Varanasi, formerly known as Banaras, is a famous tourist destination that attracts visitors from all over the world. The city is filled with a vibrant culture, beautiful ghats of the Ganga river, a unique way of life, historical temples, yogi babas, and monuments that guarantee a spiritual experience. Varanasi is like a canvas with many bright colors that mix together to create a beautiful picture.
While Varanasi is well-known for its classical music scene, monuments, beautiful sarees, and Naga sadhus, the city's narrow streets offer much more to explore. In addition to taking in the sights and smells of Varanasi, visitors can also involved in the famous street food available here. Start your day with creamy butter toast served with chai and Kachori for breakfast, and end it with tasty Banarasi chaats and jalebis. It would be a shame to miss out on the street food scene in this city.
Kachori Sabzi
Kachori Sabzi is a highly loved breakfast dish in the city of Varanasi. If you're looking to switch up your breakfast routine, why not skip the traditional bread and omelette and indulge in the delicious experience of fluffy, rounded kachoris paired with piping hot sabzi? Kachoris are essentially lentil-stuffed puris that are served alongside a flavourful potato-based gravy. You can watch the kachoris being fried right in front of you, and they're always served fresh and steaming hot.
Our personal favourite spot of Kachori Sabzi in Varanasi is crowded Kachori Gali, where you'll find many street-side vendors selling this crispy and delicious treat.
Price Range: Very Affordable
Best Enjoyed as: A Snack / For Dinner
Best Place to eat in Varanasi: Ram Bhandar in Chowk and Madhur Milan near Dashaswamedh Ghat (6.30 am to 11.00 am) are the best places.
Golgappe
Golgappe is a famous street food in Varanasi that few can ignore. Its tangy flavor sets it different and makes it a favorite among locals. Traditionally served with tamarind water, golgappe can also be enjoyed in the form of Dahi Chutney Golgappe, which combines both sweet and spicy flavors. This popular Banarasi dish can be found at all of Varanasi's chat shops.
Price Range: Very Affordable
Best Enjoyed as: A Snack / For Dinner
Best Places to eat in Varanasi: Kashi Chat Bhandar, Deena Chat Bhandar and the street-side stalls
Tamatar Chat
Tamatar Chat delicious dish is made by mixing tomatoes and potatoes with the perfect blend of spices, hing (asafetida), and garnishing it with sweet chutney, dhaniya leaves, and desi ghee. The Tamatar Chat from Kashi Chat Bhandar is famous as the best in town. We've tried it from various places, but we can confirm that the Tamatar Chat from Kashi Chat Bhandar is unbeatable in terms of taste. You can also find this delightful snack at other street-side stalls located on Lahurabir Road.
Price Range: Very Affordable
Best Enjoyed as: A Snack / For Dinner
Best Place to Eat in Varanasi: Kashi Chat Bhandar is definitely the best place to have Tamatar Chat. There are other roadside vendors as well.
Baati Chokha
Baati Choka is a popular street food in Varanasi that many people enjoy. You can find numerous stalls selling this dish throughout the city. Baati is a type of bread from India, while choka is a blend of mashed potatoes, tomatoes, and baked brinjals seasoned with different spices. Whether you prefer to dine at fancy restaurants or eat at street-side vendors, you can easily find Baati Choka in Varanasi.- Price Range: Moderately price/ Expensive ( Depends on Where you are having it)
Best Enjoyed as: Lunch / Dinner
Best Places to eat in Varanasi: Baati Chokha Restaurant at Teliyabagh
Chooda Matar
One of the preferred street foods in Varanasi is Chooda Matar, a unique twist on Poha. The dish involves soaking flattened rice in Desi Ghee before stir-frying it with fresh green peas and a blend of spices. It makes for a satisfying and filling evening snack option.
Price Range: Very Affordable
Best Enjoyed as: A Snack / For Dinner
Best Places to eat in Varanasi: Kashi Chat Bhandar, Deena Chat Bhandar, Gopal Mandir Gali and the street-side stalls
Dahi Vada
Chena Dahi Vada is one of the famous delicious dishes in Varanasi. It looks like Rasmalai, and it is typically including by sweetened yogurt sprinkled with a blend of jeera and black salt masala. A common breakfast item in Varanasi, these dahi vadas pair wonderfully with a hot cup of tea and offer a delicious combination of sweet and tangy flavors.
Price Range: Very Affordable
Best Enjoyed as : A Snack / For Dinner
Best Places to eat in Varanasi: Deena Chat Bhandar, Dashashwamedha Ghat
Malaiyyo - Famous Sweet of Banaras
Makhan Malaiyyo or Nimish, is a popular street dessert, especially during the winter season in Varanasi. Its origins can be traced back to Persian cuisine, and the creamy texture of Malaiyyo is achieved by the slow churning of milk. The addition of saffron and cardamom mix a delicious aroma and flavor, while pistachios and almonds serve as the perfect garnish. Malaiyyo is an incredibly light and well-balanced dessert, traditionally served in Purva or kulhads. This delicacy is a hidden gem of Varanasi, and its unique taste can only be savored by visiting this ancient city.
Price Range: Very Affordable
Best Enjoyed as: A Snack / For Dinner
Best Places to eat in Varanasi: Neelkanth and Kachori Gali
