Streets foods of Vadodara: Part 1 of 2

Vadodara, the refinery and petrochemical hub of India, is one of the largest cities in the country and is a hub of the state's cuisine and culture. I began my career in the oil & gas sector in this lovely city located in the western state of Gujarat.

The Britishers had named the city as 'Baroda', and this city has a lot to offer in terms of its fascinating history along with its lip-smacking food items. The range of restaurants and eateries is immense in this city, and one is spoilt for choice.

So, rather than providing information on restaurants, this blog provides insights into the streets of Vadodara, where you will find classic and flavorsome Gujarati food.
Thus, my favorite street foods from Vadodara are listed in this two-part series, along with the mention of the places from where you can go to grab them to satisfy your taste buds.

Read through the list below,  and  get ready for a gastronomic roller coaster ride of the cultural epi-centre of Gujarat!

Sev Usal

It is a delicious local snack that’s made up of peas, and is available in numerous varieties. The addition of Indian spices, and of course, a generous garnishing with sev, makes it a must have item on your list. It is served with a side of chopped onions, and lemons as well as a spicy gravy and pav (bread buns).

Where to eat: Though available through out the city, one of the most popular places  to eat is the Jay Mahakali Sev Usa located at GF 14/15, Prathamesh Plaza (behind Nehru Bhavan) on Palace Road.

Timings: It is open every day from 08:15 hours to 21:15 hours.

Price: 50 INR per person

Vada Pav

This is the ultimate nirvana of the spicy snack food, and is a favourite, It can be easily found at every nook and corner of the city. The grub mainly consists of mashed potatoes, coated in variety of spices, and enveloped in a flour batter and fried. This snack is served piping hot, and between a pav (the Indian burger).

You can also garnish this with chopped onions, chillies and even some chutney. You can also try Jumbo King Vada Pav in Vadodara.

Where to eat: The best places to go and have this delight is, Tasty Vadapav, located in Nizampura, opposite Ghelani Petrol Pump.

Timings: This place is open from 09:00 hours to 21:00 hours every day. 

Price: 40 INR per person

Farsan

The mention of this word brings to mind a wide variety of salty and delicious snacks, which are on the must have list of both the Tourists and the locals alike.

Farsan, a generic term,  includes variety of meals like Dhokla, Khaman, Khandvi, Gathiya, various kinds of Sev, Bhakarwadi and so on. The origin of this savory item is  Gujarati, Rajasthani and Sindhi cuisine. Some of these are fried, while others are fresh or steamed, and are especially favorite during festivals and occasions.

Where to eat: There are several places in the city where you can visit to grab some tasty Farsan for yourself.

These include Shree Jagdish Farsan, several outlets scattered throughout the city. 

Payal Farsan at Gf-11, Taksh classic, Vadodara. 

Balubhai na Khaman,

Kathiyawadi from Kismat.

Sasu-Vahu Handvo in the Karelibaug area.

Timings: Most of these outlets are open from 08:00 to 22:00 hours daily.

Prices vary from item to item

Dabeli

Its a favourite dish in the city with its origin in the coastal Kutch region of Gujarat. The spicy snack is made using mashed potatoes and a special Dabeli masala, which is then put inside pav (burger buns) and served with a chutney. One of the most popular places to have this delicious snack is Bhai Bhai Dabeli.

Where to eat:  There are several outlets throughout the city, some bearing the slight variant name of the dish.  

Timings: Most of these outlets, however, open in the late afternoon post 15:00 hours.

Price : INR 40-50 per person

Poha

It’s a well-loved breakfast in many parts of the country, and Vadodara is no exception. Starting from early in the morning, there are many outlets which serve up a delicious plate of Poha to start your morning with.

Where to eat:  Some of the places you can visit include, Canara Coffee House, and Fatehraj Sev Usal. 

Timings: Early in the morning, you can also find vendors close to the Kamati Baug area selling Poha. Prices Vary.