Surat, the heart of Gujarat, is not only known for its diamonds and dashing textile markets but also for its irresistible street food culture. Every nook of the city smells like something spicy, sweet, or delightfully unexpected. If you’re visiting Surat or even just passing through, here are five street food gems that you absolutely must try.
1. Frankie – The On-the-Go Delight
Frankie is the perfect fusion of flavor and convenience. It’s a soft wrap filled with spicy paneer, veggies, or even noodles, drizzled with tangy sauces and rolled to perfection. Whether you’re in a rush or just in the mood for a snack with swag, Surat’s Frankies won’t disappoint. They’re bold, spicy, and oh-so-satisfying.
2. Khawsa – The Burmese Comfort Bowl with a Surti Twist
Surat has warmly embraced this Burmese-origin noodle soup. Khawsa combines boiled noodles with a rich, creamy coconut curry and toppings like crunchy sev, onions, chili oil, and lemon. Each bite offers comfort with a kick ,making it a night time street food favorite.
3. Dhokla – The Fluffy Pride of Gujarat
You haven’t truly tasted Gujarat without a bite of Dhokla. This soft, spongy, steamed snack is made from fermented chickpea flour and is loved for its subtle tanginess and lightness. In Surat, you’ll often see it served with green chutney, sweet tamarind sauce, fried chilies, and sprinkled mustard seeds on top.
4. Locho – Surat’s Soft, Spicy Superstar
A dish born and loved in Surat, Locho is soft, steamed, and messy in the best way. Made from a similar batter as Khaman but steamed differently, it’s topped with sev, oil, chutney, and sprinkled with spices. It’s comforting, spicy, and uniquely Surti.
5. Cold Cocoa – The Chill Pill You Deserve
Thick, chilled, and loaded with cocoa, Surat’s iconic Cold Cocoa is dessert and drink in one glass. Served in tall steel or glass tumblers, often with a frothy top or even chocolate chips, it’s the best way to cool down after a spicy street food marathon.
Surat’s streets are a festival of flavors, and these five foods are just the beginning of what the city has to offer. From warm bowls of Khawsa to the melt-in-your-mouth Locho, and the timeless Dhokla to the rich indulgence of Cold Coco: every bite in Surat is a celebration. So go ahead, grab a plate, pull up a stool at a street cart, and get tasting. The city’s flavor fiesta is waiting for you!
