“A Culinary Journey Through Varanasi: Street Food You Absolutely Must Try”
Varanasi, the spiritual heart of India, isn’t just about ghats, temples, and mystic vibes. It’s also a foodie’s paradise, brimming with aromas that lure you into its bustling lanes. The city’s street food is as soulful as its heritage, with flavors that will make your taste buds chant “Har Har Mahadev!” Here’s your guide to the must-try street food in Varanasi, complete with iconic spots you shouldn’t miss.
Let’s kick off with the legendary Blue Lassi Shop. Nestled in the winding alleys near Kashi Vishwanath Temple, this tiny shop is a treasure trove of thick, creamy lassis. Served in a traditional kulhad (earthen pot) and topped with fresh fruits, nuts, and saffron, every sip feels like a sweet hug to your soul.
Pro Tip: Go for the mango or pomegranate lassi—they’re heavenly! And don’t forget to snap a pic of the colorful kulhad for Instagram.
Banaras and paan go hand in hand, like chai and biscuits. Whether you’re a beginner or a paan connoisseur, a visit to Varanasi is incomplete without trying the famous Banarasi paan. Its sweet, aromatic flavor, wrapped in a betel leaf with a concoction of supari, gulkand, and secret ingredients, will leave you speechless (and possibly chewing for hours).
Where to Try: Head to Keshav Paan Bhandar or ask a local for the best paanwala nearby—they know the real gems.
Varanasi takes its chaat game seriously, and you’ll know why when you dig into a plate of tamatar chaat or dahi puri. The tangy, spicy, and sweet flavors explode in your mouth, leaving you craving more.
Where to Go: The iconic Deena Chaat Bhandar in Chowk is your go-to spot. Their tamatar chaat is a masterpiece of mashed potatoes, tangy chutneys, and spices cooked on a hot tawa. Pair it with their crispy golgappas for the ultimate street food experience.
Mornings in Varanasi are incomplete without a piping hot plate of kachori-sabzi. This deep-fried delicacy, served with a spicy, flavorful potato curry, is the city’s answer to breakfast heaven.
Where to Try: Check out Ram Bhandar in Thatheri Bazaar or Madhur Milan for a lip-smacking kachori experience. Warning: You might end up eating more than you planned.
If you’re lucky enough to visit Varanasi in winter, malaiyo is a dessert you cannot miss. This ethereal treat is essentially sweetened milk foam, flavored with saffron and cardamom. It’s as light as a whisper but packs a punch of flavor.
Where to Find It: Look for malaiyo vendors in Chowk or Godowlia during the early morning hours—it disappears faster than you’d think!
Though traditionally a Bihari dish, litti chokha has a special place in Varanasi’s street food culture. The smoky, earthy flavors of roasted wheat balls (litti) paired with spiced mashed vegetables (chokha) are a game-changer.
Hotspot: Try the litti chokha at Assi Ghat, where vendors serve it fresh with dollops of ghee. Bonus: You get to enjoy the riverside vibe too!
Varanasi is known for its thandai, a cooling milk-based drink infused with spices, nuts, and rose petals. If you’re feeling adventurous, you can even try the special bhang thandai (yes, the one with a hint of “magic”).
Must-Visit: Stop by Baba Thandai near Dashashwamedh Ghat for the authentic experience. Don’t worry, they serve a “safe” version too!
Varanasi’s street food is a journey in itself—one that takes you through the vibrant culture and flavors of this ancient city. Whether it’s the sweetness of malaiyo or the tang of tamatar chaat, each bite tells a story of tradition, love, and spice.
So, pack your appetite and head to Varanasi. And hey, don’t forget to share your foodie adventures with us!
Have you tried any of these? Got a favorite street food spot in Varanasi? Drop it in the comments below!
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