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Palitana

Food In Palitana

Food History of Palitana, Gujarat, India

Palitana, located in the Bhavnagar district of Gujarat, is a significant pilgrimage center for Jains, known for its spectacular temple complex on Shatrunjaya hill. The food history of Palitana is deeply intertwined with Jain dietary customs and principles, which advocate for strict vegetarianism and non-violence. Therefore, the cuisine of Palitana is completely vegetarian, avoiding even root vegetables to prevent harm to microorganisms.

The traditional diet is dominated by seasonal vegetables, pulses, grains, and an array of spices, reflecting the agricultural riches of the region. Palitana's cuisine is influenced by the wider Gujarati gastronomy, known for its unique sweet, salty, and spicy flavors, commonly using ingredients like besan (gram flour), milk, yogurt, and ghee.

Must Try Top 10 Food Dishes in Palitana

1. Khichdi: Veg
A comforting dish made from rice and lentils, often served with ghee, kadhi, or pickle.

2. Kadhi: Veg
A savory yogurt-based soup seasoned with spices like mustard seeds, cumin, and fenugreek.

3. Dhokla: Veg
A steamed, fermented chickpea flour snack served with green chutney and topped with mustard seeds and coriander.

4. Khandvi: Veg
A rolled snack made of gram flour and yogurt, seasoned with coconut, mustard seeds, and coriander.

5. Gathiya: Veg
A deep-fried snack made from gram flour and seasoned with black pepper and carom seeds, typically enjoyed with a cup of tea.

6. Rotlo: Veg
A thick flatbread typically made from millet flour, often eaten with ghee and jaggery or garlic chutney.

7. Sev Tameta nu Shaak: Veg
A spicy and tangy curry made with tomatoes and topped with crispy sev.

8. Dal Dhokli: Veg
A wholesome dish consisting of wheat flour dumplings simmered in a lentil curry.

9. Shrikhand: Veg
A sweet, creamy dessert made from hung curd, flavored with cardamom and saffron.

10. Basundi: Veg
A sweet reduced milk dessert flavored with cardamom, nutmeg, and garnished with nuts.

Top Famous Restaurants in Palitana

1. Hotel Sumeru
Address: Near Jain Derasar, Palitana
Famous Food: Their traditional Gujarati thali which is Vegetarian, offering an array of local specialties.

2. Arihant Restaurant
Address: Shatrunjay Giriraj Main Road, Palitana
Famous Food: Known for their lip-smacking Dhokla and Khandvi, both of which are Vegetarian.

3. Sudamaji's Restaurant
Address: Taleti Road, Palitana
Famous Food: Specializes in various types of Rotlo and Khichdi, pure Vegetarian delights.

4. Yogi Dining Hall
Address: Near Bus Station, Palitana
Famous Food: Savour the authentic experience of a Gujarati meal with their Vegetarian Thali, including dishes like Sev Tameta nu Shaak and Dal Dhokli.

5. Nakoda Bhojnalaya
Address: Main Road, Palitana
Famous Food: They are praised for their variety of Jain dishes, particularly their pure Vegetarian buffet that showcases local flavors.

Places to Visit in Palitana

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Hill Stations (5)
Beaches (23)
Religious Places (100)
Historical Places (113)
Museums (29)
Wildlife Sanctuaries (8)
National Parks (7)
Forts (5)
Villages (3)
Zoos (5)
Mountains (2)
Island (3)
Gardens (21)
Dams (10)
Lakes (11)
Trekking Places (4)

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