5 Famous Gathiya Shops in Bhavnagar

If you wake up early in Bhavnagar, you will smell one thing in the air the yummy smell of hot oil and besan (gram flour) frying. This is the home of the world-famous Bhavnagari Gathiya.

In India, we love our namkeens, but Bhavnagar’s Gathiya is totally different. It is not hard or crunchy like other snacks. It is very soft, light, and melts in your mouth immediately. For us locals, Gathiya is not just a snack; it is an emotion.

Whether you live here or are just visiting as a tourist, your trip is incomplete without a plate of Garama-Garam (hot) Gathiya, papaya sambharo, and a fried green chili.

What is Bhavnagari Gathiya?

Simply put, Bhavnagari Gathiya is a deep-fried snack made from gram flour (besan). But it’s not your average crunchy snack. The real magic of authentic Gathiya is its texture it is incredibly soft and almost melts in your mouth.

The secret isn’t just the flour; it’s how the dough is made. It takes a perfect mix of oil, water, and a special ingredient called saji na phool (a type of salt) to get that signature fluffiness. It is usually seasoned with carom seeds (ajwain) for digestion and black pepper (mari) for a little bit of heat.

The Morning Ritual

In Bhavnagar, Gathiya isn’t just a snack to munch on; it is breakfast. If you walk through the city streets between 7:00 AM and 10:00 AM, you will see crowds lining up at local Farsan (snack) shops.

The best way to eat it? With a cup of hot, sweet Masala Chai. Locals swear by this combination because the savory, oily taste of the Gathiya pairs perfectly with the sweet, milky tea. You can eat it in the evening too, but nothing beats a fresh, hot batch in the morning.

The Perfect Sides

You never eat Gathiya by itself. A true Bhavnagari plate always comes with delicious sides:

• Sambharo: This is a fresh, crunchy salad made from shredded papaya or carrots, tossed with mustard seeds. It balances out the fried Gathiya perfectly.
• Fried Green Chilies: These are salted and fried for a spicy kick.
• Kadhi or Chutney: Depending on the shop, you might also get a warm, sweet-and-sour yogurt gravy called Kadhi or a fresh green coriander chutney.

In this post, we list the top 5 famous local shops in Bhavnagar to get the authentic Bhavnagari Gathiya taste.

1. Narshidas Bavabhai -> Get Directions
2. Bazik by Manubhai Gathiya Wala -> Get Directions
3. Laxmi Farsan & Sweets -> Get Directions
4. Jay Gopal Farsan House -> Get Directions
5. Jay Jalaram Sweets & Farsan -> Get Directions

1.Narshidas Bavabhai

If you ask a local where to get the most premium Gathiya, the name Brahmkshatriya Narshidas Bavabhai invariably comes up. They are an institution in Gujarat, synonymous with consistency and quality. What sets Narshidas apart is their refusal to compromise on the traditional recipes. Their Gathiya is known for having the perfect “melt-in-the-mouth” texture, which is the hallmark of the Bhavnagari style. Here are some of the popular products they offer:

• Bhavnagari Gathiya
• Double Mari Vanela Gathiya
• Lasaniya Gathiya
• Makhaniya Gathiya
• Mari Masala Vanela Gathiya
• Methi Vanela Gathiya
• Nylon Gathiya
• Nylon Sev
• Nylon Papdi
• Anguuthiya Gathiya
• Champakali Ganthia
• Tam-Tam Ganthiya

Address: Shop No. 3, Ratna Plaza Complex, Vishwakarma Circle, opposite Madhav Complex, Shastrinagar, Bhavnagar

You can also order Online: https://www.narshidasbavabhai.com/index.html

2. Bazik by Manubhai Gathiya Wala

Manubhai Gathiyawala, now branded as Bazik, represents the bridge between traditional taste and modern hygiene standards. Established in 1990, this shop has grown from a local favorite to a brand that emphasizes high-quality ingredients and clean preparation methods.

Popular types of Gathiya:

• Fulwadi
• Methi Gathiya
• Papdi Gathiya
• Palak Gathiya
• Mari Masala Gathiya
• Tikha Gathiya
• Nylon Gathiya
• Chatpatta gathiya
• Chokdi Gathiya
• Tikhi papdi gathiya
• Onion Gathiya
• Garlic Gathiya
• Champakali Gathiya
• Tum Tum Gathiya

Address: Plot No. 1120/B Rubber Factory Circle, Bhavnagar, Gujarat-364001

You can also order online: https://www.manubhaigathiyawala.com/

3. Laxmi Farsan & Sweets

Located on the bustling Talaja Road, Laxmi Farsan & Sweets is a staple for the everyday Bhavnagari. While some shops cater to tourists, Laxmi is where the locals go for their daily fix. It is one of the oldest Nasta (breakfast/snack) shops in the area.

The vibe here is fast-paced. Fresh batches of Gathiya are fried continuously throughout the morning to keep up with the demand. The “Freshness Factor” here is high you are almost guaranteed to get Gathiya that is still warm from the kadhai (frying pan).

• Mari Gathiya: Their black pepper ratio is spot on—not too spicy, but enough to tickle the throat.
• Plain Gathiya: Soft, simple, and perfect for dipping in chutney.
• Fafda Gathiya: A cousin of Gathiya, these are flat, wide, and crispy, usually eaten with a specific hot papaya chutney

Address: Shop No 32, Ramantra Mandir Shopping Center, Talaja Road, Bhavnagar – 364002

4. Jay Gopal Farsan House

Since 1999, Jay Gopal Farsan House has been serving the Kaliyabid area of Bhavnagar with a smile and delicious snacks. Their mission statement is ambitious: “to make our yummy Gathiya known all over the world.”

They have carved a niche for themselves by mastering the Double Mari Masala Gathiya. While many shops make this, Jay Gopal’s version is renowned for its intense flavor profile. It is a favorite among those who find plain Gathiya too bland.

You can find:

• Bhavnagari Gathiya
• Double Mari Masala Gathiya
• Mari Masala Gathiya

Address: Opposite Ram Mantra Mandir, Kaliyabid, Bhavnagar, Gujarat 364001

You can also order online: https://www.jaygopalfarsan.in/

5. Jay Jalaram Sweets & Farsan

Also located near the Ram Mantra Mandir in Kaliyabid, Jay Jalaram Sweets & Farsan is a powerhouse of flavor. They are not just a Gathiya shop; they are a full-fledged sweet and savory destination.

They are particularly famous for Surti Khaman, a soft, spongy, steamed snack made from gram flour, which complements the oily Gathiya perfectly. Many customers buy a “combo” of Khaman and Gathiya for a balanced breakfast of steamed and fried goods.

• Methi Gathiya
• Papdi Gathiya
• Mari Masala Gathiya
• Tikha Gathiya
• Nylon Gathiya
• Tikhi papdi gathiya
• Onion Gathiya
• Garlic Gathiya

Address: Nr. Ram Mantra Mandir, Kaliyabid, Bhavnagar, Gujarat-364002

Now that you know where to find the crunchiest Gathiya, why not balance out the spice? From Malai Penda to sticky Jalebis, explore the city’s sugary side with our rundown of the Sweet shops in Bhavnagar

Can You Buy Bhavnagari Gathiya Online?

For those who cannot travel to Gujarat, the digital age has been a blessing. The craving for Bhavnagari Gathiya is global, largely due to the Gujarati diaspora.

Yes, you can buy it online.

1. Direct Websites: As noted above, shops like Narshidas Bavabhai, Manubhai (Bazik), and Jay Gopal have their own e-commerce platforms. Ordering directly usually ensures the freshest stock.
2. Marketplaces: Major platforms like Amazon and various Indian grocery delivery sites often stock these specific brands.
3. International Shipping: Many of these local shops in Bhavnagar offer courier services. You can walk in, purchase 5kg of Gathiya, and they will vacuum pack it and arrange shipping to almost anywhere in the world.

Conclusion: A Snack Worth the Trip

Bhavnagar is a city with a rich history of trade, art, and culture, but its most edible legacy is undoubtedly the Gathiya. It is a dish that looks simple but requires generations of expertise to perfect.

Whether you prefer the spicy kick of the Double Mari at Narshidas, the hygienic crunch of Bazik, the local hustle of Laxmi, the spice blends of Jay Gopal, or the variety at Jay Jalaram, you are guaranteed a culinary delight.

So, the next time you find yourself in Gujarat, do as the Bhavnagaris do: wake up early, find the nearest Farsan shop, order a plate of hot Gathiya with papaya sambharo, and sip on a cup of tea. It is more than just breakfast; it is a slice of Gujarati soul.

If you’re exploring Bhavnagar’s snack culture, don’t miss our full guide to the best local foods in Bhavnagar from gathiya gems to regional specialties