Surat, often called the “Diamond City,” has a glittering reputation for more than just its gems. It’s a culinary powerhouse, a paradise for food lovers where every street corner tells a delicious story. The city’s street food scene is legendary, offering a unique blend of flavors, from spicy and tangy to sweet and savory.

If you’re in Surat, or planning a visit, here’s a guide to the 10 best street foods you absolutely cannot miss.

1. Locho: The Accidental Delicacy

Locho is perhaps Surat’s most famous and beloved street food, born from a delightful accident. While preparing a batch of Khaman, a chef made an error that resulted in a thick, spongy, and irresistibly delicious snack. Made from steamed chickpea flour and topped with green chutney, crispy sev, and onions, Locho is a must-try. For an authentic taste, head to Jani Locho & Khaman House, a name synonymous with this iconic dish.

2. Surti Sev Khamani: A Tangy Treat

A staple of Surti breakfast, Surti Sev Khamani is a spicy and tangy dish that will awaken your taste buds. This snack is made from crumbled Khaman, which is then seasoned with spices, garlic, ginger, and topped generously with fine sev and fresh pomegranate seeds. It’s a flavor explosion that perfectly captures the essence of Gujarati cuisine.

3. Undhiyu: The Winter Vegetable Casserole

While not strictly a street food, Undhiyu is a seasonal delicacy so popular it’s found in many street-side eateries during the winter. This mixed vegetable casserole is a complex and flavorful dish made with a variety of winter vegetables like Surti Papdi, brinjal, and sweet potato, cooked in an earthen pot. It’s best enjoyed with hot puris and is a true representation of the city’s culinary heritage.

4. Bhajiya: The Crispy, Fried Goodness

No street food tour is complete without Bhajiyas. In Surat, you’ll find an incredible variety of this deep-fried snack, from Potato Bhajiya to the unique Tomato Bhajiya and Ratalu Bhajiya (sweet potato). These crispy fritters are the perfect accompaniment to a hot cup of tea, especially during the monsoon season.

5. Cold Coco: The Chocolate Lover’s Dream

For a sweet and refreshing break, try Surat’s famous Cold Coco. This thick, rich chocolate drink is a favorite among locals. Unlike regular chocolate milkshakes, Cold Coco has a distinctively dark, intense flavor and is often topped with a generous swirl of chocolate syrup. It’s the perfect indulgence on a hot day.

6. Ponk Vada: A Winter Special

Ponk Vada is a seasonal delight, available only during the winter months when fresh jowar grains (ponk) are harvested. These crispy, hot fritters are made from a batter of tender jowar grains and are a healthy and delicious snack. You can find Ponk Vada stalls popping up all over the city in the winter, a clear sign of the change in season.

7. Dabeli: Surat’s Answer to the Burger

Dabeli, a popular street food from the Kutch region, has been lovingly adopted by Surat. It consists of a potato mixture spiced with special Dabeli masala, tucked inside a pav (burger bun), and garnished with peanuts, sev, and sweet and spicy chutneys. It’s a perfect on-the-go snack that is both filling and flavorful.

8. Ghari: A Sweet Tradition

Surti Ghari is a sweet delicacy particularly famous during the festival of Chandani Padva. This rich dessert is made from a dough of refined flour, ghee, and milk, with a sweet filling of mawa, nuts, and cardamom. Ghari from Surat is so renowned that people from all over India order it. While it’s a sweet, it’s an essential part of the street food culture.

9. Khaja: The Crispy, Layered Sweet

Khaja, also known as Sata, is a traditional layered sweet pastry. It’s made by frying thin layers of dough and then soaking them in sugar syrup. The result is a crispy, sugary, and incredibly addictive treat. You’ll find it at most sweet shops and street food stalls, especially during festive seasons.

10. Collegian: The Unique Chaat

Collegian is a unique and unconventional chaat that is a must-try for its blend of flavors and textures. It’s a savory snack made with a mix of boiled peanuts, sev, chutney, and various spices, served in a bowl. It’s a favorite among students and is the perfect light snack for a quick bite.