Chai

Location: Gujarat

Description: Whilst chai exists all over India in one form or another I think some note should be paid to the unique form it takes in the state of Gujarat. It is not just that the standard of chai here is very high (with the spicing of ginger and cardamon always being just right). It is that the Gujarati's seem to take chai very seriously with shops exclusively dedicated to the stuff (sans samosa, sans fried snacks, sans everything).  On top of this the chai is always served in cute little cups and saucers (picture to follow). All of these things make chai in Gujarat a thoroughly charming experience.

Patra

Location: Bhuj 04/02/11

Description: This is a most bizarre thing. It is sold out of stands that sell both this and a form of lentil bread which I totally failed to try. The body of this dish was made up of a sort of roulard that was made by wrapping a sort of leaf around a thick paste of chickpeas.  It was flavoured with coriander seed and had a most unusual texture. This as I said was rolled in a sort of swiss roll and then cut into slices and in true Gujarati style doused in a sweet, sour, spicy and sticky sauce. This was then put on a plate with more sweet sauce yogurt and crisp fried vermicelli and coriander leave. This was definitely and interesting if not particularly pleasant breakfast experience.