The majority of the population is vegetarian. Jains, brahmins and some other caste practice strict vegetarianism. Jains also refrain from eating kandmool food grown below the ground such as potatoes, garlic, onion, and yam
In the villages, staple foods include kadi-khichdi, bajra and milk ; bajara na rotla with curd and buttermilk is very common food for all the Gujarati people. Bajra was introduced by a king of this region named Lakho Fulani. During his period of exile, he came to know about this grain in some tribal regions. They also extensively drink buttermilk during lunch. Milk is considered to be sacred food and offering it to somebody is considered a gesture of friendship and welcoming. Settlement of dispute invariably follows offering milk to each other as a concluding remark. In the Kachchhi engagement ceremony, the bride’s family offers milk to the groom’s relatives as a symbol of accepting their relationship.
Dabeli
Dabeli literally means “pressed” in Gujarati language. It is said to be invented by one Keshavji Gabha Chudasama alias Kesha Malam, resident of Mandvi, Kachchh in the 1960s. When he started business he sold a dabeli at one anna or six paisa.
Dabeli thus has its origin in Mandvi, a city of the Kachchh region and even today dabeli masala made in the city are said to be most authentic. The dabeli is also, therefore, known as Kachchhi dabeli or Kachchhi dabeli taking its cue from the region of its origin. Bhuj and Nakhatrana towns of Kachchh are also known for authentic dabeli apart from Mandvi.
Tea
Tea is the most popular drink in this region and is enjoyed irrespective of sex, caste, religion or social status. Tea stalls where groups of people chat over tea are invariable sights of every village or town entrance from early morning to late evening.
Kachchhi Thali
The usually Kachchhi Cusine consists of Roti or Rotlas, Curd, Butter milk, Dal, Curry, Vegetables, Papad, Kachumbar. Dry rotlis or Theplas and Khakras and Sev (of Gram Flour) are made and stored as food during travelling etc..
The people of Kachchh believe in simple living and high thinking. The staple food is Rotlas made of Bajri (millet) which the local relish with Butter milk or ‘Chhas’, Butter and Jaggery or ‘Gud’
Bajra was introduced by a king of this region named Lakho Fulani.
Khichadi Kadhi
‘Khichhdi’ made of rice and dal (pulses), Kadhi or Curry made with buttermilk and besan floor is liked by everyone.
Odho
Odho, is a Kachchhi delicacy. It is similar in preparation to the ever popular ‘Baingan Bharta’. A typical Kachchhi meal consists of Bajre ja rotla, Odho, kadhi, garlic chutney & ‘goad’ aka jaggery. The meal is almost always followed by a chilled glass of ‘chhaas’, a very thin buttermilk which helps cool down the body during the extremely dry hot seasons.
Pakwan
This is Kachchh salty namkeen.
Mesukh
This is one of the India’s most famous sweets, People in North India calls it Mesuk-Paak, in South India they calls it Mesur-paak, we call it Mesukh. Actually Mesukh is a Mogul item, which is invented before 300-400 years ago when Pakistan & Afghanistan were lands of India. Mesukh is the softest & most fast melting in India. You just put it in your mouth & you don’t even have to chew it, it will melt itself in seconds. It is Made from Beshan, loads of Ghee, Pistachio, and Sugar.
Gulab-Pak
Gulab-pak was invented in Kachchh. It is a sweet of pure rose petals. Almond, Cashew, pistachio Milk & Sugar.
Adadiya
Adadiya is a famous sweet of Kachchh which is available only in winter. People enjoy this sweet around the world. It has health benefits also. This is made in pure ghee
