Top 7 Street Food to be Explored in Varanasi

Varanasi also known as Banaras or Kashi. It is a holy city on the banks of river Ganges in Uttar Pradesh and considered as the spiritual capital of India. The holiest city with 2,000 temples. Varanasi is also heaven for street food lovers. Varanasi is a place where you can find Kachori Sabzi to Baati Chokha and from Paan to Lassi. Make sure you don’t miss the Street Food in Varanasi, almost all famous foods in Varanasi are unique and tasty as they different aromas in different street.

Kachori Sabzi

Varanasi Kachori Sabzi (Masala kachori and aloo sabzi)
Source Google

When you visit Varanasi, don’t miss out on the local breakfast: Banarasi kachori sabzi. The crispy kachoris are stuffed with a spicy Dal mix, and they’re served with a tasty potato curry made with black pepper, cloves, chilies, and other spices. This popular breakfast is loved by everyone, from locals to tourists. When you head to any street food spot early in the morning to see people enjoying this delicious meal. You haven’t truly experienced Banaras until you’ve tried this classic dish.

Timing – Kachori Sabzi usually available in the morning 9 AM.

Best Places to Try:

  • The Ram Bhandar, Thatheri Bazar
  • Deena Chaat Bhandar, Dashashwamedh Ghat
  • Madhur Milan, Sigra Chauraha Road
  • Neelu Kachori Bhandar, Kachaudi Gali

Tamatar Chaat

It is flavourful and spicy Tamatar chaat
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Tamatar Chaat is a popular snack in Varanasi, made with mashed potatoes and tomatoes, spiced with chillies, onions, coriander, red chilli powder, garam masala, and other spices, offering a perfect balance of taste. It’s served in eco-friendly leaf bowls for a traditional touch. Spicy and flavorful, it’s a must-try for anyone visiting the Holy city.

Timing – Tamatar Chaat usually available in the morning 9 AM.

Best Places to Try:

  • Kashi Chaat Bhandar, Godowlia Road
  • Babu Chaat Corner, 105, Chowk
  • Keshari Deenanath Chaat Bhandar, Godowlia Road
  • Ram Bhandar, 106, Chowk

Batti Chokha

Baati Chokha is the staple food. Its the staffed dough with mash vegies.
Source Google

Baati Chokha, also known as Litti Chokha, is a must-try street food in Varanasi. The baati or litti are round dough balls stuffed with spiced sattu (roasted gram flour) and cooked over charcoal or cow dung for a smoky flavor. Chokha is a mash of roasted eggplants, tomatoes, and potatoes. This delicious combo is a staple food you shouldn’t miss when visiting Banaras.

Timing – Batti Chokha usually available in the morning 10 AM.

Best Places to Try:

  • Polti Baati Chokha Restaurant, Assi Ghat
  • Makuni – Sattu Baati, Vijya Nagram Market
  • Vishwanath Bati Chokha, Vijya nagram Market
  • Bati Chokha, Girja Ghar Chauraha

Chenna Dahi Vada

Chenna dahi vada made up of Chenna (cottage cheese).
Source Google

When in Varanasi, try Chena Dahi Vada, a unique version of dahi vada. These vadas are made from potatoes, chena, and cornflour, then deep-fried and topped with sweet curd, tamarind, coriander chutney, and spices. It’s delicious you must-try at the Varanasi street.

Timing – Chenna Dahi Vada usually available in the morning 10 AM.

Best Places to Try:

  • Deena Chaat Bhandar, Dashashwamedh Ghat
  • Kashi Chaat Bhandar, Godowlia Road
  • Vishwanath Misthan Bhandar
  • Kashi Chaat Bhandar, Godowlia Road

Lassi

Lassi which are dessert like and are in different flavour.
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Banarasi Lassi is a special, dessert-like drink you should try in Varanasi. It’s made with fresh curd and sugar, then topped with rabri, saffron, and nuts. Some places also offer flavors like mango, rose, and butterscotch also offer’s a unique twist on the traditional drink. It’s a rich, delicious treat!

Timing – Lassi usually available in the morning 11 AM.

Best Places to Try:

  • Pehalwan Lassi, Pandit Madan Mohan Malviya Road
  • Shiv Prasad Lassi Bhandar, Ramnagar Fort
  • Baba Lassi, Munshi Ghat
  • Blue Lassi Shop, Govindpura

Malaiyyo

Malaiyyo is the foamed milk with garnished dry fruits.
Source Google

Malaiyyo is a winter sweet made from milk foam. The milk is boiled, cooled under the night sky, then churned or mixed with cardamom, saffron, and sugar to make a frothy treat. It’s topped with pistachios and almonds and served in small kulhads cups.

Timing – Malaiyyo is usually available in the morning 11 AM.

Best Places to Try:

  • Thatheri Bazar, Old Banaras
  • Pehalwan Lassi, Pandit Madan Mohan Malviya Road
  • Shree ji ka Malayyio, Garwasi Tola
  • Krishna Lassi Bahaar, Dashaswmedh Road

Banarasi Paan

Paan are the main dessert with mild flavour.

In Varanasi, paan is the perfect end to a meal. Banarasi paan is made by stuffing betel leaves with a mix of ingredients. The sweet paan, or meetha paan, is milder, flavored with gulkand, and doesn’t include tobacco or lime. It’s the conclusion (dessert) after the meal of every varanasi people.

Timing – Banarasi Paan usually available in the morning 10 AM.

Best Places to Try:

  • Keshav Paan Bhandaar, Ravidas Gate, Lanka Road
  • Baba ji Banarasi paan, Shivaji Nagar Colony, Mahmoorganj
  • Shree Raam Paan Bhandar, Kachahari Chauraha
  • Shir Madhur Jal Paan, Badadev Nagar

Varanasi is well known for its Historic form of Temple’s and aromatic foods as royal taste are available on the street as well as on wheels. Not just the restaurants, but also the streets are filled with multiple delicious food items. Moreover, you can plan your trip with family and friends to Varanasi.