don’t let the reputation of Ahmedabad as a vegetarian city fool you. Instead, this eatery will serve you one of the best plates of meat you will have.

What takes the cake, however, is their chai and muskabuns. Rich, sweet tea is served with two warm slices of fluffy bread, sandwiching creamy white butter. At any time of the day, you can find people dipping their bun muskas in a cup of chai as their laughter echoes through the walls of the establishment. That is the charm of this little cafe. Located in the middle of a bustling market, there are people here constantly. You get a slice of life served right along with your slice of bread every time.

Address: Opp Sunheri Maszid ,Salapose Road, Relif Road, Ramanlal Sheth Marg, Bhadra, Ahmedabad, Gujarat 380001

Timings: 6 am-11 pm

Price for two: ₹300-₹500

The Green House, Agashiye

‘On the Terrace’ is what Agashiye means in Gujarati. This iconic rooftop restaurant in the heritage hotel, established in 1999, serves traditional Gujarati thalis packed with local flavours. Made from fresh, seasonal ingredients, these meals carry the indigenous taste in silver or kansa thalis.

Agashiye combines elegance and refinement with culture. It plates up tradition in a way that makes you feel as if you’ve been invited to someone’s house for a friendly meal. Serving rice, roti and pappad with multiple side dishes and dessert, there is no way you will leave this restaurant with even an ounce of space left in your stomach. It might leave you craving some more food, though!

Address: Opp Sidi Saiyad Mosque, Lal Darwaja, Ahmedabad, India 380001

Timings: Lunch- 11:00 am- 3:30 pm; Dinner- 7:00 pm- 11:00 pm

Price for two: ₹2500-3000

Bhatiyar Galli

This street in the old city is famous for its street food, particularly its meat preparations.

The 600-year-old culinary hub comes alive in the evening, with different scents wafting to your nostrils. Stroll through the narrow alleyways, overflowing with people and rickshaws, to find crispy chicken samosas fresh from the oily woks. Filled with juicy chicken and minty onions, these are perfectly salty and chewy in every bite. Historic eateries also serve classic mutton and chicken curries. Bheja fry is another popular delicacy.

Address: Old City, Bhadra, Ahmedabad, Gujarat 380001

Timings: 10 am- 10:30 pm

Price for two: ₹400-600