Varanasi is a city renowned for its spiritual significance, ancient temples, lively ghats, and delicious street food. Among the iconic street foods of Varanasi is pani puri – the crispy, hollow puri shells filled with a mixture of flavored water, potatoes, chickpeas, and spices. Pani puri is a beloved snack across India, but Varanasi is especially known for serving outstanding versions.
If you’re visiting Varanasi and want to sample the city’s famous pani puri, here are the top spots you don’t want to miss:
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6 Famous Pani Puri in Varanasi
1. Kashi Chat Bhandar
Located near the Dashashwamedh Ghat, Kashi Chat Bhandar is a hugely popular pani puri stall that has been serving customers for over a century. Their pani puri is notable for the perfect crunch of the puri shells and the aromatic mint water they are filled with. The potato and chickpea chaat is also superb. Kashi Chat Bhandar has a fast-paced, bustling atmosphere and is a great place to experience local Varanasi street food culture.
- Address: D.37/49 Godowlia Road, Girja Ghar Chauraha
- Timing: 1-10:30 PM
- Google Rating: 4.2 out of 5 stars (based on over 17,000 reviews)
Kashi Chat Bhandar is a bit more expensive.
2. Deena Chaat Bhandar
Operating since the 1930s, Deena Chat Bhandar near Visheshwarganj is another longtime favorite for pani puri and chaats in Varanasi. Their pani puri water has a fiery blend of spices that nicely complements the crunchy puri. Deena Chat Bhandar also has a nice selection of other street snacks like dahi bhalla and aloo tikki that are worth trying.
- Address: D47, 184, Luxa Rd, near PDR mall
- Timing: 1:30 PM – 10:30 PM
- Google Rating: 4.1 out of 5 stars (6,000 reviews)
Deena Chaat Bhandar is a bit more casual than Kashi Chat Bhandar, but the pani puri is just as delicious.
3. Pani Puri Chat Bhandar
For pani puri with a unique twist, head to Pani Puri Chat Bhandar near the Lanka neighborhood. Here you can get pani puri filled with rose and kewra scented water, giving them a distinct and aromatic flavor. They also add pomegranate seeds for a sweet-tart crunch. It’s some of the most unique and delicious pani puri you’ll find in Varanasi.
- Address: Sonia Rd, near Ananti Guest House,
- Timing: 11 AM to 11 PM
- Google Rating: 3.0 out of 5 stars
Pani Puri Chat Bhandar is the most affordable option, but the pani puri is still very good.
4. Keshari Chat Corner
Keshari Chat Corner near Kal Bhairav Mandir is a small, no-frills pani puri stall that serves up piping hot plates of perfect pani puri. They use a wood fire to cook their puris, resulting in a smoky char flavor that you won’t get anywhere else. The spicy, tangy water has lime, coriander, and mint for the ideal blend of flavors.
- Address: Nariyal Bazar, Chowk
- Timing: 11 AM to 11 PM
- Google Rating: 4.3 out of 5 stars (2,000 reviews)
5. Sri Bhojanam
For sit-down style pani puri in a restaurant atmosphere, check out Sri Bhojanam near the Lanka area. They serve pani puri on plates with 6 puri shells stuffed with potatoes, chickpeas, onions, coriander, and pomegranate along with mint and tamarind water on the side for dipping. It’s pani puri with a flair. They also have great chaats and South Indian fare.
- Address: 136, Assi Ghat
- Timing: 11 AM to 11 PM
- Google Rating: 4.5 out of 5 stars (1,000 reviews)
6. Gopi Chaat Bhandaar
Last but not least is Gopi Chaat Bhandaar, a tiny street food stall near Chaukaghat known for its exemplary pani puri. Gopi Chaat Bhandaar has been around for over 70 years and uses family recipes to make some of the tastiest pani puri in Varanasi. The puris are thin and crispy and served up fresh as you eat. Definitely one of the best.
- Address: 11/5, Chowk
- Timing: 11 AM to 11 PM
- Google Rating: 4.0 out of 5 stars (500 reviews)
No matter which shops you choose, you’re sure to enjoy a delicious and authentic pani puri in Varanasi. So next time you’re in town, be sure to try one of these great places!
So on your next visit to Varanasi, make sure to check out these top spots for savoring pani puri at its finest. The crunchy puris filled with flavorsome water and chaat make for the quintessential Varanasi street food experience.
FAQs Related To Best Pani Puri in Varanasi
Where can I find the best Pani Puri in Varanasi?
Some of the most popular places to enjoy pani puri in Varanasi are the stalls in Godowlia market, Dasashwamedh Ghat, Assi Ghat, and the Bengali Tola area.
What sets Varanasi’s Pani Puri apart from other regions?
The pani puri served in Varanasi stands out for its flavorful water syrups. The mint and tamarind flavors are bolder and the jaljeera has a distinct peppery taste. The puris are fried crisp and served fresh.
Are there any famous or iconic Pani Puri vendors in Varanasi?
Kashi Chaat Bhandar near Godowlia Chauraha is an iconic pani puri stall in Varanasi famous for its tangy flavored pani and wide range of fillings.
What are the typical fillings and toppings for Pani Puri in Varanasi?
Common fillings include sprouts, boiled potatoes, onions, chickpeas, lentils, beetroot, and spiced mashed potatoes. Pudina and imli pani are typical in Varanasi along with jaljeera and spicy red chutney.
What is the average cost of Pani Puri at popular stalls in Varanasi?
The cost ranges from ₹20-30 for a plate of 6-8 pieces at roadside stalls and can go up to ₹50-60 at sit-down cafes or restaurants. Portion sizes are quite generous.
Do the Pani Puri vendors in Varanasi follow hygiene standards in preparation?
Hygiene standards vary from stall to stall. Check for use of filtered water, cleanliness around the stall before ordering. Well-known stalls maintain good hygiene.
Are there any Pani Puri stalls that offer unique or innovative flavors?
A few places like Baati Chokha serve innovative methi pani, hari chutney, and baigan pani. Sweet pani with jaggery and saunf is also found. But traditional flavors are most popular.
Can I get takeaway Pani Puri or is it best enjoyed on-site?
On-site consumption allows you to enjoy the pani puri when it’s freshly served. But takeaways are also available from most places if requested.
Can I find sweet variations of Pani Puri in Varanasi?
Yes, some places like Kashi Chaat Bhandar serve sweet coconut, rose, and kewra pani variations of golgappa along with traditional ones.
Do Pani Puri vendors offer options for people with mild spice preferences?
Most vendors offer a mild spice or ‘no spice’ pani puri on request for those who prefer low spice levels.
How do the flavors of Varanasi’s Pani Puri compare to Pani Puri in other cities?
Varanasi’s pani puri stands out for its flavorful panis and spice mixes. The tastes tend to be bolder compared to say, Mumbai roadside pani puri.