Gujarati Street in Kozhikode is a unique cultural and culinary hotspot where history, community, and food come together to create one of the city’s most rewarding experiences for locals and travelers alike.
The story of Gujarati Street is a tale of trade and cultural fusion. Centuries ago, Gujarati-Jain merchants, drawn by the lucrative spice trade of the Malabar Coast, made Kozhikode their home. They established their businesses and homes in this area, creating a self-contained community. It is said that even when Vasco da Gama first arrived in 1498, one of his first encounters was with a Gujarati merchant. This community, known for their business acumen, played a significant role in the city’s growth, teaching local traders new ways of commerce and enriching the port’s global connections. The architecture of the street itself tells this story. Many of the old buildings were designed as “Pandikasalas” or warehouses, with the ground floor serving as a shop and the upper floor as a residence for the merchant and their family. While many original families have since moved away, the unique character of these buildings remains, preserving the street’s historical charm.
More Than Just a Street: A Creative Hub
In recent years, Gujarati Street has experienced a quiet but powerful revival. Young entrepreneurs and artists have breathed new life into the old warehouses, transforming them into creative spaces that blend heritage with modern sensibilities.
Gudhaam Art Café: Housed in a 160-year-old rice warehouse, this space is more than just a café. It’s a cultural incubator with vintage furniture, old radios, and sepia-toned portraits, radiating an old-world charm. Gudhaam regularly hosts art shows, performances, and workshops, making it a hub for local and global creatives.
Design Ashram: Located in a historic Gujarati home, this co-living hostel and design lab attracts travelers, students, and artists from all over the world. It’s a testament to how creative interventions can reawaken a heritage space, fostering conversations and collaboration.
A Paradise for Food Lovers
For many, the biggest draw of Gujarati Street is the food. While the Gujarati community’s influence has blended with the local culture over the centuries, the street remains a paradise for lovers of North Indian cuisine.
Chaat Delights: The street is famous for its delicious and tangy chaat. Shops like Dilbar Restaurant are a must-visit, offering a wide array of options like pani puri, aloo chole, and the ever-popular raj kachori, a delightful mix of crispy dough, spicy potatoes, creamy yogurt, and tangy chutneys.
Vegetarian Eateries: The street is a great place to find authentic vegetarian and Jain food, a nod to the street’s Gujarati-Jain roots. You can find eateries serving up flavorful dishes and thalis that are a treat for the taste buds.
Local Flavors: While the street has a distinct Gujarati character, it’s also a great place to experience the city’s famous local cuisine. Don’t miss the legendary Kuttichira Biryani Centre for a plate of aromatic Kozhikode biryani.
A visit to Kozhikode’s Gujarati Street is a journey through time and culture. It’s a place where the echoes of a rich trading past harmonize with the vibrant energy of a new generation. So, the next time you’re in Kozhikode, take a stroll down this historic lane. You’ll find not just a street, but a whole world of stories, flavors, and art waiting to be discovered.
