Varanasi is a city famous for its ghats, temples, and delicious street food. One of the most iconic street foods of Varanasi is pav bhaji – a spicy mashed vegetable dish served with soft bread rolls. Though you can find pav bhaji in many restaurants and street stalls throughout the city, some spots stand out above the rest. Here are 5 of the best places for pav bhaji in Varanasi:
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6 Best Pav Bhaji in Varanasi: The Foodies Choice
1. Banarasi Pav Bhaji Wala
Located near Assi Ghat, Banarasi Pav Bhaji Wala is a small street food cart that serves what many claim is the best pav bhaji in Varanasi. Their bhaji is cooked fresh throughout the day in a large karahi on an open flame. It’s loaded with vegetables like cauliflower, potatoes, peas, carrots, and tomatoes, and it packs a spicy punch. The pav bread is freshly baked and served warm – perfect for dipping in the flavorful bhaji. Don’t leave without trying their famous garlic pav!
- Address: 9/128, Bhelupur, Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh 221001
- Timings: 11:00 AM – 11:00 PM
- Google Rating: 4.3 out of 5 stars (based on 1,200+ reviews)
- Pricing:
- Pav bhaji: ₹150
- Pav: ₹5
- Extra butter: ₹20
- Extra cheese: ₹30
Other Details:
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- The shop is located in the Bhelupur area of Varanasi.
- It is a small, no-frills establishment with a few tables and chairs.
- The pav bhaji is made with fresh, local ingredients and is cooked to perfection.
- The bhaji is thick and creamy, with a perfectly balanced blend of spices.
- The pav is soft and fluffy, and the butter and cheese add a delicious richness to the dish.
- The shop is very popular, so it is best to go early to avoid the long lines.
2. Kashi Chat Bhandar
Situated on Dasaswamedh Road near the main market, Kashi Chat Bhandar has been serving delicious chaat for over 50 years. Their pav bhaji is creamy and flavorsome, made according to a closely guarded family recipe. In addition to classic pav bhaji, they also offer variations like cheese pav bhaji and paneer pav bhaji. The seating area is basic but clean, making this a great place to stop and snack.
- Address: D.37/49 Godowlia Road, Girja Ghar Chauraha, Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh 221001
- Timings: 1:00 PM – 10:30 PM
- Google Rating: 4.2 out of 5 stars (based on 17,680+ reviews)
- Pricing:
- Pav bhaji: ₹120
- Pav: ₹5
- Extra butter: ₹20
- Extra cheese: ₹30
Other Details:
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- The shop is located in the Godowlia area of Varanasi.
- It is a popular chat shop that also serves pav bhaji.
- The pav bhaji is made with a blend of vegetables, spices, and herbs.
- The bhaji is thick and creamy, and the pav is soft and fluffy.
- The shop is also known for its other chat items, such as panipuri, dahi puri, and dahi bhalla.
3. Vada Grill
Vada Grill is a small street side food cart located on Godowlia Road, known for its piping hot plates of pav bhaji. Their bhaji is loaded with caramelized onions, capsicum, and their secret blend of spices. The pav is lightly toasted on the grill before serving, so it stays nice and crisp even after soaking up the bhaji. Wash it all down with a glass of sweet lassi. Vada Grill only has a few plastic stools for seating, so it’s best to take your pav bhaji to go.
- Address: Laddha House, B-65 Ravindrapuri Road Opposite Ming Garden Restaurant, Ravindrapuri, Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh 221001
- Timings: 11:00 AM – 10:30 PM
- Google Rating: 3.9 out of 5 stars (based on 438+ reviews)
- Pricing:
- Pav bhaji: ₹130
- Pav: ₹5
- Extra butter: ₹20
- Extra cheese: ₹30
Other Details:
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- The shop is located in the Ravindrapuri area of Varanasi.
- It is a popular Maharashtrian restaurant that also serves pav bhaji.
- The pav bhaji is made with a blend of vegetables, spices, and herbs.
- The bhaji is thick and creamy, and the pav is soft and fluffy.
- The shop is also known for its other Maharashtrian dishes, such as vada pav, missal pav, and kanda bhaji.
4. Taste King
For sit-down dining in an AC restaurant, head to Taste King near Assi Ghat. They offer both veg and non-veg variations of pav bhaji, each cooked to order in the restaurant kitchen. Their non-veg pav bhaji is especially popular, topped with hard boiled egg, crispy chicken, and chicken salami. Taste King also serves Chinese and North Indian dishes, so it’s great for a full meal. Don’t miss their renowned desserts like baked yogurt and fruit cream.
- Address: S-19/1 Ground floor, Mint Rd, next to Maharani Art Palace, Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh 221001
- Timings: 10:30 AM – 10:30 PM
- Google Rating: 4.2 out of 5 stars (based on 3,848+ reviews)
- Pricing:
- Pav bhaji: ₹130
- Pav: ₹5
- Extra butter: ₹20
- Extra cheese: ₹30
Other Details:
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- The shop is located in the Mint Road area of Varanasi.
- It is a popular fast-food restaurant that also serves pav bhaji.
- The pav bhaji is made with a blend of vegetables, spices, and herbs.
- The bhaji is thick and creamy, and the pav is soft and fluffy.
- The shop is also known for its other fast food items, such as burgers, fries, and shakes.
5. Deena Chaat Bhandar
No list of Varanasi street food would be complete without Deena Chaat Bhandar in Godowlia Chowk. Their chaat, golgappas, and pav bhaji have been delighting locals and tourists for decades. The pav bhaji here is simple yet flavorful – not too spicy or greasy. The ideal snack to grab on the go while exploring the city. Pro tip: arrive earlier in the day before they sell out!
- Address: D47, 184, Luxa Rd, near PDR mall, Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh 221001
- Timings: 1:30 PM – 10:30 PM
- Google Rating: 4.1 out of 5 stars (based on 6,946+ reviews)
- Pricing:
- Pav bhaji: ₹120
- Pav: ₹5
- Extra butter: ₹20
- Extra cheese: ₹30
Other Details:
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- The shop is located in the Luxa Road area of Varanasi.
- It is a popular chaat shop that also serves pav bhaji.
- The pav bhaji is made with a blend of vegetables, spices, and herbs.
- The bhaji is thick and creamy, and the pav is soft and fluffy.
- The shop is also known for its other chaat items, such as panipuri, dahi puri, and dahi bhalla.
6. Kashi Mishthan Bhandar
Known for its sweets and namkeen, Kashi Mishthan Bhandar also serves up excellent pav bhaji. Located near Dashashwamedh Ghat, their pav bhaji is rich and buttery, with a hint of tanginess. The bhaji here is cooked in desi ghee, giving it a lovely aroma. Be sure to also try their other savory snacks like samosas, kachoris and more!
- Address: 87/7, Chowk, Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh 221001
- Timings: 9:00 AM – 11:00 PM
- Google Rating: 4.0 out of 5 stars (based on 875+ reviews)
- Pricing:
- Pav Bhaji: ₹110
- Pav: ₹5
- Extra butter: ₹20
- Extra cheese: ₹30
Other Details:
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- The shop is located in the Chowk area of Varanasi.
- It is a popular sweet shop that also serves pav bhaji.
- The pav bhaji is made with a blend of vegetables, spices, and herbs.
- The bhaji is thick and creamy, and the pav is soft and fluffy.
- The shop is also known for its other sweets, such as rasgulla, barfi, and gulab jamun.
So on your next visit to Varanasi, be sure to try pav bhaji from one of these top spots. The delicious blend of spices, vegetables, and soft bread makes pav bhaji the quintessential street food of Kashi. Let us know your favorite place for pav bhaji!
FAQs Related To Best Pav Bhaji in Varanasi
Where can I find the best Pav Bhaji in Varanasi?
Some recommended places to try delicious pav bhaji in Varanasi are Pandit Pav Bhaji in Sigra, Jain Pav Bhaji in Godowlia, Pav Bhaji Hut in Assi area, and Blue Lassi Shop near Dashashwamedh Ghat.
What makes Varanasi’s Pav Bhaji unique and flavorful?
The pav bhaji served in Varanasi stands out for its rich, buttery tomato-based gravy, unique local spices, and soft pav bread rolls. The bhaji is cooked fresh over a tawa with butter for great flavors.
Are there any well-known or recommended places for Pav Bhaji in Varanasi?
A few popular and long-standing places renowned for their pav bhaji are Pandit Pav Bhaji, Jain Pav Bhaji, Madanlal Pav Bhaji, and Blue Lassi Shop. These places use quality ingredients and secret spice mixes.
What is the average cost of Pav Bhaji at popular spots in Varanasi?
The cost of pav bhaji starts from ₹50 per plate with 2 pavs at basic roadside stalls, going up to ₹80-120 per plate at more upscale cafes or restaurants. Portion sizes are quite generous.
Can I order Pav Bhaji for takeout, or is it recommended to enjoy it on-site?
You can certainly get pav bhaji packed for takeout from most places, but it’s best enjoyed hot right off the tawa when dining in. The flavors and texture are best when freshly served.
Are there any hidden gems or lesser-known places for outstanding Pav Bhaji in Varanasi?
Some lesser-known gems for amazing pav bhaji include Pav Bhaji Hut near Assi Ghat, the small unnamed pav bhaji stall in Kabir Chaura, and Kiran Pav Bhaji in Bhelupura.
