Food In Modhera

Food History of Modhera Sun Temple, Gujarat, India

The Modhera Sun Temple, an architectural marvel dedicated to the Sun God, Surya, does not have a food history per se, but it sits in the culturally rich state of Gujarat, which has a vibrant culinary tradition. Gujarat’s cuisine, known for its distinct flavors and vegetarian delicacies, mirrors the ethos of the predominantly vegetarian population due to strong Jain influences. The temple itself serves as a historical site, and food offerings within its premises are scarce. However, the local cuisine that visitors can explore around the region is a reflection of Gujarat's historical trade relations and agricultural practices which emphasize staples such as pulses, rice, and wheat.

Must-Try Top 10 Food Dishes in Modhera

When visiting the Modhera Sun Temple area, the following vegetarian dishes reflect the essence of Gujarati cuisine and are a must-try for tourists:

1. Dhokla - A steamed, spongy, and savory cake made from rice and chickpea batter. This dish is a vegetarian staple and is often enjoyed as a snack.
2. Thepla - A soft flatbread usually made from whole wheat flour and spices, often served with yogurt or pickles. Thepla is a vegetarian dish that can be enjoyed at any meal.
3. Khandvi - Delicate rolls made from gram flour and yogurt, seasoned with mustard seeds and coconut. Khandvi is a vegetarian snack that is both delicious and nutritious.
4. Undhiyu - A mixed vegetable casserole that is a specialty of the region, particularly during the winter. Undhiyu is a vegetarian dish that embodies the seasonal bounty of Gujarat.
5. Khichu - A doughy snack made from rice flour, seasoned with cumin, and served with oil and pickle. This is a vegetarian dish that is often consumed as a comfort food.
6. Fafda-Jalebi - A popular breakfast, where fafda is a crispy gram flour snack and jalebi is a sweet, syrupy dessert. Both are vegetarian and provide a balance of savory and sweet.
7. Kadhi - A yogurt-based soup seasoned with spices and often containing small gram flour dumplings, known as pakoras. This dish is vegetarian and typically served with rice.
8. Sev Khamani - A special snack made from crumbled khaman dhoklas, topped with sev, pomegranate seeds, and coriander. Sev Khamani is a vegetarian delight.
9. Handvo - A savory cake made from a mixture of lentils and rice, baked in a pan, and seasoned with mustard and sesame seeds. Handvo is a vegetarian dish that serves as a wholesome snack or meal.
10. Dal Dhokli - A traditional dish where strips of dough (dhokli) are cooked in lentil (dal) gravy, making it a vegetarian dish that’s both filling and comforting.

Top Famous Restaurants Near Modhera Sun Temple and Their Specialties

While there may be limited options right next to the temple itself, in the nearby town and surrounding areas, visitors can find places that offer traditional Gujarati cuisine:

• Torana Dining Hall
  Address: S J Highway, Mehsana
  Famous Food: Gujarati Thali (Vegetarian)
• Madhuli Restaurant
  Address: Modhera Cross Road, Mehsana
  Famous Food: Dhokla and Kadhi (Vegetarian)
• Rajwadu
  Address: Near Jivraj Tolnaka, Mehsana
  Famous Food: Undhiyu and Thepla (Vegetarian)
• Hari Om Dhaba
  Address: State Highway 7, Mehsana
  Famous Food: Paneer Butter Masala and Roti (Vegetarian)
• Saffrony Holiday Resort
  Address: S P Ring Road, Mehsana
  Famous Food: Handvo and Sev Khamani (Vegetarian)

Note: All the restaurants mentioned above serve vegetarian cuisine, reflecting Gujarat’s culinary traditions and restrictions on non-vegetarian food due mainly to religious and cultural beliefs.