ONE great delicacy in Surat is Lachko, which is hot Khaman served with sev, little groundnut oil, sometimes butter, and with a chutney made of green chillies and onion. Amazingly, in all of the city, there is just one place that is reputed for its Lachko: the Surti Khaman & Farsan Mart on Ambaji Road near the popular Chaurasi Dairy. It is run by a father and his two sons, Vasantlal Thakkar, Bharatbhai and Vinodbhai Thakkar respectively.

Bharatbhai describes Lachko simply: �It is Khaman in the steaming hot stage. As soon as it gets cold, the savoury becomes Khaman, and even the taste changes.� Because to make it is difficult, not too many farsan shops or restaurants in Surat serve Lachko. And you will have to source out the Thakkars�s Surti Khaman & Farsan Mart to sample this delicacy if you are keen on tasting it.

Lachko is made of tur dal, turmeric powder, ghee and water. The dal is soaked overnight, ground in the morning with turmeric, and steamed. It is then set in a thali and served piping hot with little groundnut oil or butter. At the Surti Khaman & Farsan Mart, the Lachko is sold at Rs. 30 a kilo. You may also sit there and eat it along with the chutney for Rs. 10 a plate.

The Thakkars keep their establishment open from 7 in the morning and continue till 9 at night. However, the Lachko is available only between 3 and 5 p.m. This is the time for it. And all of Surat is aware of this timing for the delicacy. People turn up in crowds, the Lachko is so popular.