Restaurants in Ahmedabad

Veg Out for Under $1 -- One of the highlights of traveling to Gujarat is sampling the local cuisine, which differs from the richer Rajasthani fare, and the Gujarati's are rightfully proud of -- a tasty, slightly sweet style of vegetarian cooking. Order at least one Gujarati thali, the state staple, which is a simple platter of a number of seasonal vegetarian dishes. These may include bindi (okra), aloo (potato), bhaigan (brinjal) or dhobi (cauliflower) or a mix of all of these with side dishes of dhal, pickles, atchar (spicy) and chutneys (sweet) accompanied by a variety of breads (chappati's, naan). It is customary at lunch or/and dinner to scoff one of these reasonably priced (usually around Rs 100) "all you can eat" meals with your right hand, washed down with a chilled glass of buttermilk and followed by a cleansing cup of cardamom spiced masala chai. For one of the most simple, no-frills, authentic vegetarian dining experiences in Gujarat, head for Gopi Dining Hall on Pritamrai Road (tel. 079/657 6388). Staff here has been efficiently and graciously serving its loyal patrons some of the tastiest, freshest Gujarati and Kathiawadi thalis in Gujarat at ridiculously low prices (Rs 40-Rs 75) for years; as a result it's a hot spot for locals and Westerners alike (which means you may need to wait for a short while).