Vadodara, the city of the Gujarati business moguls has ample temptations for a discerning shopper and lover of authentic cuisines. The night life is almost non-existent but few entertainment alternatives do exist in the city. The state wide prohibition on sale and consumption of alcohol just rules out the pub and bar culture. However the big hotels do have limited permission to serve the finest of beverages to their foreign guests.

Thrifty Shopping Experience. The city, true to the Gujarati and Marwari spirit, has thrifty shops in the city markets at Lehripura Mandir Bazzar and Raopura Market areas. The city has the reputation of being the cheapest shopping destination in Gujarat. The art of hard bargaining can get you hand-woven textiles, tastefully crafted furniture and the famous Gujarati handicrafts at throwaway prices. The modern air-conditioned shopping arcades and malls at National Plaza and Alkapuri Arcade offer international range of products and ethnic fashion wear. The typically crowded markets at Mandvi and Teen Darwaza may a surprise or two for those with an exploratory streak.

The Food Mood. The food fanatics can not resist the charm of authentic Gujarati flavors. The distinctive sweet and tangy fare is available in most of the hotels and restaurants. The Kansar Restaurant in Sayaji Ganj offers the Gujarati Thali in the traditional style. The lovers of Kathiawadi cuisine, a style of simmer cooking on low heat, must try the Maruti Restaurant. Undheu is famous for its exceptional food cooked in earthen ware over traditional coal fire. The typical Gujarati cuisine is all vegetarian. The Periyar Restaurant will satisfy your urge for the South Indian style meat curries and kebabs. Then you have Myra, Radhika, Ruchika and Woodlands serving the Gujarati fare.

The food saga does not end with Gujarati style of cooking. This city has its share of continental, Chinese, Punjabi and Mughlai eating joints too. A Punjabi ‘dhaba’ or motel on Race Course road with the name Mirch Masala will give you a sizzling experience. Biryani and Mughlai food is the hallmark of Lazeez. Chung Fa and Havmor, true to their names serve Chinese. And for a quick meal, just go over to the fast food joints Freiz Temp, Tipsy Topsy and Snappy.

The Continental Experience. Vadodara has a ritzy café Melange, in an up-market locality near the RC Dutt road. It offers an assortment of cuisines; Mexican, Thai and even Lebanese. You can go for Thai curries, Lebanese Falafel and Mexican Tortillas. The traditional Indian Hooka, the smoking pipe, will let you savor the taste of the raw Indian tobacco with aromatic herbs. The smooth smoke with the rhythmic gurgling sound of water filtering the tar was the favorite royal distraction. This experience of unadulterated luxury would cost you less than $50, not a bad deal at all.