Next time you need a pick-me-up (we all get those afternoon slumps!), skip the generic ice cream and explore the amazing desserts of Ahmedabad! This city takes sweets seriously, offering a delicious mix of unique flavors and textures.
From the creamy Basundi that feels like a warm hug to the refreshing Shrikhand that cools you down, Ahmedabad has the perfect sweet treat to satisfy your cravings. To make the pick easier, we have listed down 6 Ahmedabad special desserts. Check these out and pick your favorite!
Basundi
Basundi is basically the queen bee of Gujarati desserts. This thick, creamy custard is a winner for all! In this dessert the subtle sweetness of milk gets a royal upgrade with threads of saffron, infusing the whole thing with a golden glow and an intoxicating aroma. Basundi’s rich splendor reflects the legacy of the Mughal era in Ahmedabad, and today, it continues to be a cherished celebratory sweet.
With a cool and creamy texture that’ll leave you wanting to say “Basundi, oh Basundi!” (See what we did there?).
Recommended places: Vipul Dudhiya Gajara, Saurashtra Chawana & Sweets, Gordhal Thal, Praful Mithai Ghar
Jalebi (so difficult to mention it without fafda!)
Crunchy, syrupy, and oh-so-addictive, Jalebi is the golden child of Amdavadi street food. These spiral-shaped wonders are fried to perfection, then dipped in a sugary syrup bath, resulting in a dessert that’s crispy on the outside, soft on the inside, and bursting with sweetness in every bite. Whether enjoyed hot or cold, Jalebi is the epitome of guilty pleasure.
Jalebi’s sugary sweetness perfectly complements the savory crunch of fafda, making them a beloved Ahmedabad street food combo.
Recommended places: Lucknow Chavana & Sweet Mart, Chandravilas Restaurant, Oshwal, Iscon Gathiya, Gayatri Ganthiya
Shrikhand
Imagine a dessert so creamy and smooth, it feels like a symphony playing on your taste buds. That’s Shrikhand for you! Originating from Gujarat, Shrikhand holds a special place in Amdavadi cuisine.
Served chilled, it’s a refreshing treat during the city’s scorching summers, offering a delightful contrast of coolness and warmth with its rich flavors and aromatic spices.
Recommended places: Vipul Dudhiya Sweets, Uncha Otlawala Shrikhand Gar Maninagar, Shikhrini Shrikhand, Kandoi Bhogilal Mulchand
Kulfi
A slice of Kulfi is Ahmedabad’s answer to ice cream. Unlike its Western counterpart, Kulfi is denser, creamier, and bursting with traditional flavors like cardamom, saffron, and pistachio.
Served on a stick or in a matka (earthen pot), it’s a nostalgic treat that has found a permanent place in Ahmedabad’s food scene, offering a taste of nostalgia with every creamy bite.
Recommended Places: Asharfi Kulfi, Bombay Kulfi
Surati ghari
Surati ghari, a delightful explosion of flavors and textures, might not be native to Ahmedabad, but it has surely found a permanent place in the city’s hearts (and stomachs!).
This flaky pastry with its sweet and nutty filling hails from neighboring Surat. But thanks to the close proximity and cultural exchange, Surati ghari has become a beloved part of Ahmedabad’s dessert repertoire.
Recommended places: Visaji Sweets, Jayhind Sweets
Dudh halwa
Dudh halwa, with its warm, creamy embrace, is as comforting as a grandmother’s hug. This rich pudding has been a staple in Ahmedabad’s kitchens for generations, traditionally made during festivals and celebrations.
The slow simmering process, a true test of patience, is a testament to the dedication and love poured into this local favorite.
Recommended places: Chandrika Dairy, Kailash no Halwo, Home
