Before I went to Somnath, I thought the trip would be about one thing – the magnificent Somnath Temple. And, to be fair, it deserves every bit of attention it receives. To stand before one of the twelve revered Jyotirlingas, listening to the waves of the Arabian Sea just beyond the temple walls, is an experience that stays with you long after you leave.
However, once I had explored the temple and spent an evening along the seafront, I realised Somnath had another story to tell. It was on my plate. The town’s location on Gujarat’s coastline means fresh food, traditional Kathiawadi flavours, and simple Gujarati meals all come together in a way I hadn’t expected. Whether you’re a vegetarian pilgrim or someone who enjoys coastal culture, Somnath has plenty to surprise you.
Here’s what made my food trail so memorable.
I discovered Somnath’s coastal side
The temple’s significance means many visitors stick to local restaurants, but Somnath’s location along the Arabian Sea means nearby coastal eateries serve wonderfully fresh food. Vegetable curries made in the Gujarati coastal style, grilled foods, and vegetables cooked with regional spices presented an entirely new aspect of the local cuisine. The freshness stood out immediately.
Kathiawadi food brought the heat
As I was from another part of Gujarat, I anticipated flavours that were somewhat sweet. Then I tried Kathiawadi cuisine. It has a completely different personality. There was a lot more spice in dishes like sev tameta nu shaak, ringan no olo, lasaniya bataka, bajra rotla, and fiery garlic chutney than I had expected. It was rustic, hearty and full of bold flavours. The kind of food that leaves you reaching for another bite despite the heat.
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Breakfast was comfortingly familiar
Breakfast remained wonderfully simple, which was one aspect of Somnath that I liked. Cups of hot masala chai, crispy ganthiya, fluffy thepla, soft khaman, and fresh fafda made for leisurely mornings before exploring.
I found myself going back to hotels in Somnath that served traditional Gujarati breakfasts nearly every day, even though some cafés added contemporary options. Sometimes there’s no reason to improve on a classic.
Every walk in Somnath ended with something sweet
Dessert always seems to fit into Gujarati meals. Somnath was no exception. Trays of mohanthal, basundi, shrikhand, ghughra, and seasonal confections made with ghee, cardamom, and nuts were on display at neighbourhood sweet shops. Even if I’d finished a generous meal, I somehow always found space for one more sweet. Travel has a funny way of making dessert feel completely justified.
The markets in Somnath smelled of fresh snacks
There was more to exploring Somnath’s local markets than just buying trinkets. I was tempted by freshly fried snacks at each stall every few metres. Hot bhajiyas, crispy kachoris, spicy dabeli, sugarcane juice, roasted peanuts, and vibrant seasonal fruits were all available.
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Locals had been stopping by for an evening snack at stalls that had been serving the same recipes for decades. It gave the town a wonderful sense of being a place to live rather than just visit.
The sea made every meal better
I was surprised by how frequently the sea was incorporated into the dining experience. The sound of the waves somehow made every meal feel more relaxed, whether I was dining at a restaurant with a view of the Arabian Sea or just taking a snack to the promenade after sunset.
One of my favourite rituals after visiting the temple was to sit by the shore with a hot cup of tea while watching fishing boats return in the distance. It reminded me that good food isn’t only about what’s on the plate. Sometimes it’s about where you’re eating it.
Final thoughts
Most tourists visit Somnath to see one of India’s holiest temples, and for good reason. Don’t hurry back to your hotel after exploring the temple complex and taking in the Arabian Sea sunset. Enjoy a traditional Gujarati thali, indulge in the robust flavours of Kathiawadi cuisine, try some local food from the coast if you like it, and make time for evening snacks and local sweets.
Because in Somnath, the memories aren’t made only inside the temple. Some of them are waiting at the dining table, with the sea never too far away.
