Every cuisine in the world has a fruit that's cooked like a vegetable and served with a flourish. The South Indians have their raw banana. Guess what the Gujaratis have?
Every cuisine in the world has a fruit that's cooked like a vegetable and served with a flourish. The South Indians have their raw banana. Guess what the Gujaratis have?
Swati Snacks, the 43 year-old vegetarian establishment in Tardeo run by Asha Javeri, prides itself on its authentic Gujarati menu, with faithfuls queuing up every afternoon and evening to peel the wafer-thin Panki off banana leaves, or slurp up Fada ni Khichdi. But here's a gem on the menu that you simply have to sample the next time you head here. It's called Peru na Shaak, and you don't have to speak Gujarati to guess what that means. 
The Peru na Shaak (in bowl on left) is served with Methi Baajra Roti,
chutney and pickle. Pic/Shadab Khan
Like South Indians cook their raw banana to make a delectable Vazhakai Porial, the Gujaratis cook their guava to make the tangy and tasty Peru na Shaak. Made with cut and cooked pieces of guava stewed in guava juice, the dish is served with Methi Baajra roti and pickled chillies. The thick dry roti and pungent pickle goes well with the sweet tangy taste of the slightly taridaar fruit (or should we call it vegetable?) dish.
"This dish isn't made in every Gujarati household," says 65 year-old Javeri, who took over Swati's management from her mother 35 years ago. "But we used to make it at my mother's home," she says, explaining the origin of the recipe. While she remains tight-lipped about the rest of the ingredients that go into it, you really shouldn't have to worry about it. Go there often enough and order it, and you'll probably figure it out. For now, we can share two: guavas and guava juice.
Where: Swati Snacks, Tardeo (opposite Bhatia Hospital)
How much: Rs 150
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