Discover the Taste of Surat

Experience Locha - the soft, savory, and steamed delicacy that defines Surati street food.

A delicious plate of Surat Locha

What is Locha?

Close up of Locha texture

Locha, which translates to "mistake" in Gujarati, is a beloved steamed snack with a fascinating origin story. It's said to have been created accidentally when a batch of Khaman batter turned out looser than intended. Instead of discarding it, the cook steamed it anyway, resulting in a uniquely soft, melt-in-your-mouth texture.

This happy accident from Surat is made from fermented chana dal (split chickpeas) batter. It's light, protein-rich, and incredibly flavorful. Traditionally served hot, it's drizzled with oil and garnished with a special masala, crispy sev, fresh coriander, and chopped onions.

Make It Yourself

Ingredients

  • 1 cup Chana Dal (Split Chickpeas)
  • 1/4 cup Urad Dal (Split Black Gram)
  • 2 tbsp Poha (Flattened Rice)
  • 1/4 cup Sour Yogurt
  • 1 inch Ginger
  • 2-3 Green Chilies
  • 1/4 tsp Turmeric Powder
  • A pinch of Asafoetida (Hing)
  • 1 tsp Fruit Salt (Eno)
  • Salt to taste
  • Oil, for drizzling
  • For Garnish: Sev, chopped onions, coriander, Locha masala

Step-by-Step Guide

  1. Soak & Grind: Wash and soak Chana dal, Urad dal, and Poha separately for 4-5 hours. Drain and grind them together with yogurt, ginger, and green chilies to a smooth batter.
  2. Ferment: Transfer the batter to a large bowl, mix well, and let it ferment in a warm place for 7-8 hours or overnight until it rises.
  3. Season: Once fermented, add turmeric powder, asafoetida, and salt. Mix gently. The batter should be of a slightly thinner consistency than idli batter.
  4. Steam: Just before steaming, add fruit salt (Eno) and 1 tbsp of water to the batter and mix lightly until frothy. Pour immediately into a greased steaming tray.
  5. Cook: Steam for 15-20 minutes on high heat. The Locha is cooked when a knife inserted comes out clean.
  6. Serve: Do not cut it into perfect pieces! Use a spoon to scoop out the Locha onto a plate. Drizzle with oil, sprinkle Locha masala, and garnish generously with sev, onions, and coriander. Serve hot with green chutney.

Where to Eat in Surat

While you can find Locha in many places, here are a few legendary spots in its hometown, Surat, famous for their authentic taste.

📍 Jani Locho Ane Khaman

📍 Gopal Locho Khaman House

📍 Shreeji Locho