AHMEDABAD

Ahmedabad
The Fusion City

Ahmedabad is such a mixed bag city. It has grandeur but it has gone to seed. Its spanking new malls are flourishing, yet the Wall City exists, remains walled, and almost decrepit. There is much affluence and at the same time immense poverty. On the banks of Sabarmati stands Gandhi’s ashram, a world symbol of non-violence, yet in this same town, bloody riots have destroyed peace and the city psyche forever.

Dusty, crowded and chaotic though it may be, it has an identity and a character all of its own. And this city should be discovered. For its food, its people, its breath-taking architecture, the ancient havelis, the mosques, the temples, the ordinary houses in the pols, labyrinths of bylanes, a heritage walk.

Ahmedabad founded in 1411 AD by Sultan Ahmed Shah (hence its name), is the biggest city of Gujarat state and the sixth largest of India, with four million residents. It is an amazing place, with a tantalising mix of ancient and modern, with its pot pourri of Hindu, Muslim and Jain communities, contributing in no small measure to its culinary delights, the reason for our sojourn.

As the unwritten rule goes, there has to be one extremely popular joint in each city on the planet. A place where locals like to hang out, where the food is affordable and tasty. In the city of Gandhi, that place is Honest, in price, quality and quantity. So, if you are looking for some finger-licking Indian fast food, head straight there. Most people in Ahmedabad will find the way to an Honest eatery several times a week, it’s that popular.

Havmor! A delightful name for a delightful place. The dessert-loving city folks don’t have to urge each other, they just go and have more! The ice-cream brand has over 100 flavours, from the fresh fruit variety, to lollies, bars, ice-cream cakes, roll-cuts and special packs, to a range of super sundaes.

For full article: www.uppercrustindia.com (Archives: July - Septermber 2007)