Surat is known for its sumptuous and experimental, quirky and delicious farsans. What is Surat’s favorite farsan is a tough question to answer. But Surtis definitely go gaga over the famous Surti LOCHO.

A fun snack made with gram flour, locho derives the name because of its loose consistency and is probably a controversy-child (khaman gone wrong – at least that’s what we think). There’s always a debate on what is the best place to have the famous Surti locho? Now you may have your own choices but we can’t think of anything but Shreeji Locho situated in City light.

Shreeji Locho was started by Mr. Prashant Jani and began its humble operations in 26 January 2004. Completely bootstrapped, Prashant started with less capital and a little raw material. He believes that all the growth they have seen has been due to superior quality and extremely delicious flavors and a whole lot of heart. The joint has become famous, purely from word of mouth publicity.

Mr. Jani recalls that he started with the business, with his wife and just one helper. At that time locho was not sold by anyone and the quality offered by Mr. Jani was supreme. Customers came from faraway places in search of his joint. Originally it was known only to old and local Surtis, that comprised majorly of Gujarati crowd. Now, Shreeji Locho is a go-to place for practically all class and culture of people. You can judge its popularity by the long queues and traffic blocks on weekend mornings at their shop.

Just like every Surti true to his DNA, Shreeji offers wide variations in this indigenous dish – cheese, cheese-butter, oil, mayonnaise, schezwan, garlic – you name it, they have it. The less popular cousins at Shreeji are khaman, khamni and idada – but that wouldn’t matter as much given the popularity the LOCHO enjoys (talk about being the BIG B of the Bachchan family). What sets their locho apart is the masala that they use. The masala was prepared and made by Mr. Jani himself after a lot of experimentation and needless to mention is a closely guarded secret. Every plate is measured in terms of the weight of product and then served. The consistent quality, taste and balance of flavors is their USP. Mr. Jani is a keen PR person and the business is surely cashing on that.

They also have a branch in Aagam Arcade, Vesu and is open from morning till afternoon to serve you. Sunday is the busiest day for them and the customers increase to three-fold every Sunday. If you are a Surti and you haven’t had the Shreeji Locho yet, there is a chance to redeem yourself. Head there when you are low on cash, but high on spirits.