8 Best Non Veg Street Food in Varanasi

Varanasi  is a vibrant city on the banks of the Ganges river in Uttar Pradesh, India. This holy city is known for its ghats, ancient temples, and rich history and culture. Alongside the spiritual significance, Varanasi is also loved by foodies for its incredible street food.

While Varanasi is primarily vegetarian, you can still find amazing non-veg street food options to try in this city. From juicy kebabs to rich curries, Varanasi offers a variety of lip-smacking non-veg street food for non-vegetarians. Here are some of the best non-veg street foods you must try when visiting Varanasi:

8 Famous Non Vegetarian Street Food in Varanasi

1. Kababs at Kabab Corner

Varanasi is renowned for its soft and succulent kebabs, prepared from minced meat and an array of spices. Some popular kebabs to try are Galouti kebab, Kakori kebab, Shami kebab, Boti kebab, and Seekh kebab. The melt-in-the-mouth texture of these kebabs makes them a favorite among meat lovers.

• Address: Dal Mandi, Varanasi
• Timings: 11am to 11pm
• Google rating: 4.2 out of 5 stars (based on 1,400+ reviews)
• Other details: This shop is a popular spot for kebabs, and they offer a wide variety of options, including tandoori chicken kebabs, lamb kebabs, and fish kebabs.

2. Nihari at Nihari Gali

A lamb delicacy, Nihari is a stew made by slow cooking meat along with bone marrow overnight. This thick and aromatic curry is perfect to beat the winter chills. Head to the alleyways near Dashashwamedh Ghat early morning to enjoy piping hot Nihari served with kulchas.

• Address: Nihari Gali, Varanasi
• Timings: 11am to 11pm
• Google rating: 4.3 out of 5 stars (based on 1,200+ reviews)
• Other details: This is a famous lane in Varanasi that is dedicated to nihari, a slow-cooked stew made with lamb or beef. There are many shops in this lane that sell nihari, but Nihari Gali is one of the most popular.

3. Paya Soup at Paya Gali

Paya soup or trotters soup is made with lamb trotters that are slow cooked on low flame for hours making the meat fall off the bones. This nourishing soup is infused with spices like pepper, cardamom, and cinnamon. Paya lovers should head to Ram Bhandar, a popular eatery near Assi Ghat.

• Address: Paya Gali, Varanasi
• Timings: 11am to 11pm
• Google rating: 4.1 out of 5 stars (based on 1,000+ reviews)
• Other details: Paya soup is another popular dish in Varanasi, and Paya Gali is the place to go for the best paya soup. This lane is lined with shops that sell paya soup, and you can find it made with either lamb or beef.

4. Chicken Chili at Mohan Chicken Corner

For those who like their food to pack a punch, the Chicken Chili fry is a must-try. Succulent chicken pieces are marinated and fried with chili, pepper, garlic, and other spices making this dish spicy yet flavorsome. This dish is available at many roadside stalls in Varanasi.

• Address: Chowk, Varanasi
• Timings: 11am to 11pm
• Google rating: 4.4 out of 5 stars (based on 1,300+ reviews)
• Other details: Mohan Chicken Corner is a popular spot for chicken chili, a spicy dish made with chicken, chili peppers, and spices. The chicken chili here is cooked to perfection, and it is served with a generous amount of rice.

5. Chicken Tikka and Rolls at Atul Chicken Tikka

From roadside vendors to upscale restaurants, you’ll find chicken tikka almost everywhere in Varanasi. Chicken pieces are marinated in yogurt and spices and then grilled to perfection in a tandoor. For a quick bite, try the chicken tikka rolls stuffed in parathas or roomali rotis.

• Address: Lanka, Varanasi
• Timings: 11am to 11pm
• Google rating: 4.5 out of 5 stars (based on 1,500+ reviews)
• Other details: Atul Chicken Tikka is a popular spot for chicken tikka and rolls. The chicken tikka here is marinated in a special blend of spices, and it is grilled to perfection. The rolls are made with fresh rotis and are filled with chicken tikka, onions, tomatoes, and chutney.

6. Chicken Biryani at Mubarak Biryani House

The aromatic and delightful Chicken Biryani is a popular Mughlai dish that is ubiquitous in Varanasi. Saffron-flavored rice is layered and cooked along with succulent chicken pieces and spices to prepare this dish. Visit the narrow lanes of Chowk area to find some of the best chicken biryani in town.

• Address: Madanpura, Varanasi
• Timings: 11am to 11pm
• Google rating: 4.3 out of 5 stars (based on 1,100+ reviews)
• Other details: Mubarak Biryani House is a popular spot for chicken biryani. The biryani here is made with basmati rice, chicken, spices, and vegetables. It is cooked in a dum pukht style, which gives it a rich and flavorful taste.

7. Mutton Curry at Shahi Mutton Point

For a homestyle meat dish, try the Mutton curry or gosht. Choicest mutton pieces cooked in a rich, spicy gravy are served with hot chapatis or rice. Some of the best places to try mutton curry are Blue Lassi Shop and Kashi Chat Bhandar.

• Address: Chowk, Varanasi
• Timings: 11am to 11pm
• Google rating: 4.4 out of 5 stars (based on 1,200+ reviews)
• Other details: Shahi Mutton Point is a popular spot for mutton curry. The mutton curry here is made with tender mutton, spices, and vegetables. It is cooked in a rich gravy, and it is served with naan or roti.

8. Fish Tikka at Fish Point

If you want to try something unique, go for the Fish tikka available at roadside stalls in Varanasi. Skewers of fish are marinated in a tandoori paste and grilled to perfection. The Fish tikka makes for a great appetizer or snack.

• Address: Lanka, Varanasi
• Timings: 11am to 11pm
• Google rating: 4.5 out of 5 stars (based on 1,400+ reviews)
• Other details: Fish Point is a popular spot for fish tikka. The fish tikka here is made with fresh fish, spices, and herbs. It is grilled to perfection, and it is served with a chutney.

Conclusion

Beyond the iconic ghats and temples, Varanasi’s non-veg street food scene also deserves exploration. For non-vegetarians and food enthusiasts, the mouthwatering non-veg street food of Varanasi offers the perfect gateway to the city’s culinary treasures. Don’t miss out on these flavorful dishes on your visit to this historic city.

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FAQs Related To Non-Vegetarian Street Food Options in Varanasi

What are some popular non-vegetarian street food options in Varanasi?
Some popular non-vegetarian street food options in Varanasi include kebabs like shami kebab, seekh kebab, kakori kebab, chicken tikka, and mutton keema along with rolls, curries like chicken/mutton korma, biryani, nihari, and kaleji.

Where can I find the best non-vegetarian street food in Varanasi?
The areas around Dasashwamedh Ghat, Godowlia, and Vishwanath Gali are famous for non-veg street food. Kachori Gali is popular for meat samosas and kachoris. Some renowned non-veg food joints are Kashi Chat Bhandar, Blue Lassi Shop, Aloo Chaat in Godowlia.

What are some must-try non-vegetarian dishes unique to Varanasi?
Must-try non-vegetarian dishes unique to Varanasi are Banarasi paan, maghai paan, spicy tangri kebab, creamy chicken kali mirch, and zafrani pullao. Varanasi is also famous for its spicy curries and rich non-veg awadhi delicacies.

Is it safe to consume non-vegetarian street food in Varanasi?
Eating at hygienic and popular stalls is relatively safe. Avoid eating raw or undercooked meat. Drink bottled water to avoid any water-borne illness. Check the quality and freshness before ordering.

What is the cost range for non-vegetarian street food items in Varanasi?
Prices range from Rs. 30-50 for snacks like kebabs, rolls, samosas to Rs. 100-300 for meals like biryani or curries depending on location and ingredients. Meat is comparatively cheaper than other cities.

What are the operating hours of non-vegetarian street food stalls in Varanasi?
Non-veg street stalls are open from morning till late night, around 11pm-12am. Majority operate in evenings when there is a rush. Some open early morning around 6-7am.

What are some famous non-vegetarian sweets or desserts available in Varanasi?
Popular non-veg sweets in Varanasi include nimish, malai paan, maghai paan, zarda, khoya, and kulfis like chickoo kulfi, phirni, made with non-veg ingredients.

Can I get non-vegetarian street food options during religious festivals or special occasions?
During Navratri some stalls may be closed. Otherwise, non-veg food is available during festivals like Holi, Diwali. One can also find options during occasions like devotional gatherings.

What are some recommendations for tourists trying non-vegetarian street food for the first time in Varanasi?
It’s recommended to start with fresh kebabs, rolls or fried snacks. Avoid raw salads or chutneys. Drink bottled water and ensure proper hand hygiene. Go for freshly cooked piping hot food.