Undhiyu

(उंधियु)

Undhiyu is a specialty dish of the Indian state of Gujarat, typically consisting of numerous vegetables such as purple yam, sweet potatoes, eggplanst, and bananas. All of the ingredients are slowly simmered in a garlic, chili, coriander, and coconut masala.

The name of the dish is derived from the word undhu, meaning upside down, referring to the traditional method of underground cooking in pots which are heated from above. The dish is especially popular during winter, when it's accompanied by puri and shrikhand.

There is another popular variety of the dish, called surti undhiyu, which is usually reserved for special ocassions such as weddings and festivities, made with red lentils, vegetables, grated coconut, palm sugar, and a garnish of chopped peanuts.

Gujarat, India

Serve with

Bread

Puri

Puri is an unleavened, fried Indian bread made with water, finer or coarser wheat flour, and occasionally cumin seeds. The dough is rolled into flat round shapes and fried ... Read more

Dessert

Shrikhand

Shrikhand is a popular Indian yogurt-based dessert, combined with sugar and nuts in order to develop a rich, creamy texture and sweet flavor. In North India, it is usually ... Read more

WHERE TO EAT The best Undhiyu in the world (according to food experts)

Arti Dwarkadas and 3 other food critics.

"The best 'Undhiyu’ is available from a small shop in the old part of Bombay – C P Tank. The shop is Hiralal Kashidas Bhajiawala."

Charukesi Ramadurai and 1 other food critic.

"Try the spongy, sweet-sour dhokla or creamy khandvi and in the winter, undhiyu, a thick vegetable stew."

Yummraj

"The Undhiyu was excellent. It takes caliber to create such a dish from day to day vegetables and also a lot more caliber to consistently make it as good."

Faroma India and 1 other food critic.

"Although this is primarily a thali restaurant, the variety of Undhiyu served here is mind- boggling. They serve Jain Undhiyu are Surti Undhiyu are highly recommended."