If you are seeking an authentic Gujarati culinary experience, Chandravilas on Gandhi Road is highly recommended. Renowned for their delectable jalebi and fafdas, patrons willingly wait in queues for more than 45 minutes to savor these delicacies. Additionally, their Kadhis and Gujarati thalis are equally delightful, leaving you satiated and enamored with Ahmedabad's culinary offerings.
Among the several stories of its journey pasted on its walls is a laminated insurance policy worth Rs 200 that covered the late Chimanlal Hemraj Joshi, taken from a Lahore firm in pre-Partition India. Also on the wall is a huge collage of black-and-white photographs of nine eminent personalities including Mahatma Gandhi, Raj Kapoor, Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, Narendra Modi and others who dined at Joshi’s enterprise Chandravilas, Ahmedabad’s oldest dine-in restaurant. The aged newspaper clippings on the walls fill in the rest of its story over the last 123 years when everything around it and a few things inside changed, except the taste of the food here that loyal customers swear by to this day. Adorning the walls of Chandravilas, Ahmedabad's oldest dine-in restaurant, are various anecdotes from its illustrious history. Notably, a preserved insurance policy valued at Rs 200, obtained from a Lahore firm in pre-Partition India, serves as a testament to the late Chimanlal Hemraj Joshi's association with the establishment. Additionally, a prominent collage of black-and-white photographs showcases nine distinguished personalities, including Mahatma Gandhi, Raj Kapoor, Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, and Narendra Modi, who have graced the premises of Joshi's enterprise. The aged newspaper clippings adorning the walls further chronicle the restaurant's remarkable journey spanning 123 years, during which external surroundings and internal elements underwent transformations, while the unparalleled taste of its cuisine remained unchanged, earning the unwavering loyalty of its...
Read moreI was planning a trip to Ahmedabad, so I started out searching the famous spots in and around Ahmedabad city. My area of concern was eating and site seeing. I came across one video of Miss Kamya Jani, who is a youtuber. She had explored some restaurants in Ahmedabad. So I came to know about "Chandravilas Restaurant".
When I entered in Ahmedabad, I visited Iskon temple and Akshardham Temple first. Then I searched this restaurant on map and headed towards in my car using G map.
This restaurant is located inside the old market of Ahmedabad. So I parked my car and then reached there by autorickshaw.
As I exited out of auto, driver shown me the restaurant pointing his finger and ran away.
To my surprise, the structure was not matching to the one I had seen in YouTube video.
There were 3 shops in a row having the board of Chandravilas Restaurant. I entered one of the shops, some snacks like Jalebi, fafda etc were served there. I was there for eating authentic Gujrati Thali, so I moved to the second shop. Gujarati Thali was available there, but the furnitures and sitting arrangement was very very poor. Hygiene was not maintained at all. And there was no seperate kitchen compartment. Some old ladies were sitted on the ground itself and were busy in making rotis in unhygienic way. Overall presentation was very poor.
Then I entered in the 3Rd shop. There was some sweet sold like a shop of sweets and snacks.
I was disappointed as I had travelled 600 kms from my home.
Again I entered in the very first shop where Jalebi and other snacks were served. I enquired there and came to know the truth.
Actually the restaurant business was distributed among the brothers and so also the premise. So that I couldn't find the dish for which I had shortlisted this restaurant.
Reluctantly I ate some Puri bhaji with...
Read moreChandravilas in Ahmedabad is a legendary eatery renowned for its authentic Gujarati cuisine and nostalgic charm.
Food and Taste The restaurant is especially famous for its jalebi and fafda, prepared fresh in pure ghee and served hot throughout the day. The Gujarati thali receives rave reviews for its wholesome, home-style flavors, including signature dishes like kadhi, dhokla, puri-bhaji, and methi gota. Many patrons note that the food is both hygienic and served in generous portions, offering unbeatable value for money. The tea here is also widely loved for its distinctive sweet masala flavor.
Ambience and Service Chandravilas boasts a legacy of over a century and is managed by a dedicated family, adding a warm, personalized touch to its service. The dining experience is simple yet inviting, with freshly made phulkas and attentive staff guiding visitors on what to try. Despite its modest and somewhat basic decor, the ambience is comfortable for families and groups seeking an authentic experience.
Value and Experience Food at Chandravilas is a blend of taste, tradition, and affordability, making it a must-visit spot for locals and tourists alike. The restaurant has earned a devoted following over decades, being routinely described as a hidden gem in Ahmedabad's bustling cityscape. Heritage walks and old-time residents often include Chandravilas as an essential stop for savouring the cultural and culinary history of the city.
At a Glance Fresh, traditional Gujarati snacks and thali Famous for Jalebi-Fafda, Kadhi, and tea Family-run with over 100 years of history Simple seating, friendly service, and great value
Chandravilas is highly recommended for anyone eager to taste the soul of Ahmedabad through its timeless...
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