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Situated on the banks of the river Vishwamitri, Vadodara, or Baroda, is one of the most prosperous and cosmopolitan cities in the state of Gujarat. We’ve picked the top 10 spots to eat in this fascinating city.

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The Barbeque Grill

Opened in 2012, The Barbeque Grill has made heavy inroads into the food scene of Vadodara and garnered an impressive reputation. The restaurant has a pleasing look to it, the decor and interiors aim to recreate a countryside open dining experience. It does feel that way with its exposed brick and mud walls, and its use of wood in most things. North Indian and Mughlai cuisines are served here, the food is well cooked and plated intricately. You can also take advantage of the buffet which is available on the same menu every day.

Sasumaa Gujarati Thali

The people of Gujarat love their food, especially thalis (full meals). Sasumaa which in Hindi means ‘mother-in-law’ is a very famous place in Gujarat to have a thali for lunch or dinner. This restaurant serves only Gujarati cuisine and it’s quite crowded, but you can expect to find a seat soon as the restaurant staff always makes it a point not to keep anyone waiting for long. The staff is cheerful and service is prompt. If you do order a thali, expect unlimited servings of roti (bread), curry, dry or gravy vegetables along with rice. This is a brilliant place to taste authentic Gujarati food.

Salsa Habanero

Salsa Habanero is Vadodara’s first authentic Mexican restaurant. The owner Chef Prakash fell in love with Mexican cuisine while he grew up in California. He decided to bring his love back to Vadodara and the result was Salsa Habanero. The restaurant uses fresh ingredients which are chosen in small quantities to reduce waste; the rice is cooked in solar pressure cookers to reduce the amount of fuel consumption. The restaurant is open on weekends only to make sure each customer’s dish is customized according to his or her needs. There are no tables except for a small bench, used to encourage interaction and shared experience. This place has a strong love and passion for food, which is clearly reflected in the dishes they serve.

Peshwari

Located in the Welcome Hotel, Peshwari is a famous restaurant which serves the food reminiscent of royalty and of the North-West Frontier. Cooked in an earthen clay tandoor, the restaurant’s Mughlai and North Indian food is loved by nearly everyone in Vadodara. You can expect excellent service at Peshwari, the ambiance is superb and reminiscent of dining in a tent – much like on the North-West Frontier. Expect succulent kebabs, varieties of bread and some delicious and well-spiced curries.

Mandap

Turmeric and lentil soup

Mandap is legendary in Vadodara. It opened its doors in 1974 and is going strong. The restaurant serves Gujarati thalis only. The ambiance is warm and the room is splendidly decorated with a desert tent interior. Food is served on bronze plates; the thalis consists of three vegetables, lentil soup, rotis (bread), a sweet gravy in yogurt base and more. It’s very filling and well worth the money.

Kai Asia

Scoops come in funky, fun flavors like wasabi, pomegranate, and tarragon

Kai Asia is a famous fine dining restaurant in Vadodara; it serves Thai, Chinese and Japanese cuisines. Tucked inside The Gateway Hotel, this restaurant has been a crowd favourite for ages. From its stylish and chic interiors to its emphasis on fresh produce, Kai Asia is a brilliant place for you to enjoy your sushi. Do try the Wasabi ice cream, it’s quite fun.

San Sizzler’s

San Sizzler’s is the best place in Vadodara to taste sizzlers. A great place with a fun ambiance, this restaurant has amassed a fan following in a short period of time. The menu has some unusual dishes, including excellent nachos and garlic bread . They also customize your sizzlers as per your requirements. If you are with your friends and looking to spend some quality time at a restaurant with tasty food, this is the place to be.

22nd Parallel

The best place to experience South Indian food in Vadodara, 22nd Parallel has had a massive fan following ever since it opened. The menu features delicious foods from all the four states of South India: Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh, Kerala, and Tamil Nadu. It gets a bit congested, but that hasn’t discouraged people from visiting. There is often a line outside and if you want to get a seat, you will need to have a lot of patience. Don’t forget to end your meal with filter coffee; it’s the most loved coffee in the whole of India.

About the author

Shreyas Kulkarni has a BA where he studied History, Political Science and Economics. He holds an interest in writing and the use of game theory to develop a better and just world. Why write for The Culture Trip? It's a great place to read and write about the simple and important things in life. Literature, travel, food, culture, and art are the fields which can make humans better and more developed than money or a nine to five job. He hopes that you enjoy his writing.

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