For breakfast, check out Das Khaman for khandvi and khaman and were impressed with the firm, silky textures and tangy flavours of the khandvi. The white khaman was perfectly tempered. Chef Sudev Sharma, Taj Skyline, Ahmedabad who we also met during the recent trip recommends it along with Raipur Bhajiya, Gita Samosa, and Ganthia Rath. 

For lunch, The Gujarati Thali (in picture) at Agashiye, House of MG, offers a grand spread of traditional delicacies like dhokla, undhiyu, kadhi, and farsan, celebrating Gujarat’s vibrant flavors and heritage

Bhuptani suggests Oshwal on SG Highway for fafda jalebi, nylon khaman and methi na gota. Falguni Gruh Udhyog at Vastrapur is another option; while you are there, you can pack some namkeens (in picture) and khakra for home.

Chef Sharma also suggests breakfast at Sandwichworkz—they have an long menu of parathas, shoukshukas and so much more Indian and western dishes. While Bhuptani is not very fond of it, Lucky Restaurant on Mirzapur Road is known for its maska bun and chai. Artist MF Husain shared a deep bond with its owner, K H Mohammadbhai, and would frequent the place (sometimes barefoot) ever since it was a small stall in the 1970s.

The laaris (stalls) near IIM and a couple of places near LD Engineering College have a lot of street food breakfasts. There is an egg bhurji and Maggie laari, and the five-in-one-paratha is next to the egg laari.

Food Station, the south-Indian kiosk-type shop in the lane near Udgam school is run by an uncle-auntie duo, is open only from 7 am to 9 am and serves one of the best podi dosas Bhuptani has had.

Walk in the lanes of the old city, and head to Pol Kholi cafe, inside a 150-year-old haveli, Mangaldas ni Haveli II. Chandra Vilas in the old city is known for the best fafda jalebi. In fact, fafda jalebi originated from there, says Bhuptani. Freedom fighter Sardar Patel loved the ratalu ni puri and Mahatma Gandhi honoured its doors with his presence.

Chef Sharma recommends Gopi for lunch and dinner at Vishalla for thalis. Brands like Sante Spa Cuisine, Burma Burma and Foo, which one is familiar with in Mumbai, also have outlets in Ahmedabad.

Try Mauve on Sindhu Bhavan Marg. Their winter menu is great, and you must have their mushroom cappuccino soup, gruyere cheese truffle naan, and thecha. At Lollo Rosso have the khowsuey, fajita bowl, kung pao bowl, and Naman chocolate dessert

The galouti from one of the stalls was lovely too. End with softy ice cream from Cheers, chocolate kulfi from Asharfilal, and the refreshing jamun shot at 9834, The Fruit Truck.

The vada pav guy, close to HL College, opposite restaurant Red Rose serves the best vada pavs in the city,” says Bhuptani. Ahmedabad is known for its campuses. From CEPT and IIM to NID, these are some of the most stunning campuses in the country. You can go only if you know someone there and if they can arrange for entry passes. The open-air Zen Cafe at CEPT near Ahmedabad Ni Gufa and has some great hot chocolate and chilli cheese toast. IIM has the Sea Salt Cafe (call them ahead of time for the pass code) where the coffee is great. Enjoy a quick snack and beverage before setting off for the concert.

For a great cafe experience and unique brews, Bhuptani recommends:
Roastery Culture
Mleko
Kaffa
OCD 
Zen Cafe 

For local street coffee spots, her picks are:
Danny’s—their cold coffee and topi coffee (coffee with Bournvita on top) are a must try
Shambu’s