Gota: Is this Ahmedabad’s hippest hangout hotspot?

Ever since the AMC stepped up its anti-encroachment drive to tackle traffic issues, the city hasn’t seen too many new food trucks or food courts. Foodies are badly missing the Law Garden Khau Galli, which was famous for delicious pav bhaji, pulav and many other cuisines. However, a food court has now come up in Gota, which is inspired by Law Garden and Manek Chowk.With the place also having a shopping area and vendors from Nehrunagar and Lal Darwaza, it is fast becoming a hot favourite with Amdavadis living nearby, who like the fact that they have to commute less in the evening after a hectic day. Ahmedabad Times finds out what this new destination has to offer.
Amdavadis yet to realize its full potential?
The food courts at Gota are inspired by the concept of Khau Galli and Manek Chowk. Situated along the highway, the area, till recently, had nothing much to offer, except for a few dhabas. But now, around 19 stalls here offer mouth-watering food, with taste similar to what one experiences at the Law Garden Khau Galli and Manek Chowk.
Ajay Chauhan, owner of a stall, shares, “It has been a year since this place was established and more people have been coming to this food court ever since Law Garden’s Khau Galli was demolished. But till now, mostly the locals come here.”
He adds, “From pav bhaji, vada pav, pulav and sandwiches to Chinese and South Indian cuisine, everything is available at a cheaper price here. We have celebrated two food festivals too, which were received well. The food fests were organised to let people know about this new food court. Since it is located along the highway, a lot of people who travel from one city to another get to savour the city’s famous street food here.”
Talking about the food court, Divyang Solanki, president of the New Law Garden Vyapari Association, shares, “We observed that areas like SG highway and Thaltej are quite developed and attract a lot of people. But nightlife was almost non-existent for people in the stretch from the High Court to Vaishno Devi. They had no option but to travel to the old city to eat at Manek Chowk, or till SG Highway to eat at the food truck parks. The land owner is a good friend and looking at the way people are showing a keen interest in the residential schemes coming up in this area, we felt coming up with a food court will be a good idea. So, we got it done with the
necessary permission from the corporation.”
Asked about naming the food court after the Law Garden one, he shares, “We thought of naming the food court after the oldest food courts, so that people here don’t feel left out. They should feel connected with the rest of the city.”
Pallav Aameria, a college student, shares, “I came here with a friend to taste the food, and found it really delicious and at par with the Law Garden Khau Galli and Manek Chowk. This place hasn’t been explored by too many Amdavadis yet, but it has good food and it’s hygienic too.”
Shopping options galore
It’s not just about food courts though, as there are options to buy clothes, jewellery, accessories and play area for kids. From fun rides to a small gaming zone, everything is available here, making it the perfect one-stop family destination for some fun.
The shopping area is called Fashion Street, and involves vendors from the Nehrunagar and Lal Darwaza fashion street. The clothes and accessories, reflecting latest trends, are available at affordable prices.
Divyang shares, “We wanted to expand the food court and come up with something else too. So, we approached the vendors who were not allowed to sit at Nehrunagar and Lal Darwaza. We asked their association and after a while, the vendors agreed to start their business here. We started with Nehrunagar Fashion Street and after its success, we started the Lal Darwaza cloth market too.”
Naomi Thomas, a college student, says, “It feels good to be here, and the jewellery and accessories are affordable. Also, the place is quite spacious and while shopping, there is enough space to walk easily.” Thomas adds, “This is a better organised market as compared to the old city or at Law Garden.”
No parking hassles
The entire area will be developed further, and there is a huge parking space for two-wheelers and cars.
The revamp plans also include the heritage theme, which will give Amdavadis the old city feel. Solanki elaborates, “As Lal Darwaza Fashion Street was quite famous in the old city, we plan to have the heritage theme to give visitors the feel of being at Lal Darwaza. The look will be based on the heritage theme, while the stalls will give the feel of Ahmedabad’s flea
markets.” He adds, “We feel such a set-up will attract people from different parts of the city, making it the next big hub. The huge parking area has the AMC’s permission too. We took all the necessary permission from the authorities to avoid chances of controversy and conflicts later. ”
So, are you game for a foodies’ night out at Gota this week?