Varanasi, the spiritual heart of India, is as famous for its delicious street food as it is for its ghats and temples. As you stroll through its bustling lanes, you'll encounter an array of flavors that are as diverse and vibrant as the city itself. From aromatic kachoris to sweet malaiyo, Varanasi’s street food scene is a feast for the senses. If you're planning a trip to this ancient city, our travel agency in Varanasi offers exclusive Varanasi tour packages that include visits to popular street food spots. Let’s dive into this ultimate street food guide to ensure you experience the true taste of Varanasi.
This blog post is written by See City Destination Pvt Ltd, the best travel agency in Varanasi, to help you get to know Varanasi better. We are the top-notch travel agency in Varanasi offering best and custom Varanasi Tour Packages, best Buddhist Pilgrimage Tour Packages and car rentals, etc., ensuring comfort and affordability
When in Varanasi, starting your day with a plate of kachori sabzi is a must. Kachori, a deep-fried, stuffed bread filled with a spicy mixture of lentils, is served with a spicy, tangy potato gravy. Locals line up for this breakfast delicacy early in the morning, and many street stalls have been serving it for generations. Pair it with a side of jalebi for a traditional breakfast experience.
Popular Spots: Ram Bhandar, Thatheri Bazaar, Vishwanath Gali
Unlike the chaat you find elsewhere in India, Tamatar chaat in Varanasi has its unique spin. Made with tomatoes, mashed potatoes, and a host of spices, this chaat is cooked in a large wok, creating a hot, spicy, and tangy treat that’s full of flavor. It’s garnished with coriander, ginger, and a sprinkle of sev for added texture.
Popular Spots: Kashi Chaat Bhandar, Deena Chaat Bhandar, Katchehari, Godowlia Chowk
No food tour in Varanasi is complete without trying the famous Banarasi paan. Paan is made by wrapping betel leaves around a filling of areca nut, slaked lime, and other ingredients like rose petals and cardamom. Known for its cultural significance, Banarasi paan is often savored after meals as a mouth freshener.
Popular Spots: Keshav Paan Bhandar, Chowk Area
If you’re visiting Varanasi during winter, don’t miss Chooda Matar, a seasonal favorite. Made with flattened rice (chooda), fresh green peas, and spices, this dish is lightly fried with ghee, creating a warm, flavorful snack. It’s especially popular during the cooler months, and locals enjoy it with a hot cup of tea.
Popular Spots: Street vendors around Assi Ghat, Kachori Gali
Malaiyo is a unique, frothy dessert that’s exclusive to Varanasi, available only during winter. Made from milk and flavored with cardamom and saffron, it’s whipped into a light, creamy foam that melts in your mouth. It’s delicate, lightly sweetened, and garnished with pistachios, making it a must-try for sweet lovers.
Popular Spots: Neelkant, Vishwanath Gali
This blog post is written by See City Destination Pvt Ltd, the best travel agency in Varanasi, to help you get to know Varanasi better. We are the top-notch travel agency in Varanasi offering best and custom Varanasi Tour Packages, best Buddhist Pilgrimage Tour Packages and car rentals, etc., ensuring comfort and affordability
Baati chokha, a traditional dish from the nearby state of Bihar, has become a popular street food in Varanasi. The dish consists of baked wheat balls (baati) served with mashed, spiced vegetables (chokha). It’s hearty, healthy, and packed with earthy flavors, typically enjoyed with ghee and chutney.
Popular Spots: Baati Chokha Restaurant, Lanka
The dahi chutney golgappe in Varanasi add a unique twist to the classic pani puri. Instead of spicy water, these golgappas are filled with yogurt, sweet tamarind chutney, and topped with sev and coriander. The result is a cool, tangy snack that’s a refreshing change from the traditional spicy version.
Popular Spots: Deena Chaat Bhandar, Dashashwamedh Ghat
Lassi, a yogurt-based drink, is incredibly popular in Varanasi. Served in large earthen pots, topped with a thick layer of malai (cream), and sometimes garnished with rose petals or cardamom, it’s a refreshing drink to have any time of the day. Don’t miss trying it after a spicy meal or as a quick refresher.
Popular Spots: Blue Lassi Shop, near Vishwanath Temple, Pahalwan Lassi
Another iconic drink in Varanasi is thandai, a blend of milk, nuts, and spices. Often enjoyed chilled, it’s traditionally prepared with ingredients like almonds, rose petals, and cardamom. For a unique experience, try the bhang thandai, which includes a mild, legal amount of cannabis (available at specific government-approved shops).
Popular Spots: Godowlia Market, near Dashashwamedh Ghat, Chowk
To conclude your street food journey, indulge in a plate of rabri-jalebi. Crispy, hot jalebis are topped with creamy, sweet rabri, making it a rich and satisfying dessert to end your day in Varanasi. It’s the perfect combination of crispy and creamy textures with just the right amount of sweetness.
Popular Spots: Kachori Gali, Vishwanath Gali
With so many street food options to try, navigating Varanasi’s food scene can be overwhelming, especially for first-time visitors. Booking a Varanasi tour package with a travel agency in Varanasi allows you to explore the city’s food hotspots with ease. Our guides offer insights into each dish’s history, ingredients, and cultural significance, making your experience even richer.
This blog post is written by See City Destination Pvt Ltd, the best travel agency in Varanasi, to help you get to know Varanasi better. We are the top-notch travel agency in Varanasi offering best and custom Varanasi Tour Packages, best Buddhist Pilgrimage Tour Packages and car rentals, etc., ensuring comfort and affordability
Q.1 What is the best time to visit Varanasi for a food tour?
Ans. The best time to visit Varanasi for a food tour is between October and March, when the weather is pleasant, and you can enjoy seasonal treats like malaiyo and chooda matar.
Q.2 Is street food in Varanasi safe to eat?
Ans. Yes, street food in Varanasi is generally safe, especially when chosen from well-known vendors. We recommend opting for a Varanasi tour package with a local guide who can take you to trusted spots.
Q.3 What should I not miss trying in Varanasi?
Ans. Must-try dishes include kachori sabzi, tamatar chaat, Banarasi paan, malaiyo, and lassi. These dishes offer an authentic taste of Varanasi’s culinary heritage.
Q.4 How can I book a food tour with a travel agency in Varanasi?
Ans. You can easily book a food tour through our travel agency in Varanasi, with packages that include visits to popular food spots, cultural sites, and a guided experience for a memorable culinary journey.
Whether you’re a food enthusiast or a curious traveler, Varanasi’s street food scene is an unmissable experience. From the spicy tamatar chaat to the cool and creamy lassi, every dish tells a story of Varanasi’s rich culture and vibrant spirit. Book with our best travel agency in Varanasi to savor every bite of this city’s unique culinary offerings!
This blog post is written by See City Destination Pvt Ltd, the best travel agency in Varanasi, to help you get to know Varanasi better. We are the top-notch travel agency in Varanasi offering best and custom Varanasi Tour Packages, best Buddhist Pilgrimage Tour Packages and car rentals, etc., ensuring comfort and affordability
