When I moved from Delhi to Ahmedabad, I brought vivid memories of Delhi winters—those biting winds, foggy mornings, and the unmistakable nip. Winters in Delhi meant bundling up in woollens, huddling around bonfires, and sipping steaming cups of tea to stay warm. Naturally, I expected to find a similar winter vibe in Ahmedabad, but the weather here had a different story to tell.
Ahmedabad winters, with their pleasant daytime highs and cool nights, felt more like late autumn in Delhi. While Delhi temperatures can dip to as low as 2-3°C, forcing you to retreat indoors, Ahmedabad's winter ranges from a comfortable 10°C to 20°C. Initially, I thought, "This isn’t winter at all!" However, my first winter in Gujarat introduced me to something Delhi winters couldn’t offer—a vibrant culinary celebration of the season.
Winter Without the Chill, Yet Full of Flavor
What struck me most about Gujarat was how its people embraced winter, even without the harsh cold. The zest and enthusiasm with which Gujaratis celebrate the season is infectious, and this spirit is most evident in their food. For a foodie like me, it was a revelation. While Delhi winters boast gajar ka halwa and hot parathas, Ahmedabad’s winter delights opened up a new world of flavours.
Here are some of the winter foods that amazed me:
1. Undhiyu: The Crown Jewel of Gujarati Winter Cuisine
Undhiyu isn’t just a dish; it’s an experience. A mix of seasonal vegetables like purple yam, green beans, and brinjals cooked with fenugreek dumplings (methi muthia) in a spiced green masala, this one-pot dish is a winter ritual in Gujarat. Traditionally cooked in an earthen pot (matka) upside down, slow cooking brings out its rich flavours. I was amazed at how this labour-intensive dish became a centrepiece of winter feasts, especially during Uttarayan (the kite festival).
2. Ponk: A Snack Like No Other
Ponk was a delightful discovery. These tender, roasted sorghum grains are a true winter delicacy of Gujarat. Vendors sell it fresh in bustling markets, often paired with spicy sev. The combination of the soft, nutty ponk and the crunch of sev is something I now eagerly wait for every winter. It’s a snack that showcases Gujarat’s knack for celebrating seasonal produce.
3. Adadiya Pak: A Winter Elixir
This wholesome sweet is prepared with urad dal (black gram flour), jaggery, and oodles of ghee. Adadiya pak is packed with ingredients that warm the body and strengthen immunity—perfect for the colder months, even if Ahmedabad's "cold" is relative. Its nutty aroma and melt-in-the-mouth texture make it a must-have winter treat.
4. Gajar Halwa and Sukhadi
Being from Delhi, I thought no one could beat us when it came to gajar ka halwa. But Ahmedabad gave this classic dessert a twist—lighter, less sugary, and with an earthy touch of jaggery. Sukhadi, another traditional sweet, also becomes a winter favourite, with its rich, fudgy texture and nutty goodness.
5. Sesame Sweets: Til Chikki and Til Ladoo
In Gujarat, sesame is a winter staple, and til-based sweets are everywhere. These sweets are not just delicious but also have warming properties, making them a winter must-have. I was reminded of Delhi’s til-gur ladoos, but the Gujarati versions are smaller, crispier, and delightfully addictive.
6. Makki na Rotla and Baingan Bharta
Cornmeal flatbreads (makki na rotla) served with a smoky brinjal curry (baingan bharta) and fresh white butter transported me back to the hearty meals of North India. However, the Gujarati version often comes with a side of jaggery and buttermilk, adding a unique sweet-and-savory touch.
Celebrating Winter in Ahmedabad
What I admire most about Gujaratis is their ability to make the most of every season. Despite the mild winter, they bring out their seasonal recipes, bundle up in shawls, and head to kite markets in preparation for Uttarayan. The warmth isn’t just in their food but also in their spirit.
I still miss the bone-chilling cold of Delhi winters at times—the woollen mufflers, the steaming momos, and the joy of huddling around a bonfire with friends. But Ahmedabad has taught me that winter isn’t just about the weather; it’s about how you embrace it. And Gujaratis, with their rich culinary traditions and zest for life, have mastered the art of celebrating every season.
A Winter Food Trail to Remember
If you’re spending this winter in Gujarat, I recommend embarking on a food trail. Start your day with ponk, enjoy a hearty lunch of undhiyu with puris, and end it with a piece of adadiya pak and a cup of masala chai. Whether you're a local or a transplant like me, you’ll fall in love with the vibrant flavours that make Gujarat’s winters truly special.
Ahmedabad has redefined winter for me—not with chilly winds or foggy mornings, but with its warm and flavorful embrace of the season. So, while I’ll always cherish Delhi’s winters, I’m grateful for the culinary delights and cultural richness that Gujarat offers. After all, winter is what you make of it, and in Gujarat, it’s a delicious celebration.
What are your favourite winter foods? Have you experienced Gujarat’s unique winter cuisine? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
Stay warm, stay satiated!
Neerja Bhatnagar
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This post is part of my ongoing journey of exploring food across regions. Stay tuned for more such stories on PetPuja.com.
Gujarati cuisine is quite alien to me.
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