Best Places to Eat in Varanasi

Street Food Delights in the Holy City: A Foodie’s Guide to Varanasi

Varanasi, a city steeped in history and spirituality, also offers a tantalizing array of street food options for the adventurous foodie. From savory snacks to sweet treats, the ghats and bustling alleys are a feast for all the senses! Here’s a rundown of some of the most popular spots:

Near the Ganges:

  • Kashi Chaat Bhandar (Godowlia): A legendary spot for street food lovers. This place serves up classic Varanasi street food with a focus on chaat, the beloved Indian snack. Expect long queues for their delicious variations of chaat, from the sweet and tangy kachauri-sabzi to the spicy and flavorful pani puri.

  • Blue Lassi Shop (Dashashwamedh Ghat): This small but iconic shop is famous for its sweet lassi with a variety of toppings. A must-try is the “Banarasi Lassi”, a creamy yogurt drink with a unique blend of fruits, nuts, and spices.

  • Ram Bhandar (Godowlia): Another popular spot for delicious sweet and savory snacks. This shop offers a wide range of traditional treats, such as lassi, chaat, and kachori, all at very affordable prices.

Beyond the Ghats:

  • Street food is not just limited to the ghats! Explore the streets and markets for hidden gems offering local delicacies.

  • “Banarasi Thandai” stalls are scattered throughout the city, especially near temples and religious sites. This traditional milk-based drink with nuts, spices, and rose petals is a perfect way to cool down from the heat and enjoy a refreshing beverage.

  • For authentic “Banarasi” flavors, try the famous street food:

    • Kachori: A deep-fried pastry filled with savory ingredients like lentil paste or spiced potatoes.
    • Lassi: A creamy yogurt drink that’s perfect for a hot day in Varanasi.

Tips for enjoying Varanasi’s street food:

  • Embrace the spice: Varanasi is known for its rich, flavorful flavors, and many locals believe that the sweetness of the lassi helps balance the heat from the spicy street food.**

  • Go local: Ask your hotel or guesthouse staff for recommendations on nearby “Banarasi” food stalls. They’ll know the best ones!

  • Try something new: Step out of your comfort zone and sample some of the local favorites** like the sweet and spiced lassi variations, which are unique to the region.**

  • Be mindful of hygiene: While Varanasi has a lot of delicious street food, it’s important to be aware of hygiene standards. Look for stalls that are clean and tidy and that use fresh ingredients.

Popular “Banarasi” delicacies:

  • Malaiyo: A delicate, melt-in-your-mouth dessert made from fried dough dipped in a sweet syrup.
  • Kathi Roll: A street food classic, the kathi roll originated in Kolkata but is now a staple of many cities across India, including Varanasi.**

Remember:

  • “Kachayo” (literally “sweet lentil”) is a popular street food option in Varanasi, enjoyed for its unique blend of flavors and textures.
  • Start with small portions to see how you handle the spice level.

Enjoy the culinary adventure!