While eating a creamy chicken croissant at the Delhi airport just before the flight to Ahmedabad, we were scanning through all the possible restaurants on Zomato we could eat at. Not a big fan of Gujarati cuisine, I was happy that I had Dominos or McDonalds to fall back on. However, I must say, I was pleasantly surprised during my stay. Here are four places we loved during our four-day long stay in Ahmedabad.

The ice creams in Ahmedabad are to die for, and this lemongrass ice cream at Swati Snacks is one of the best. Photo courtesy: Chhavi Sharma The ice creams in Ahmedabad are to die for, and this lemongrass ice cream at Swati Snacks is one of the best. Photo courtesy: Chhavi Sharma

Vishalla

My top pick would definitely be Vishalla. Located on the outskirts of the city of Ahmedabad, this place offers more than just a Gujarati thali. While the restaurant has a fixed price lunch and dinner buffet, it is the village setup that captivated us. Men and women dressed up in traditional Gujarati outfits with their impromptu performances build up your appetite.

The rural ambience at Vishalla adds to the flavour of their thalis. Photo courtesy: Chhavi Sharma The rural ambience at Vishalla adds to the flavour of their thalis. Photo courtesy: Chhavi Sharma

The food comprises of the usual dal, kadi, vegetables, chapatti, khichidi, melted gur, salad and papad, selection of sweets like jalebi and srikhand and the refreshing buttermilk with minor tweaks in the daily menu. They served us delicious rose flavoured ice cream that was churned in their kitchen. You will definitely overeat. Perhaps it's a great thing that it is spread out over a large area with trees, old houses, a rustic watch tower among other things.

In the same premises lies the utensils museum where a vast selection of utensils is tastefully decorated. Looking at them, one can imagine how painstaking cooking would have been in those times. The results however, would have been far superior. And if you get sleepy after a meal then worry not. They have cots laid out just so you could enjoy an uninterrupted afternoon siesta after a belly full of thali.

Cost for two: Rs 1,500

Swati Snacks

While you may not find the name too fascinating, but Swati Snacks is where the Amdavadi cool kids hang out. With its quirky decor and bright yellow plates, you'll definitely enjoy eating out here. Located at the Law Garden, it is just the place to come to after you tire yourself with the bargaining and carrying multiple bags of goodies you just bought.

Swati Snacks is where the young Amdavadis hang out for it's quirky ambience and yummy snacks. Photo courtesy: Chhavi Sharma Swati Snacks is where the young Amdavadis hang out for it's quirky ambience and yummy snacks. Photo courtesy: Chhavi Sharma

As the name suggests, it is perfect for snacks. I personally enjoyed "panki chatni" which is savoury rice pancakes steamed in banana leaves. The pav bhaji was especially delicious. The table next to us ordered sabudana khichidi. The smell was heavenly and the quantity too indicated value for money.

Try out the unusual Panki Chatni (steamed rice pancakes) at Swati Snacks. Photo courtesy: Chhavi Sharma Try out the unusual Panki Chatni (steamed rice pancakes) at Swati Snacks. Photo courtesy: Chhavi Sharma

Be sure to check the white board for the specials of the day and the in house ice cream. My friend and I shared lemon grass ice cream and I was pleasantly surprised by the results. There were other flavours like grape and orange too. The rich and creamy texture of the ice cream would give any foreign brand a run for money.

Agashiye

If you don't have too much time on your hands and yet want to try the myriad variety of Gujarati dishes, Agashiye is the place for you. Located in the heart of the city, within House of MG, it offers the perfect place for you and your family. With three options of fixed price thalis, you can choose either depending on your appetite.

Little time, too much to try? Visit Agashiye in the heart of Ahmedabad. Photo courtesy: Chhavi Sharma Little time, too much to try? Visit Agashiye in the heart of Ahmedabad. Photo courtesy: Chhavi Sharma

A nicely done roof top decor, you can even sit indoor with low seating within shamiyana styled furnishings. I'm not a huge fan of parval, but the gravy styled pointed gourd made me go in for a second helping. The bite sized bajra roti to be eaten with crystal white gur and ghee was delectable. The bataka (potato) curry with puri combination can never go wrong.

The bhindi masala, though delicious, was not as good as the other dishes. But that's probably because I have a personal bias for my mother's recipe. And if you're full just by reading it, they served fresh hot jalebis. Before keeping it on the buffet table, the servers personally went around tables to help us enjoy it even more. My mouth waters while I write this. And of course, the butter milk with curry leaves kept us hydrated in the dry heat of the city.

Cost: (Lunch and Dinner Buffet) Rs 1,150 (deluxe), Rs 850 (regular)

Green House

Another restaurant within House of MG, the Green House is exactly like its name. With creepers decorating the walls and a cool white ceiling, the heat magically disappears as soon as you walk in. This open air restaurant is perfect for a claustrophobic person like me. Right in the middle of the restaurant is a colonial style buggy, which is actually a little shop of the brand Bodyshine that sells organic soaps and oils. But it is a great way to pass time while you're waiting for food. In fact, when you finish your meal, you even get a discount voucher with your bill to motivate you to buy their pricey products.

This steamed platter of handvo,dudhi muthiya and patra was the highlight of our meal at the Green House. Photo courtesy: Chhavi Sharma This steamed platter of handvo,dudhi muthiya and patra was the highlight of our meal at the Green House. Photo courtesy: Chhavi Sharma

About the food, the elaborate menu has all kinds of Gujarati as well as continental snacks. We started with a cold glass of thandai and rose flavoured faluda. I wanted to try a couple of Gujarati snacks so we decided to get a steamed platter which consisted of Handvo, Dudhi Muthiya and Patra. We ordered half a plate of Sev Puri but the quantity was huge. We were so full that we couldn't even try the other dishes or even the desserts.So by the end of the trip, my perception of Gujarati food was completely altered. I did not miss non-vegetarian food or alcohol at all. Although, if you're one of those who can't live without scrumptious mutton curry or chicken tikka, you have nothing to worry about. There are many restaurants that would cater to your needs. And no, you won't have to drive 2000 miles for that. As for alcohol, if you know the right people, you can get your fix. But honestly, if that's your idea of a perfect holiday, then stay home. For the rest, "aao, kuch din to gujaro Gujarat mein."