Priyal Dholakia (Assistant Editor)
Vadodara, the cultural capital of Gujarat, is a paradise for food lovers. It enjoys the status of being one of the most sought-after food destinations in the state. Thanks to the vast and delectable range of vegetarian delicacies it has to offer. If you are in Vadodara, you are in for an unforgettable culinary adventure! From simple to gourmet, the city has a strong and vibrant food culture.
Vadodara’s food scene is bustling with diverse variations for you to choose from. Be it traditional thalis, continental fare, or street food, this city has it all. If you are out to explore Sanskari Nagari, here are the top five items you cannot miss out on:
1. Sev Usal
Sev Usal is a dish any true-blue Barodian will swear by! It is the classic and defining dish of the city. Sev Usal is a spicy curry made from white peas and eaten with buns. It is topped with sev and tari, which is a red chilli chutney. You can even top it up with coriander chutney and finely chopped green onions. Sev Usal got introduced in Vadodara due to the reign of the Gaekwads in the erstwhile empire of Baroda. Owing to the ruling Gaekwad dynasty, a lot of Maratha families settled in Vadodara. They have played a big role in popularising this dish, which is now the staple street food for the locals.
If you want the best Sev Usal, you should go to: Jay Mahakali Sev Usal
2. Lilo Chevdo
Vadodara is a hub of mouthwatering farsans, and Lilo Chevdo tops the list here! You cannot leave Vadodara without tasting and taking a pack of Lilo Chevdo with you. “Lilo” means “fresh and green” in Gujarati. What makes it unique is that, despite being a dry snack, it feels moist and freshly made when you eat it. In addition, you can even store it for a week or even more, and it will still retain its natural moisture. Lilo Chevdo is made by frying grated potatoes and chana dal. It is then tossed with dry fruits, green chillies, lemon juice, sesame, and sugar. Its fine blend of soft and crunchy textures makes it a lip-smacking delight you can munch on for days!
To get the most amazing Lilo Chevdo, head to: Jagdish Foods
3. Bhakarwadi
Bhakarwadi is another signature dish of the city of Vadodara. It is a disc-shaped, crispy preparation that is deep-fried. Bhakarwadi contains a filling of grated green coconut, sesame seeds, and spices. The outer layer is made from a coating of besan or gram flour. The spice in it is a bit on the higher side. But if you are fond of coconut flavour and can tolerate a tad bit of extra spice, go for it! Sweet, spicy, and tangy flavours are richly infused into it. Like Lilo Chevdo, you can also store Bhakarwadi in airtight jars and savour it as a teatime snack.
Our top pick to treat yourself to the tastiest Bhakarwadi is again: Jagdish Foods
4. Sev Khamani
Lentils have a significant impact on the city’s food culture, which brings us to the next item on our list: Sev Khamani. It is a dish made of chana dal and has a soft and grainy texture. Khamani is typically a crumbled form of the traditional Gujarati dish, khaman. Khaman is a kind of sponge bread prepared by soaking and fermenting a batter of chickpeas. The Khamani is laced with lemon juice and sugar syrup and tempered with mustard and sesame seeds. It is then garnished with chopped onions, chutney, coriander, pomegranate seeds, and sev. Sev Khamani is both healthy and flavorful. It is great as a meal side dish or an evening snack.
For the most delicious Sev Khamani, visit: Payal Sweet and Farsan
5. Duliram Penda
As you might already be aware, Gujarati cuisine has a special affinity for sweet flavours. So, this list cannot be complete without including something sweet. Like a dessert to end the meal, we have a little something sweet for you to sum it all up. Last but not least, the final offering on this list is the famous Duliram Penda from Vadodara. This sweet has a 150-year-old history attached to it. And what stands out is that it has still retained its original core and essence to date. Even now, it is made using just three ingredients: milk, sugar, and elaichi. People usually have it during festivals or as a prasad during worship. Its texture is such that it will melt in your mouth as soon as you eat it. For the people of Vadodara, Duliram Penda holds special significance. It is a symbol of the simple, sweet, yet strong attachment they hold for the city.
Grab your box of happiness from: Duliram Pendawala
So, if you are in Vadodara or planning to be here, do not forget to dig into these sumptuous delights. These are sure to leave you craving more. Go on and treat your taste buds! A lot more is waiting for you on the menu cards. Happy mealtimes!
