Gujarati Thali — The Star Experience
A traditional Gujarati thali is a complete meal served on a large platter with multiple small bowls. It typically includes roti (flatbread), dal (lentil soup), rice, shaak (seasonal vegetable curry), kadi (yogurt-based curry), farsan (snacks like dhokla, khandvi, or samosa), chutneys, pickles, papad, and a sweet dish (shrikhand, halwa, or aam ras in summer).
In Banaskantha, the thali is a must-try experience. Many restaurants in Ambaji and Palanpur serve unlimited thalis at reasonable prices.
Local Specialties
- Fafda-Jalebi: The iconic Gujarati breakfast combo — crispy fried chickpea flour strips with sweet, syrupy jalebis.
- Khaman: Soft, spongy steamed gram flour cakes tempered with mustard seeds and curry leaves.
- Dhokla: Fermented steamed cake made from rice and chickpea flour, served with green chutney.
- Khandvi: Soft, rolled gram flour snacks with coconut and mustard seed tempering.
- Shrikhand: Strained yogurt dessert flavoured with saffron, cardamom, and nuts.
- Mohan Thaal: A Gujarat special sweet made from gram flour, ghee, and sugar.
Where to Eat
- Ambaji: Numerous restaurants near the temple serve authentic Gujarati thalis. Popular options include Annapurna Restaurant and local dhabas.
- Palanpur: The city has a wider selection including old-city eateries serving traditional recipes.
- Balaram Palace: Offers a refined dining experience with a mix of Gujarati, Indian, and Continental cuisine.
Food Tips
- Most food in Banaskantha is pure vegetarian — no meat or eggs in traditional eateries.
- Stick to bottled water or boiled water.
- Gujarati food is slightly sweet — even savoury dishes may have a hint of sugar.
- Breakfast options include fafda-jalebi, khaman, and poha.
- Carry snacks for visits to remote areas like Jessore Sanctuary and Nada Bet.