Exceptional dhokla and namkeens
Lately, I’ve been on a hunt for the best dhoklas in Toronto. Dhoklas look like yellow sponge cakes but are savoury and made of rice flour and chickpeas. They are the emblematic snack of Gujarat, India. Not many places in Toronto have them and there are even fewer Gujarati restaurants. Strange, since once would think that the predominantly vegetarian cuisine would attract a strong following from urbanites.
Gujarati Foods is one of the few places in the region that focuses on, what else, Gujarati foods. This is actually a factory in the hinterlands of Brampton. Amazingly, they make their own namkeens (crisp snacks) on premise. This is like finding a place that makes their own potato chips. They have an attached storefront with different varieties of namkeens in giant bins. You scoop up how much you want and pay by weight, like a bulk food store. Brush up on your Indian snack terminology before going. Most bins are not labelled and the price list doesn’t have pictures, just the name of the snack. Prices are higher than packaged namkeens from mega brands like Haldiram’s, but you can taste the quality difference. They average around $5.09 to $5.65 per pound. There are around 20 varieties including common ones like chevdo, chakri, and ratlami sev. The most premium one is special chevdo, also the most expensive at $6.78 per pound. Bhel mix is popular and my favourite because it contains a good variety of components and is reasonably priced.
The food
The highlight is their hot foods. Their dhokla is outstanding. It is fluffy and generous with chickpeas. The peas are ground to the right size: not too fine that it disappears and not too coarse to be noticeable. And it is intensely aromatic. It is good enough to eat on its own but the accompanying green chilli and mint chutney takes it to the next level. It adds a slight punch and livens up the dhokla. The chutney is also good enough to eat on its own. Fresh herbaceous tones and balanced seasoning.
The place
The store is quite small and there are only about a dozen bins of namkeens. Don’t expect a mega bulk food store experience. The namkeens also come pre-packaged in boxes if you are looking to give them away as gifts. They have other freshly made snacks like upma (semolina clumps) and a small hot counter. For more robust meals, look at their catering options.
Verdict
Addictive namkeens that are a clear step up from supermarket ones. Irresistible dhoklas. 8.5/10.
Practical information
- Name
- Gujarati Foods
- Rating
- 8.5/10
- Recommended dishes
- Dhokla
Bhel mix
Special chevdo - Prices
- Dhokla: $6.78 ($6.00 excluding tax)
Bhel mix: $5.09/lb ($4.50 excluding tax)
Special chevdo: $6.78/lb ($6.00 excluding tax) - Address
- 287 Glidden Road, Unit 14, Brampton
- Hours
- Monday 0900h – 1400h
Tuesday to Thursday 0900h – 1800h
Friday to Saturday 0900h – 1900h
Sunday 0900h – 1800h - Date of visit
- December 2019