As the saying goes, "Surat ka jamun (food) and Kashi ka marna," Surat is world-renowned not just for its textile and diamond industries, but also for its diverse cuisines. With the onset of monsoon, the demand for Surat's famed Sarasiya Khaja has soared both domestically and internationally.

Visitors from across Gujarat flock to Surat, willing to wait in line for hours to savor the delightful Surati Khaja. This popular sweet is made using fenugreek, black pepper, and turmeric, and enjoys a global fan base extending to Canada, the USA, Dubai, London, and Australia.

In Surat, the highest demand for Surati Khaja is seen at the start of the monsoon. Known as Gujarat's most delicious dish, Sarasiya Khaja is sold in areas like Gopipura Bhagal and Chota. Despite inflation affecting many sectors, the prices of this sweet treat have remained unchanged. The market offers various Khaja flavors, including lemon chilli, sweet, mango, and chocolate.

Surati Khaja holds cultural significance, being a favorite of Lord Jagannath of Puri, Odisha. Legend has it that Lord Jagannath revealed the recipe in a dream to a devotee, leading to its divine association.

Himanshu Sukhadia, a third-generation Khaja distributor, confirms no price hikes this year, with Surati Khaja priced at Rs 450 per kg and specialty flavors like mango and sweet Khaja at Rs 700 per kg. These sweets are exported to numerous countries in airtight containers, maintaining freshness for up to 30 days. Customers queue for 25 minutes to an hour to purchase their share.

Food enthusiast Jigar from Kosamba area of Surat district shared, "It's the first rain, so I came to Surat specifically to get Khaja. I’ve been waiting for about 25 minutes; our family loves it."

Surat’s Sarasiya Khaja continues to be a monsoon favorite, bringing joy to countless fans near and far.