Abstract Hydrodynamic cavitation (HC) shows promise for surface modification and strengthening. While previous research has explored its potential for surface hardening and polishing, the application of cavitation for surface texturing remains relatively unexplored. This paper aims to investigate the feasibility of using hydrodynamic cavitation for surface texturing and hardening, as well as identify the key process parameters that influence the outcomes. Computational fluid dynamics (CFD) simulations are utilized to analyze the behavior of cavitation under various conditions, and experimental validation is conducted. The study examines the influence of different chamber insert geometries on cavitation intensity and energy release. It also investigates the effect of process parameters on surface morphology and hardness. The results demonstrate that hydrodynamic cavitation can effectively strengthen specific regions of interest when the cavitation intensity is controlled. However, the formation of surface texture through plastic deformation may be limited to ductile materials or those with low yield strength. The study highlights the significance of utilizing suitable cavitation generators capable of continuously generating cavitation for consistent and controlled intensity. Preliminary results suggest that innovative vortex-based devices have the potential to deliver controlled cavitation intensity to desired areas.