Gujarat, located in the westernmost part of India, is one of the country’s most vibrant and colorful states. Renowned for its diverse landscapes and wide array of tourist attractions, it stands among the top travel destinations in India and a must-visit for couples on their honeymoon. Beyond its scenic beauty and cultural richness, Gujarat also delights visitors with its irresistible and distinctive cuisine.

Gujarati food is a beautiful blend of sweet and savory flavors and holds a special place among India’s oldest culinary traditions. Primarily vegetarian and packed with nutrition, its real charm lies in the ingenious use of everyday vegetables and mild spices to create wholesome yet flavorful dishes. If you’re a food lover, here are some iconic Gujarati delicacies that you simply can’t miss:

# Khandvi

A popular breakfast item, Khandvi is a soft, melt-in-the-mouth snack made from a batter of gram flour, yogurt, turmeric, and ginger paste. The cooked batter is spread thin, rolled into delicate spirals, and tempered with mustard seeds, curry leaves, and grated coconut. This sweet and tangy delight pairs perfectly with evening tea. Known as Suralichya Wadya in Maharashtra, it’s beloved by both Gujaratis and Maharashtrians. One of the best places to savor authentic Khandvi is The Das Khaman House in Ahmedabad.

# Dhokla

Perhaps the most famous Gujarati dish, Dhokla is a light, fluffy, and healthy snack enjoyed any time of day. Made by steaming a fermented batter of gram flour, yogurt, and spices, this soft cake is garnished with mustard seeds, coriander leaves, and sev. Traditionally served on a Kesuda leaf, Dhokla is best enjoyed with tangy green or sweet tamarind chutney. It’s a staple you’ll find in nearly every eatery across Gujarat.

# Dabeli

Originating from the Kutch region, Dabeli is Gujarat’s answer to Mumbai’s Vada Pav. Meaning “pressed,” this flavorful snack consists of spiced mashed potatoes mixed with Dabeli masala, stuffed between buttered buns, and garnished with pomegranate seeds, sev, and roasted peanuts. Served with tangy tamarind and garlic chutneys, this street favorite is said to be consumed over 20 lakh times a day in Kutch — a must-try when exploring the region’s vibrant streets.

# Khakhra

Khakhra is a thin, crispy flatbread made from wheat flour and mat bean. It’s a light and healthy snack, perfect for breakfast or travel. Traditionally flavored with methi, jeera, or ajwain, Khakhra now comes in creative variations like pizza, pani puri, pav bhaji, and chaat masala. Enjoy it with pickles or chutneys — or spread ghee and sugar on top for a sweet twist.

# Fafda Jalebi

No Gujarati morning is complete without Fafda and Jalebi. Fafda is a crunchy fried snack made from gram flour, while Jalebi is a sweet, syrupy pretzel made from maida. The combination of the two — crispy, salty Fafda with hot, sugary Jalebi — is iconic. Add fried chilies or papaya chutney on the side, and you’ve got a flavor explosion that defines Gujarati street breakfasts, especially in Ahmedabad.

# Gujarati Kadhi

A comforting classic, Gujarati Kadhi is a yogurt-based curry made with gram flour and spiced with cumin, mustard seeds, ginger, and chilies. Unlike other regional versions, Gujarati Kadhi has a mild sweetness thanks to the addition of sugar or jaggery. Served with rice or roti, it’s a cooling and nutritious dish, ideal for beating the summer heat.

# Thepla

A beloved staple, Thepla is a soft, spiced flatbread made from whole wheat flour, gram flour, and fresh fenugreek leaves. Perfect for breakfast or travel, Theplas stay fresh for days and taste best with yogurt, sweet mango pickle (chhundo), or garlic chutney. While methi thepla is the most popular, other varieties like palak, muli, and dudhi thepla are equally delicious and wholesome.

# Handvo

Handvo is a savory, baked lentil-and-rice cake that’s crisp on the outside and soft inside. Made with a batter of fermented lentils, rice, and grated bottle gourd, this nutritious snack is seasoned with mustard seeds, sesame, and dried red chilies. It can be baked, steamed, or pan-fried and is best enjoyed with spicy pickle or green chutney.

# Ghughra

A festive favorite, Ghughra (also known as Gujiya) is a sweet dumpling made from refined flour and stuffed with a mix of roasted semolina, dry fruits, coconut, and sugar. The half-moon shaped pastries are deep-fried and dipped in sugar syrup, making them an indulgent treat during festivals like Holi, Diwali, and Raksha Bandhan.

# Gathiya

Soft yet crunchy, Gathiya is a deep-fried chickpea flour snack often enjoyed with evening tea. Unlike sev, it has a thicker, airy texture and can be stored for days. Available in regular and spicy versions, this classic Gujarati nibble is lightly seasoned with turmeric, carom seeds, and pepper — a must-try for snack lovers visiting Gujarat.

# Basundi

Rounding off the feast is Basundi, a rich and creamy dessert made by slow-boiling milk until it thickens and sweetens naturally. Flavored with cardamom and saffron, Basundi can be served warm or chilled. Closely resembling North India’s Rabri, this decadent sweet dish is the perfect way to end a hearty Gujarati meal.