7 best Gujarati snacks and why they should be in your pantry more often

Primarily including vegetarian dishes, Gujarati cuisine is quite old and has a rich history. It uses different styles of cooking and most of the dishes prepared in this cuisine are flavourful with high nutritional values. However, if there is one thing that you’ll find common in most of the Gujarati foods is that they taste a little sweet. When talking about Gujarati foods, no one can forget the delicious Fafda-Jalebi, Thepla, Dhokla and Khandvi. All these snacks have a very distinct flavour in them, which makes them delicious and healthy. Here are some of the popular Gujarati snacks and why you should stock them more in your pantry. (Images: Canva)

Soft & spongy, dhokla is a staple food of Gujarati cuisine and is a must-have. Though it has a bit of sweetness in it because of the sugar syrup, but this snack is considered healthy as it's low in calories and fills your stomach with just 2-3 pieces because is rich in protein and is made with fermented batter. It is steamed and hence one can have it guilt free.

Fafda is a popular tea time snack. Stuffed with spices like carom seeds, turmeric and salt, it's a delicious snack that can be enjoyed with masala tea. Though it is fried, this snack is a must-have in your pantry as it keeps your stomach filled for long that can stop the cravings. It is often consumed with jalebi, but you can have with your chai.

Another steamed snack which is a powerhouse of nutrition as well is patra. It is made using colocasia leaves and gram flour with some common spices. This is definitely one of the best snacks to have in your kitchen pantry, and it can be stored for 2-3 days.

Crispy and delicious at the same time, Masala Khakra is probably one of the healthiest dry snacks of Gujarati cuisine and is a must-have in your kitchen. Having 2-3 khakras with chai won’t put much burden on your diet and will satiate your cravings as well.

They are basically methi parathas and can be consumed anytime. Best enjoyed with tangy lemon pickle or chutney, thepla can be stored for 2-3 days and are considered quite nutritious too.

It is also one of the healthiest snacks that can be stored in your pantry. Prepared using gram flour, lauki or doodhi, semolina, wheat flour and spices, this popular snack can be stored in the fridge for a long time. This snack is often enjoyed as a side dish with several Gujarati dishes.

A popular snack recipe that can be stored in the pantry is - Gujarati Chakri. It is also known as Murukku in southern cuisine and is best enjoyed with tea. The taste of this dish is such that you’ll ask for more.