Food

The state of Gujarat is renowned for sophisticated, light, vegetarian meals. The local cuisine is unlike any other Indian cuisine which is derived from mixing of the sweet with the salty. Another notable feature of the Gujarati cuisine is the fact that it is almost strictly vegetarian. 

Even though Ahmedabad has absorbed many foreign influences over the years, the basic tastes in food have remained the same. There is a particular fondness for crisp spicy fried savouries (locally called as farsans). These are usually prepared at home but can also be bought at wayside stalls. They form an integral part of the traditional meal and are served as starters.

Meals are elaborate affairs. They are traditionally served on silver platters with a variety of wheat breads and rice. The famous Gujarati thali served at weddings consists of farsans, sweetmeats and a variety of sweet and sour chutneys and pickles.

Geographically, Gujarat can be divided into four regions and because of the climatic differences; there are slight variations in eating habits and modes of preparation. Popular items include a delicious vegetable concoction called Undhyoo and Paunk, a tangy delicacy.

Farsans are of various varieties such as Pathara, Khaman Dhokla, and Khandvi. Kathiawari favourites include 'debras' which is made with wheat flour mixed with spinach, green chillies, a dollop of yogurt and a pinch of salt and sugar. These are eaten with chhundo (a hot and sweet shredded mango pickle), Methia Masala, a dry powder made from fenugreek seeds, chilly powder and salt. This is liberally sprinkled over raw vegetables and salads and gives the food an especially piquant flavour. Phafda, an omum flavoured assorted flour puri is another Kathiawari favourite.

Apart from its authentic Gujarati cuisine, Ahmedabad is a haven for food lovers. From pizzas at Pizza Hut to jalebis at Bhagwati, Ahmedabad dishes up a wide array of Indian and international cuisines.

However, most of the food outlets serve only vegetarian food, as a strong tradition of vegetarianism is maintained by the city's Jain and Hindu communities. Some non-vegetarian outlets near IIMA include Chawlas and Upper Crust.