Bharuch is a city located in the western Indian state of Gujarat. It is situated on the banks of the Narmada River, which is one of the major rivers in India. The city has a population of approximately 200,000 people and is known for its rich cultural heritage, natural beauty, and industrial development. The people of Bharuch lead a relatively relaxed life and are known for their warm hospitality.
Food is an important part of the culture in Bharuch, and the city is famous for its delicious cuisine. The food in Bharuch is heavily influenced by the traditional Gujarati cuisine, which is known for its use of spices, herbs, and other flavorful ingredients. Here are some of the typical food and drinks available in Bharuch:
1. Dhokla: Dhokla is a steamed cake made from a fermented batter of rice and split chickpeas. It is usually served with green chutney made from coriander leaves, green chillies, and lemon juice.
2. Khaman: Khaman is a soft and fluffy steamed cake made from besan (gram flour) and seasoned with mustard seeds, green chillies, and lemon juice.
3. Thepla: Thepla is a popular flatbread made from wheat flour, spices, and fenugreek leaves. It is usually eaten for breakfast with a side of pickle or yogurt.
4. Undhiyu: Undhiyu is a mixed vegetable dish made from a variety of seasonal vegetables like eggplant, sweet potato, green beans, and yam. The vegetables are seasoned with a blend of spices and then slow-cooked in a clay pot.
5. Sev Usal: Sev Usal is a spicy curry made from boiled white peas and served with a generous helping of sev (crunchy chickpea noodles), chopped onions, and green chutney.
6. Fafda: Fafda is a crispy and crunchy snack made from besan (gram flour) and spices. It is usually served with a side of hot and spicy green chutney.
7. Jalebi: Jalebi is a sweet and sticky dessert made from a fermented batter of flour, sugar, and water. The batter is deep-fried into spiral shapes and then soaked in sugar syrup.
8. Srikhand: Srikhand is a sweet and creamy dessert made from strained yogurt, sugar, and cardamom. It is usually topped with chopped nuts and served chilled.
As for drinks, Bharuch is famous for its refreshing sugarcane juice, which is extracted from freshly crushed sugarcane and served with a dash of lime and ginger. Another popular drink is buttermilk, which is a refreshing and cooling beverage made from yogurt, water, and spices like cumin and coriander.
The typical meal times in Bharuch are breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Breakfast is usually eaten between 7:00 am and 9:00 am and consists of light and nutritious dishes like dhokla, khaman, thepla, or poha (flattened rice). Lunch is the main meal of the day and is usually eaten between 12:00 pm and 2:00 pm. It consists of a variety of dishes like rice, dal (lentils), vegetable curry, and chapati (Indian flatbread). Dinner is usually eaten between 7:00 pm and 9:00 pm and is a lighter meal compared to lunch.
In Bharuch, food is often eaten family-style, with everyone sharing dishes from a central platter. This is a reflection of the community-oriented lifestyle of the people of Bharuch, who often come together to share food and celebrate special occasions.