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Varanasi, known as the spiritual heart of India, is celebrated not only for its temples and ghats but also for its rich food culture. The city offers an array of traditional dishes that attract both locals and visitors. From spicy street snacks to comforting desserts and wholesome vegetarian meals, every bite reflects the essence of Varanasi. Whether you’re craving tamatar chaat, kachori sabzi, or the iconic Banarasi paan, the city’s culinary landscape promises an unforgettable experience. This guide takes you through the best food in Varanasi, ensuring that your taste buds are as satisfied as your soul.
Best Food In Varanasi: A Culinary Journey Through The City
Varanasi’s food scene is a blend of tradition, culture, and regional flavours. Here are some must-try dishes and where to find them.
1. Kachori Sabzi
Photo: Shobhit Dwivedi / Wikimedia Commons
Kachori Sabzi is a popular breakfast staple in Varanasi, loved for its flavorful combination of textures and spices. The dish features crispy, puffed kachoris stuffed with spiced lentils, served alongside a tangy, spicy potato curry. The contrast between the crunchy kachoris and the soft, aromatic sabzi makes it a local favourite. Many locals enjoy this morning treat with a side of hot jalebis, adding a sweet touch to the meal. Early mornings often see bustling crowds at small eateries, with people relishing this dish as part of their daily routine or a comforting weekend indulgence.
Opening Time: 6 AM
Where To Try: Ram Bhandar in Thatheri Bazar
Tips: Visit early in the morning to enjoy it fresh with piping hot jalebis.
2. Banarasi Paan
Photo: Biswarup Ganguly / Wikimedia Commons
Filled with areca nut, gulkand, and a blend of aromatic spices, Banarasi paan is a symbol of Varanasi’s rich culture. It’s more than just a snack; it’s a cherished tradition, often enjoyed after meals. Locals and visitors alike savour its sweet, fragrant flavours, which leave a lasting impression long after the bite. Paan is deeply woven into the city’s lifestyle, with numerous paan vendors scattered across the streets. Whether as a digestive or a social ritual, Banarasi paan reflects the essence of Varanasi’s heritage, making it a must-try experience for anyone exploring the city.
Opening Time: 10 AM
Where To Try: Keshav Paan Bhandar near Godowlia Chowk
Tips: Ask for the meetha paan (sweet paan) if you prefer a milder flavor.
3. Tamatar Chaat
Photo: Pandey jayesh / Wikimedia Commons
Tamatar Chaat is a distinctive Varanasi delicacy made with mashed boiled tomatoes, blended with a medley of spices, and topped with crispy elements. Unlike typical chaat found elsewhere in India, this version stands out for its tangy and spicy flavour. Garnished with sev, fresh coriander, and a drizzle of yoghurt, it offers a delightful contrast of textures in every bite. Known for its bold taste, Tamatar Chaat is a must-try for street food enthusiasts seeking to experience Varanasi’s unique culinary twist. It’s a flavorful journey that will leave chaat lovers craving more.
Opening Time: 5 PM
Where To Try: Kashi Chaat Bhandar, Godowlia
Tips: Best enjoyed in the evening when the streets come alive with food stalls.
4. Malaiyyo
Photo: Sumit Surai / Wikimedia Commons
Malaiyyo is a winter-exclusive dessert in Varanasi, beloved for its delicate texture and subtle sweetness. Made by churning milk into a light, airy froth and blending it with saffron and cardamom, this dish is then topped with pistachios for added flavour. Its cloud-like consistency melts in the mouth, making it a hit among locals and tourists. Traditionally prepared in the early morning dew, Malaiyyo offers a glimpse into the city’s rich culinary heritage. This seasonal treat is more than just a dessert; it’s a testament to the artistry of Varanasi’s age-old cooking practices.
Opening Time: 7 AM
Where To Try: Neelu Malaiyyo in Chowk
Tips: Visit between November and February, as it’s available only during winter.
5. Baati Chokha
Photo: CIMSBSP / Wikimedia Commons
Baati Chokha is a traditional delicacy cherished in Varanasi, offering an authentic taste of Uttar Pradesh and Bihar. The dish features baati; wheat dough balls baked until golden brown, served alongside chokha, a flavorful mash of roasted eggplant, tomatoes, and potatoes. Drizzled with ghee and paired with spicy chutney, this combination delivers a rich, earthy flavour that reflects the essence of rural cuisine. Popular among both locals and tourists, Baati Chokha is a hearty meal that provides a unique culinary experience. Whether enjoyed at roadside eateries or speciality restaurants, this rustic dish is a must-try for anyone visiting Varanasi.
Opening Time: 12 PM
Where To Try: Baati Chokha Restaurant, Lanka
Tips: Pair it with sattu drink for an authentic local experience.
6. Thandai
Photo: Raksanand / Wikimedia Commons
Thandai is a refreshing traditional drink made from milk, almonds, fennel seeds, and aromatic spices, often served chilled. In Varanasi, this cooling beverage takes on a unique twist with bhang thandai; a version infused with cannabis, commonly enjoyed during festivals like Holi. Known for its creamy texture and mildly spiced flavour, thandai offers a perfect balance between sweetness and fragrance. Whether you opt for the classic version or the festive bhang variety, this drink is an ideal way to rejuvenate after a long day of exploring Varanasi’s vibrant ghats and ancient temples, offering a memorable taste of the city’s culture.
Opening Time: 11 AM
Where To Try: Blue Lassi Shop, Manikarnika Ghat
Tips:Try the regular thandai if you prefer to skip the bhang version.
7. Chooda Matar
Photo: Sonja Pauen / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only
Chooda Matar is a beloved winter snack in Varanasi, made from flattened rice (poha) sautéed with fresh green peas, spices, and a hint of lemon. The soft texture of poha perfectly complements the slight crunch of the peas, creating a flavorful balance. Typically garnished with coriander and served hot, this dish is light yet satisfying. It’s enjoyed by locals as a quick breakfast or a tasty evening snack during the colder months. Chooda Matar reflects the simplicity of Varanasi’s food culture, combining seasonal ingredients with minimal spices for a wholesome and delicious experience.
Opening Time: 7:30 AM
Where To Try: Vishwanath Gali food stalls
Tips: Best enjoyed hot during the chilly mornings of winter
8. Jalebi And Rabri
Photo: Biswarup Ganguly / Wikimedia Commons
Chooda Matar is a beloved winter snack in Varanasi, made from flattened rice (poha) sautéed with fresh green peas, spices, and a hint of lemon. The soft texture of poha perfectly complements the slight crunch of the peas, creating a flavorful balance. Typically garnished with coriander and served hot, this dish is light yet satisfying. It’s enjoyed by locals as a quick breakfast or a tasty evening snack during the colder months. Chooda Matar reflects the simplicity of Varanasi’s food culture, combining seasonal ingredients with minimal spices for a wholesome and delicious experience.
Opening Time: 8 AM
Where To Try: Rajbandhu Sweets, Vishwanath Gali
Tips: Pair it with a cup of chai for the perfect Varanasi breakfast
9. Litti Chokha
Photo: Medhi jyoti / Wikimedia Commons
Litti Chokha is a popular regional delicacy cherished in both Bihar and Uttar Pradesh, with Varanasi offering one of its tastiest versions. Litti consists of wheat dough balls stuffed with roasted gram flour (sattu) and baked or grilled over coal. Chokha is a flavorful mash of roasted eggplant, potatoes, and tomatoes, seasoned with mustard oil and spices. This wholesome dish is traditionally served with a drizzle of ghee and tangy pickles, adding richness and depth to every bite. Whether as street food or a complete meal, Litti Chokha embodies the earthy flavours and rustic charm of the region’s culinary heritage.
Opening Time: 11 AM
Where To Try: Litti Chokha Corner, Assi Ghat
Tips: Enjoy it by the riverside for a unique dining experience
10. Dahi Bhalla
Photo: Batterypacks / Wikimedia Commons
Dahi Bhalla is a beloved street food in Varanasi, offering a delightful mix of flavours and textures. Soft lentil dumplings are soaked in yoghurt and topped with tamarind and mint chutneys, along with a sprinkle of spices like cumin and chilli powder. Garnished with pomegranate seeds or sev, the dish strikes a perfect balance between sweet, tangy, and spicy notes. This refreshing treat is ideal for cooling off during a warm day, making it a popular snack among locals and tourists alike. Whether enjoyed as a light bite or part of a meal, Dahi Bhalla promises a burst of flavour.
Opening Time: 4 PM
Where To Try: Kashi Chat Bhandar, Godowlia
Tips: Pair it with tamarind chutney for an extra zing
Varanasi is not just a hub of spirituality but also a paradise for food lovers. The city offers a range of flavours that reflect its cultural heritage, from wholesome meals like baati chokha to winter delicacies like malaiyyo. Street food enthusiasts can enjoy tamatar chaat and kachori sabzi, while sweet lovers will find joy in Banarasi paan and thandai. Each dish carries a story of tradition and local pride. Plan your food adventure with TripXL and explore the best food in Varanasi, where every bite promises an unforgettable culinary experience woven into the city’s soul.
Cover Photo: Hari Mahidhar / Shutterstock
