This study documented the physicochemical, pasting, thermal and morphological properties of water chestnut starch as affected by modification with ionic gums and dry heating. In general, the solubility, swelling power and paste clarity decreased with modification. Dry heating of native starch increased peak viscosity, however, with addition of CMC, there was a decrease in peak viscosity. Starch sample modified with CMC and 4 h heating exhibited lowest gelatinization temperature.