Varanasi, the holy city of India, boasts a rich tapestry of history and culture. But beyond the spiritual significance, Varanasi offers a delectable street food scene that's sure to tantalize your taste buds. From savory snacks to melt-in-your-mouth sweets, here's a guide to some of the must-try street foods in Varanasi:
1. Kachori Sabzi: A Hearty Breakfast Delight
Start your day off right with Kachori Sabzi, a classic Varanasi breakfast. Crispy kachoris, stuffed with either lentils (dal ki pithi) or a spicy potato mix (choti kachori), are served with a flavorful and aromatic aloo curry. Be warned, the generous use of cloves and black pepper adds a kick! Head to Ram Bhandar, Thatheri Bazaar, or Kachori Gali for an authentic experience.
Image courtesy: Pinterest
Price: 40rs
2. Choora Matar: A Twist on Poha
Are you craving a comforting snack? Look no further than Choora Matar. This Varanasi twist on Poha features flattened rice soaked in desi ghee, cooked with spices, green peas, raisins, and saffron. Unlike its Maharashtrian or Bihari counterparts, it skips the onions and adds milk or cream for a richer texture. Sample this delight at Gopal Mandir Gali.
Image courtesy: Vanita's corner
Price: 30rs
3. Dahi Chutney Gol Gappe: A Sweet & Spicy Surprise
Dahi Chutney Gol Gappe, also known as Meethe Gol Gappe, is a sweet and spicy explosion for your taste buds. These wafer-thin, crispy Gol Gappas are filled with a potato mixture and then drizzled with tangy chutneys, curd flavored with Imli (tamarind) and pudina (mint), and topped with sev (fried chickpea noodles) and pomegranate seeds. Deena Chaat Bhandar in Gol Ganj is a popular spot for this treat.
Image courtesy: India.com
Price: 50rs
4. Baati Chokha: A Hearty Litti Chokha Experience
Baati Chokha, a favorite in Bihar, finds its way onto the streets of Varanasi. Littis, whole wheat dough balls stuffed with roasted chana dal and spices, are roasted over charcoal and generously dipped in desi ghee. They're served with Chokha, a spicy mix of boiled potatoes, tomatoes, and eggplant. Puran Das Road is the place to go for this flavorful and filling snack.
Image courtesy: Youtube
Price: 325rs (thali)
5. Tamatar Chaat: Fiery Yet Delicious
For the adventurous eaters, Tamatar Chaat offers a fiery challenge. This local version of aloo chaat is made with mashed boiled potatoes, tomatoes, onions, green chilies, and fresh coriander leaves. Packed with a punch from red chili powder and garam masala, it's best enjoyed by those who can handle the heat. Deena Chaat Bhandar on Dashaswamedh Road serves this fiery treat in a traditional dona (bowl made with palash leaves).
Image courtesy: Varansi guru
Price: 40rs
6. Chena Dahi Vada: A Sweet & Savory Fusion
Chena Dahi Vada offers a unique take on the regular dahi vada. These vadas, made with a mix of mashed potatoes, fresh cottage cheese (chena), and spices, are deep-fried and then bathed in sweet yogurt. A drizzle of tamarind and coriander chutneys with a sprinkle of masala adds a delightful sweet and savory contrast. Deena Chat Bhandar on Dashashwamedh ghat is a popular spot for this breakfast item.
Image courtesy: X
Price: 60rs
7. Malaiyyo: A Winter Treat
If you visit Varanasi in winter, try Malaiyyo, a melt-in-your-mouth sweet dish. Influenced by Persian cuisine, Malaiyyo is prepared by slowly churning milk to create a creamy texture. The milk foam is then flavored with saffron and cardamoms and garnished with pistachios and almonds. Served in earthen cups called Purva or Kulhads, this light and perfectly sweet dessert is a well-kept secret of Varanasi. Find it at Neelkanth and Kachori Gali.
Image courtesy: Varanasi guru
Price: 80rs
8. Thandai: A Refreshing Escape
Varanasi's scorching summers call for a refreshing drink, and Thandai fits the bill perfectly. Made from seasonal fruit puree, this cold beverage is a blend of milk, saffron, cardamom, fennel seeds, and sugar. Served in a kulhad, it's often topped with rabri, chopped nuts, and dry fruits for an extra layer of indulgence. Baba Thandai and Thandai Ghar in Godowlia Chowk are popular spots for this cooling drink.
Image courtesy: Varanasi mirror
Price: 50rs
9. Banarasi Paan: A Betel Leaf Delight
No trip to Varanasi is complete without trying a Banarasi Paan. Betel leaves are traditionally stuffed with a combination of betel nuts, fennel seeds, clove powder, cardamom, cinnamon,lime, and a touch of slaked lime (chuna). This offering is a complex dance of sweet, savory, spicy, and cooling flavors, enjoyed for its stimulating and digestive properties.
Image courtesy: Swiggy
Price: 30rs
10. Rabri Jalebi: A Match Made in Sweet Heaven
Varanasi elevates the classic Jalebi experience with Rabri Jalebi. Crispy, deep-fried Jalebis, drenched in sugar syrup, are paired with creamy and decadent Rabri, a sweet dish made with condensed milk and flavored with saffron, rosewater, and nuts. This indulgent combination is a must-try for those with a sweet tooth. Om Shree Ram Bhandar in Nadesar and sweet shops in Chowk and Godowlia are popular spots for this drool-worthy treat.
Image courtesy: Halwai sweets
Price: 60rs
11. Launglata: A Crispy & Sweet Celebration
Launglata, a sweet delicacy enjoyed during Holi but available year-round, offers a delightful textural contrast. A crispy shell made from all-purpose flour encases a rich filling of crumbled mawa (khoya), saffron strands, chopped nuts, sugar, and cardamom powder. Deep-fried in ghee and soaked in sugar syrup, Launglata is a decadent indulgence. Sample this sweet treat at Shri Madhur Jalpan near Spice KCM or Kachori Wali Gali in Chowk.
Image courtesy: Varanasi mirror
Price: 50rs
12. Kulhad Chai: A Simple Yet Enticing Ritual
A seemingly ordinary beverage, Kulhad Chai in Varanasi is an experience in itself. Prepared with buffalo milk, this tea boasts a richer and creamier texture compared to regular tea. Local tea vendors use a special chai masala for a distinctive aroma and flavor. Served piping hot in kulhads (earthen cups), this beverage adds a touch of tradition to your chai break. Head to Kashi Café near Assi Ghat or Nandey Tea and Coffee Shop near Pandey Ghat for an authentic cuppa.
Image courtesy: Tripadvisor
Price: 20rs
13. Lassi: A Creamy & Flavorful Delight
Lassi in Varanasi is a far cry from its watery cousin in other parts of India. Here, Lassi is a thick and creamy drink, more akin to a dessert. Fresh curd and sugar are whisked together to create a base, which is then topped with rabri, saffron strands, and chopped pistachios and almonds. Some shops offer exciting variations like mango lassi, rose dry fruit lassi, butterscotch lassi, and gulkand lassi, catering to diverse palates. Blue Lassi Shop in Govindpura and Kachori Wali Gali in Chowk are popular spots for this delightful beverage.
Image courtesy: Varanasi mirror
Price: 30rs
FAQs Related To Streetfood in Banaras
Q1.What is the most famous street food in Varanasi?
Ans: There isn't a single most famous dish, but Kachori Sabzi is a popular breakfast option. It features crispy fried pastries filled with lentils or potatoes, served with a flavorful curry.
Q2. What are some vegetarian street food options in Varanasi?
Ans: Varanasi offers a wide variety of vegetarian street food:
Choora Matar: A twist on Poha, featuring flattened rice cooked with spices, green peas, raisins, and saffron.
Dahi Chutney Gol Gappe: Sweet and spicy pani puris filled with potatoes and drizzled with chutneys and curd.
Baati Chokha: Litti (wheat dough balls) stuffed with dal and spices, served with a spicy mashed vegetable mix.
Veg Seekh Kebabs: Marinated and grilled vegetable skewers for a protein punch.
Mushroom Pakoras: Deep-fried, crispy fritters stuffed with flavorful mushrooms.
Q3. What are some must-try drinks on the streets of Varanasi?
Thandai: A refreshing cold beverage made with milk, seasonal fruit puree, nuts, and spices.
Lassi: A thick and creamy yogurt drink, sometimes flavored with mango, rose, or other ingredients.
Kulhad Chai: Tea prepared with buffalo milk for a richer texture, served piping hot in earthen cups.
Flavored Shikanjavi: A traditional lemonade infused with seasonal fruits like watermelon or mint for a refreshing twist.
Q4. What is Banarasi Paan famous for?
Ans: Banarasi Paan is a betel leaf preparation known for its complex mix of flavors and textures – sweet, savory, spicy, and cooling. It traditionally includes betel nut, which can be addictive and have health risks.
Q5. Are there healthier alternatives to Banarasi Paan?
Ans: Yes! Opt for "Meetha Paan" - a sweet version without tobacco or lime. Some vendors offer paan with healthier fillings like nuts, seeds, and dried fruits.