Fafda

Fafda is a crispy, savory Gujarati snack made primarily from a dough of chickpea flour (besan). The dough is seasoned with carom seeds and turmeric, then flattened and deep-fried into crunchy strips.

In Gujarat, Fafda is almost exclusively paired with sweet, sticky jalebi, creating a classic savory-sweet flavor combination. It is also frequently served with a side of spicy green chili and fried papadums.

Fafda is culturally tied to the Hindu festival of Dussehra, where it is consumed in massive quantities as a celebratory breakfast. It is also a wildly popular everyday street breakfast across the state of Gujarat.

Unlike soft Indian breads or puffy puris, Fafda is known for being exceptionally dry and rigidly crispy. The chickpea flour dough is traditionally beaten and stretched thin on a flat surface to ensure a satisfying snap when eaten.