The Gujarati - Food Connection

Ok. This is a simplistic take on Gujarati folks around and their food preferences. No harm meant to Gujju’s [as all Gujarati’s are called commonly] and I hope it will be taken in a lighter note although if you analyse, most of it is true and applicable.

How many times have you observed a tourist – be it in any Indian city you have visited or any international location? Have you taken pains to observe the tourist? If you have and if your “subject” is a Gujarati – the identification is extremely simple.

Armed with their staples of Khakhra’s [Roasted flat bread] and thepla’s [Spiced flat bread] – they are easily spotted in any crowd. Gujarati’s love travelling but more than that - they love and care for their food. Honestly, being a Gujarati, I can safely say – we Gujju’s are born with an inherent love for food.

FAFDA GANTHIYA

THEPLAS

 To Gujju’s, it is as important as breathing to have their Gathia’s and Fafda’s at hand when travelling. After all, these are practical snack foods – dry and no- fuss. But, it is also important to carry a supply of thepla’s, dry chutney mixes and maybe some Bhel mixes [Rice crispies and spices] as well just in case someone gets hungry mid- route. Don’t get shocked if you come across a Gujarati armed with food on your travel expedition who offers you food as well. Gujju’s love sharing food and nothing pleases us more than the fact that others appreciate the food and the gesture. We care dearly for our food.

Most of the Gujarati’s I know carry a bag full of food that can feed an entire army for a week with them when travelling. It is by no offence to other cuisines, but it is just inherent in our genes that we cannot do without the Gujarati cuisine for more than a week. Something just goes haywire in our system without it.

It is also very common for Gujarati’s to actually judge a location they travel to beforehand for the variety of food there. The staples are always carried, mind it but it is crucial for them to know if there are any restaurants in the location they travel to that can offer food similar to their taste. [This mainly applies in cases of international and the focus is more for Indian food, but still]. And in case you find a restaurant serving a Gujarati thali somewhere, that’s heaven! A Gujarati Thali is one to be enjoyed and I am sure all Gujju’s will have their personal favourites on this one.  My personal favourites are the lunch thali you get at Status at Nariman Point and another restaurant named “Agasiye” in Ahmedabad. The food at both these places is simply finger licking.

THE GUJARATI THALI

The phenomenon is also visible in the tour offerings by the travel companies here. Have you noticed – Gujarati’s prefer travelling on tours that offer Indian / Gujarati food? How many times have you seen Gujarati’s shy away from International travel from certain locations mainly owing to food issues? Quite a few – at least, in my experience.

I have a slightly different take on the Gujju concept of lugging bagfuls of food when travelling. I prefer sampling the local food available when abroad and enjoying the varied cuisines. My mom however, doesn’t seem convinced of my ability to survive on exotic foods and so, packs and makes me carry khakhra’s and homemade sweets when I travel abroad. Of course, I refrain from telling her that most of it gets given away of left in the hotel where I stay.  No offense meant to her or Gujarati food, but I just don’t like khakhras.

Of course, my food tastes are far more varied. I like Gujarati food, but am not a die hard fan of khakhra’s, Ganthiyas, Dhokla’s, Undhiyo etc. My parents find it strange to note my lack of enthusiasm for Gujarati food [Like theirs I mean] but I prefer dabbling in global cuisines. It can be a one-time attempt, but there is endless food to be sampled.

DHOKLA

 Nevertheless, you will not find a more devout food lover than a Gujarati. Food is a passion and a life-line in any situation for us. Simplistic, healthy and easy enough, its one of the most appreciated cuisines in India and is catching on at the International level.