While I wouldn’t claim to be an authority on Ahmedabad’s vast gastronomic wonders just yet, the city holds the promise of countless culinary treasures waiting to be uncovered. In my culinary journey so far through this heritage city, 3 delicious places have stood out, each offering a unique blend of flavors and experiences.  

Sattvic Food Means… 

Sattvic foods are no onion, no garlic, lacto-vegetarian, well-balanced spices, reasonably nutritionious and healthy foods. They stand apart from the typical outside foods which may have fried, low-quality ingredients, unhealthy preparation methods and so on. Different spiritual seekers and healthy eaters prefer this food though the exact rules, do’s and don’ts about preparing sattvic foods may slightly differ across individuals and communities.  

The typical Indian vegetarian will know that sattvic doesn’t mean restrictive diet at all. And as you will see these 3 restaurants bring a wide range of cuisine options. 

Iskcon Govinda, Ahmedabad 

The viral term “just like a wow”, if I had to use it somewhere. It would be for this restaurant. Was a total surprise when I went for the first visit. Second visit, I ordered different items and all really good.

I have been to a lot of Iskcon Govinda restaurants, they are usually good. They serve no onion, no garlic, freshly cooked, healthy food. They offer different cuisine options. I remember the Mumbai Chowpatty Govinda’s promoted wood-fire pizzas at one time.  

Well, the Ahmedabad Iskcon Govinda restaurant is a class apart! The ambiance and cuisine both stand out significantly from all other Govinda’s I have yet visited.  

Highly recommended: Mexican Quesso soup, Kala Jamun Rose Kulfi dessert 

Map location: https://maps.app.goo.gl/jYk61esnzUnEZjcp6

Read more about my vegetarian food adventures here: https://maproute.in/category/ashrams/vegetarian-food/ & some interesting Gujarati foods like Locho here: https://maproute.in/locho-surats-famous-food-dish/

Samrasi, near Trimandir, Adalaj 

I have earlier written about the Dada Bhagwan Foundation Trimandir, a multi-faith temple on the outskirts of Ahmedabad. Well, this ashram has a lovely buffet style dining resturant called Samrasi. They have breakfast, lunch and dinner options. Keep in mind the restaurant timings so you don’t miss the slot.

The food is no onion and no garlic.  
 

Highly recommended: the desserts like walnut halwa or ghari etc.. tend to be really good. Buttermilk is also good. We can get garam garam (hot hot) puris or rotis.  

Map location:  https://maps.app.goo.gl/ZvMMxrtbczdZqmMA9

Balista Burgers, Gandhinagar & Ahmedabad

Did NOT expect to eat one of the best burgers I have had in Ahmedabad / Gandhinagar.  

I actually don’t know abt the pizza and other non-burger stuff they serve. The burger itself is really good. I felt they were as good as any other top burger places I have been to. Their restaurant is veg-only but does contain onion and garlic.

Jain Burger with Banana (Plantain) Patty!

However, they have Jain burger options – with Banana Patty! This was amazing to me, cause I have hardly ever had banana patty outside the Jain houses I frequent.  

The burger buns are made in-house. The patties are frozen in bulk. So that small matter is there. But overall, it is a great option to have well-made burger with a banana patty.  For those who haven’t had a banana patty before, you won’t even know the difference until someone tells you. They are that good, plus, they tend to less gassier than potato patties.

Highly recommended:  Jumbo Double Decker Patty Burger – you can ask them to make both patties channa patty or banana patty. They have not listed banana patty here on this menu… but when I had asked, they did have in stock. Not sure if they have changed the menu since then. Channa patty is also a great option instead of aloo.

As you can see lot of whole wheat, multi-grain options …

Outlets location: Gandhinagar & Ahmedabad but also international locations https://balista.in/our-outlets/

Gujarat is a haven for folks like me looking for vegetarian-only, no onion, no garlic foods. Happy to have found these 3 food places in Ahmedabad. Will add more as I come across. Pls drop in suggestions if you have any!