South Gujarat Littoral · Western Coastal Strip
Surti batasa, nankhatai and khari
A Parsi bakery whose product line is usually traced to Dutch ship's bread, adapted for local sale after the European factories wound down. The batasa is the direct descendant.
Locho, sev khamani and khaman, from early morning
A cluster rather than one address. Locho is eaten standing, with a spoon, and does not survive being taken away.
Ghari, in the week before Chandani Padvo
Several long-established halwai houses in the old city work continuously for that week. Outside the season the sweet is available but is not the same event.
Set Parsi meals — dhansak, patra ni machhi, sali boti
A handful of guest houses and small eateries in the village serve full Parsi menus to visitors, largely on weekends. The fire temple itself is closed to non-Zoroastrians; the food is not.
A locally made fruit-and-spice soft drink
Produced in Surat since the interwar years and still primarily a regional drink. Ordering one is the quickest way to be identified as a returning Surti rather than a visitor.
Drawn and flattened metal thread, badla, kasab and salma-sitara
Wire-drawing benches and winding frames in small units across the older wards. Much of the output leaves for weaving centres in other states.
Nagli, forest produce, bamboo work and mahua
Held on fixed weekdays, and the practical way to see what the slope actually grows, gathers and makes as opposed to what is sold on the plain below.
Famous shops, markets and workshops in South Gujarat Littoral, and what each is known for. (7)