My family is from Gujarat so I have a special fondness for the delicious food from this region of India.
Despite the stereotypes, there is way more to Gujarati food than Khaman (Which is delish!). From Gujarati Kadhi which is tangy with sweet undertones to the popular Sukhdi sweet, there’s a lot to explore.
You’ll find recipes for shaaks (spiced vegetable main dishes), sweets, snacks, and pickles – all Gujarati-style! You’ve come to the right place for Gujarati dishes.
I’ve created this page as an easy way for you to explore vegetarian Gujarati food recipes and hope you find inspiration to make something new! Maybe you’ll find new Gujarati dinner ideas.
Whether you are a pro or a beginner, there is something here for everyone. I’ve learned all these recipes from my mom.
All recipes are vegetarian on my site. Where possible, I also offer alternative vegan options.
About Gujarati Food – The Perfect Balance
First things first – Gujarat, is a state in Western India.
Gujaratis are known for the HUGE amount of variety in food. From main courses, snacks, to sweets and sides there are diverse wide-ranging options.
Vegetarian: In India, it’s the 4th highest state in terms of the number of vegetarians. So, the food is primarily vegetarian.
Flavor profile: Authentic Gujarati cuisine is delicious food with a balance of flavors hitting your taste buds -spicy, tangy, salty, and sweet.
You can’t peg it as mild or spicy or sweet. It’s balanced and adjusted to each family’s preference, like most food 😊
I see a lot of people mistakenly characterizing Gujarati food as sweet. While there is sugar added to some of our savory dishes, the reason is to bring that balance. Not to overly sweeten the dish.
Sugar balances khattu (sour), thiku (spicy) to provide a balanced flavor profile. Over the years as I learned more about making Gujarati food I learned by tasting the dish before adding sugar and then after what a HUGE difference it makes.
Again, its just a little sugar. We’re not talking crazy amounts 😊
Gujarati Thali
Traditional Gujarati thali is a platter of various types of dishes from India’s state of Gujarat.
They can be simple with a few dishes or an elaborate thali with multiple vegetable dishes and sweets. It is typically a vegetarian platter of food served as main courses.
You can learn all about making a delicious Gujarati thali for more details.
Some common components of a typical thali across regions are rice, shaak (vegetable dishes), rotli (Indian bread), dal, Indian pickles, and Indian sweets.
Kathiyawadi thalis may include Khichdi.
Shaaks – Vegetable Main
Growing up in a Gujarati household in the US, we regularly had traditional dishes. Shaaks, spiced vegetable dishes, are VERY easy and make for perfect weeknight dinners.
Simple basic ingredients and Indian spices like dhana jeeru are needed.
Serve with some roti or a piping hot plate of delicious Basmati Rice, Coconut Basmati Rice, or Brown Basmati Rice, and you are set!
If you don’t have basmati rice on hand, Sona Masoori is a great accompaniment too.
Peas Cauliflower Shaak
Easy Gujarati Peas and Cauliflower Shaak (Gobi Matar Dry)
Authentic Indian Gujarati curried cauliflower and peas shaak! It's a cozy simple meal perfect for weeknight dinners and beginners just learning about Indian cooking. Easy to make and delicious!
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Bhinda Nu Shaak
Okra, Gujarati style, is a popular dish across all age groups. This is the traditional Gujarati dish with no tomatoes. If you want to make a variation – adding potatoes and extra garlic is a delicious alternative.
Gujarati Bhinda Nu Shaak (Fresh or Frozen)
Traditional Indian okra recipe from Gujarat, bhinda nu shaak. Ready within 20 minutes!
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Ringan Bateta Nu Shaak
Potatoes, eggplants, and tomatoes are the primary ingredients. Tastes delicious with Khichdi too!
This Kathiyawadi dish comes together quickly and uses commonly used Indian spices.
Best Ringan Bateta Nu Shaak (Wedding Style)
Flavorful, rasawala ringan bateta nu shaak is mouthwatering and made in 30 minutes. This popular spiced potato and eggplant dish is made Gujarati style and served at many functions.
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Tindora Nu Shaak
This is a very simple, lightly spiced shaak with tindora and potatoes. In English, tindora is known as ivy gourd.
Tindora Nu Shaak
Tindora nu shaak is a quick, delicious vegetable dish madeof ivy gourd and potatoes. It uses a handful of simple Indian spices for an easy meal.
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Chori Nu Shaak
Chori nu shaak or chora nu shaak is a Gujarati recipe for yardlong beans. It is a simple, quick dish to make and can be made in different variations using tomatoes, corn, or potatoes.
15-Minute Chori Nu Shaak Indian Yardlong Beans Recipe
Chori nu shaak or chora nu shaak is a Gujarati recipe for yardlong beans. It is a vegetarian main dish served with fresh roti or rice and made quickly –perfect for busy days!
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Parval Nu Shaak
Parwal is known as pointed gourd. So, it is part of the gourd family but different from tindora or ivy gourd.
20 Minute Stovetop Parval or Parwal Sabzi (Parval nu shaak)
Traditional parval or parwal recipe from Gujarat, parval sabzi.Ready within 20 minutes! Parval is pointed gourd.
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Cabbage Shaak
Cabbage shaak is a quick and delicious dish. You can add peas or potatoes or make it with cabbage only.
Cabbage Shaak or Cabbage Sabzi
Cabbage shaak or cabbage sabzi is ready in under 30 minutes. Add potatoes to make cabbage bateta nu shaak or peas for cabbage peas shaak.
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Sukhi Bhaji
This is an easy potato dish. It’s one of my favorite farali foods. Easily pairs with some yogurt and masala peanuts for a filling upvas meal.
Sukhi Bhaji – Farali Recipe – Potato Bhaji
Ready in 10 minutes, this is a farali recipe of Gujarati potato sukhi bhaji or dry potato bhaji which is a combination of spicy, sweet, tangy and nutty. A delicious and easy potato sabzi with nuts for extra flavor. It is made often for upvas as a bataka ni sukhi bhaji. Also known as sukhi aloo bhaji.
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Valor Muthia Nu Shaak
Hands down, valor muthia nu shaak is one of my favorite traditional Gujarati recipes. It is made with primarily muthias and valor (papdi or flat beans).
If you don’t want to make muthia from scratch, you can easily find them frozen in Indian grocery stores! This turns it into a quick meal.
Valor Muthia Nu Shaak
Delicious traditional Gujarati recipe for valor muthia nu shaak. It is made with primarily muthias and valor (papdi or flat bleans).
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Guvar Nu Shaak
Cluster beans or guar beans are native to India and can be found easily in Indian grocery stores. While they look similar to French Beans they are different. You can substitute with those if you’d like to try.
Cluster beans are smaller, thinner, and have a slightly bitter taste while French beans are longer, thicker, and do not have a bitter taste.
Guvar Nu Shaak (Gawar Sabzi, Gawar Recipe)
A delicious guvar shaak or gawar recipe that is cooked in 15 minutes. A traditional Indian cluster beans recipe.
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Bharela Bhinda Nu Shaak
Stuffed okras are easy and so yummy! They are slit and filled with spiced gram flour.
Bharela Bhinda nu Shaak or Bharwa Bhindi
Bharwa bhindi or bharela bhindi nu shaak is a delicious stuffed bhindi or okra recipe that is simple to make in 25 minutes! It is a bit crisp on the outside and gives a burst of flavor and spice from the masala stuffing. It is vegan, vegetarian and gluten-free.
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Saragva Nu Shaak
This is a family favorite! Have you heard of moringa or moringa tea? Well, the pods of the moringa plant are used in this along with potatoes.
Indian Drumstick – Saragva Nu Shaak (Potato and Moringa)
Delicious drumstick vegetable (moringa) and potato dish cooked is in a flavorful tomato and spice based gravy. Known as saragva nu shaak, this Gujarati dish tasty and simple to make.
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Karela Nu Shaak
Karela Nu Shaak (bitter melon Indian style)
Bitter gourd vegetable side or shaak. Traditional Indian Gujarati dish called karela nu shaak or bateta karela shaak as it has potatoes.
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Gujarati Snacks or Lunch Items
Naasto (snacks) are our specialty 🙂
Khaman
Khaman Dhokla, a popular Gujarati snack, is made from a base of gram flour.
The batter is steamed and then a delicious tadka (tempered oil) of mustard seeds, sesame seeds, green chillies is poured on top adding a depth of flavor.
Served with Green Chutney and sometimes even Garlic Chutney. My favorite to serve with this dhokla recipe is next!
Instant 30 Minute Khaman Dhokla Recipe – (Besan)
Moist and spongy traditional Gujarati khaman dhokla recipe! This instant savory besan (gram flour) khaman is a flavorful, steamed and so tasty. This recipe uses no yogurt or curd so it is both vegetarian and vegan.
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Besan Chutney
Perfect accompaniment for khaman and easy to make!
Instant 30 Minute Khaman Dhokla Recipe – (Besan)
Moist and spongy traditional Gujarati khaman dhokla recipe! This instant savory besan (gram flour) khaman is a flavorful, steamed and so tasty. This recipe uses no yogurt or curd so it is both vegetarian and vegan.
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Moong Dal Pudla
Moong Dal Poodla or Pudla – Moong Dal Chilla – Childa
An easy, protein packed family favorite, green moong dal poodla or pudla/puda recipe which is also known as cheela, chilla or childa in various parts of India.
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Khichu or Papdi No Lot
Popular amongst all age groups this is a steamed and spiced rice flour based dish. There are no words to do this one justice.
There is a reason it so popular!
20 Minute Gujarati Khichu Recipe – Papdi No Lot
Khichu is a popular Gujarati snack or side dish. Topped with a little oil and methi masala, it is a very quick spicy snack. It is traditionally used to make papad.
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Methi Masala
This is a key ingredient for above (Papdi No Lot). Sprinkled methi masala on top of papdi no lot with a little oil is perfection!
Achar Masala or Methi Masala
Methi masala is a spice blend that can be used to make achars (pickled dishes), sprinkled on khichu or khakras or just added to any dish to spice it up!
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Bhakri Pizza
A popular Gujarati street food!
Gujarati Bhakri Recipe Crispy Yet Tender
Bhakri is a tasty, hearty Gujarati 3 ingredient flatbread served with meals or eaten as a snack. It is delicious with a crispy exterior and soft texture inside.
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Methi Na Gota
Fresh fenugreek leaves add BIG flavor to these fritters! A classic and traditional Gujarati dish.
Methi Na Gota
Methi na gota or methi pakora is a traditional Gujarati snack. This is one of many recipes by my Mom that everyone loves.
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Sev Mamra
10 Minute Sev Mamra Recipe
Sev mamra or sev murmura is a 10-minute light snack made of puffed rice, spices, and sev. Tastes great as a crunchy tea-time snack or on the go. It has that crunchy addictiveness of popcorn but with more flavor.
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Chevdo
A quick recipe that can be made easily with cereals. Like a savory trail mix.
15 Minute Delicious Cereal Chevdo (Chevro) or Chivda
Cereal chevdo or cereal chivda is an Indian snack that is savory,crunchy, and addictive! It’s a delicious snack with a cup of masala chai or on the go!
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Sev Khamani
This dish is khaman dhokla crumbled into pieces and served with crispy sev, chutneys, and other toppings.
Sev Khamani
Surti sev khamani, also known as amiri khaman is a delicious, popular Gujarati snack made of chana dal khaman. The khaman is topped with tadka, sev, pomegranate and optionally some chutney. It is quick to make and protein packed.
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Sakkarpara
Shakarpara
Five ingredient shakarpara, sakkarpara or shankarpali is an easy sweet snack flavored with sugar or jaggery and commonly made during festivals such as Diwali. These can be baked or fried. It is more commonly made with sugar but my Mom makes it with jaggery if you are looking for a different option. Perfect for a tea time snack.
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Moraiyo Khichdi
Moraiyo Ni Khichdi (Sama ki khichdi)
Moraiyo ni khichdi or sama ke khichdi is a delicious farali khichdi made of barnyardmillet, potatoes, chillies and a few spices.It is very easy to make with a nutritious type of millet for fasting orvrat/upvas days such as Ekadashi, Navratri, Shivratri etc.
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Gujarati Sweets
Indian desserts are so varied and Gujarat is no exception!
Find the perfect sweet dish below!
Mohanthal
This is one of the most popular sweets in Gujarat!
Best Gujarati Mohanthal Sweet (No Mawa)
Just 6 ingredients to make a homemade Gujarati mohanthal recipe that melts in your mouth! Detailed pictures to learn the tips to make this delicious traditional sweet without mawa.
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Tal Sakri or Til Chikki
This is popular especially during Sankrant.
Sesame Chikki / Til Gud Ki Chikki
Thin, crisp with a crunch and oh so satisfying sesame chikki or til ki chikki/ tal ni chikki. Roasted sesame seeds are folded into melted jaggery in this two ingredient til chikki recipe. Gud til ki chikki recipe is apopular treat for everyday or Indian festivals such as Makar Sankranti.
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Kopra Pak
Kopra Pak or Topra Pak
20 minute kopra pak or topra pak is Gujarati-style coconut barfi. It’s an Indian sweet that has a rich coconut taste with hints of cardamom and saffron.
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Churma Ladoo
Churma Ladoo No Frying
Delicious traditional Gujarati churma laddoo recipe made without frying! These ladoos arehearty and often prepared for Ganesh Chaturthi. These authentic Gujarati churma ladoo are popular Indian sweets, especially amongst the brahmin community. They can be served as part of a Gujarati thali or on their own during festival time
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Sukdhi
15 Minute, 3 Ingredient Sukhdi or Gol Papdi Recipe
This melt-in-your-mouth sukhdi recipe will be ready within 15 minutes! It is a traditional Gujarati sweet recipe.
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Sing Pak
Sing Pak or Peanut Burfi
Sing pak, a delicious and hearty sweet ready in 15 minutes. This Gujarati sweet will hit the spot!
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Magas
25 Minute Gujarati Magas Recipe (Magaj)
Melt in your mouth magas or magaj pak is a traditional Gujarati sweet recipe. Made often for special occasions with a few ingredients on the stovetop.
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Accompaniments
From flatbreads to rice and Indian pickles, these will help round out your main course!
Kadhi
20 Minute Gujarati Kadhi (Stovetop + Instant Pot)
Classic Gujarati kadhi is the perfect tangy, sweet, and spicy balance! It’s very popular in Gujarati, cozy to dig into, and can be made stove top or in an Instant Pot.
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Bhakri
Gujarati Bhakri Recipe Crispy Yet Tender
Bhakri is a tasty, hearty Gujarati 3 ingredient flatbread served with meals or eaten as a snack. It is delicious with a crispy exterior and soft texture inside.
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Puran Poli
Technically, this could be under dessert too. But, it is often served as part of a thali in place of rotli or bhakri.
Made often for special occasions!
Gujarati Puran Poli (Vedmi)
This delicious, easy to follow Gujarati puran poli recipe makes wheat flour flatbreads stuffed with a sweet lentil stuffing with hints of cardamom. Uses microwave instead of stovetop for an easier way to make puran! If you’re new to puran poli, you’ll love this detailed, fool-proof recipe.
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Athela Marcha
Gujarati Athela Marcha (Instant Indian Green Chili Pickle)
Athela marcha or Indian green chili pickle is a delicious,tangy, mildy spicy accompaniment or side dish for all types of Indian food. It’seasy to make and adds a zing and depth of flavor to your meal.
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Chundo
Instant Keri No Chundo or Chunda Recipe (Mango)
Mango chunda or keri no chundo is a traditional Gujarati recipe for a sweet and spicy mango pickle. This is an easy stovetop recipe, ready quickly to enjoy!
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Carrot Pickle
Easy Indian Carrot Pickle (Gujarati)
Indian carrot pickle is a delicious, tangy, mildly spicy accompaniment or side dish for all types of Indian food.
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Turmeric Pickle
Fresh Turmeric Pickle (Gujarati)
Traditional Gujarati turmeric pickle is easy to make. Learn two ways to make this haldi ka achaar – with or without oil.
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Basmati Rice
Authentic Indian Basmati Rice: Stovetop, Rice Cooker or Instant Pot
Get ready for the Best Indian Basmati rice! Perfect, easy way to get fluffy, easy basmati rice three ways: stove top, rice cooker or Instant Pot! Round out your favorite dish with a heaping side of warm, fragrant basmati rice!
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Sona Masoori Rice
Perfect Sona Masoori Rice (Stovetop,Instant Pot, Rice Cooker)
Get ready to learn how to make perfect, easy way to get fluffy, easy sona masoori rice three ways: stove top, rice cooker, or Instant Pot! Round out your favorite dish with a heaping side of warm, delicious rice.
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Jeera Rice
Jeera Rice or Cumin Rice
Warm comforting bowl of fluffy, non-sticky jeera (cumin) rice. Make easily on stove top with a few pantry staples.
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Other Popular Dishes
I’m working my way through adding more Gujarati recipes I learned from my mom. Some more coming up are:
Dal dhokli: Masala (spiced) whole wheat flour pieces are simmered in a pigeon peas dal.
Methi thepla: Made with whole wheat flour and fenugreek leaves is a key Gujju food! I’ll be posting it soon!
