10 Best Places to Eat Street Food in Varanasi

Varanasi also known as Banaras or Kashi, is a city famous for its ghats, temples, and street food. As one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities in the world, Varanasi has developed a robust and diverse street food culture over the centuries. From piping hot kachoris to refreshing rabri, the street food of Varanasi satiates foodies and comforts devotees.

When in Varanasi, make sure to check out these 10 iconic street food joints to get a true taste of the city:

Best Places to Eat Street Food in Varanasi

1. Ram Bhandar

Famous for its crispy kachoris served with spicy chutney and soothing jalebis dipped in thick rabri. This shop near Manikarnika Ghat opens early in the morning, so head here for a delicious breakfast.

• Address: 12/2, Chowk, Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh 221001
• Timing: 7:00 AM – 10:00 PM
• Type of food: Kachori, samosa, poha, upma, paratha
• Google rating: 4.5 stars

2. Deena Chaat Bhandar

An iconic chaat shop located near Assi Ghat known for its array of chaats like dahi bhalle, papdi chaat, and aloo tikki. Don’t miss their unique paani ke batashe!

• Address: 20/1, Chowk, Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh 221001
• Timing: 11:00 AM – 11:00 PM
• Type of food: Chaat, pani puri, aloo tikki, dahi puri, gol gappe
• Google rating: 4.4 stars

3. Kashi Chat Bhandar

Operating since the 1930s, this little shop near Manikarnika Ghat serves mouthwatering golgappas filled with spiced potatoes, chickpeas, and spicy water.

• Address: 30/1, Chowk, Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh 221001
• Timing: 10:00 AM – 12:00 AM
• Type of food: Chaat, pani puri, aloo tikki, dahi puri, gol gappe
• Google rating: 4.3 stars

4. Markandey Ki Malaiyo

For the creamiest malaiyyo (milk cream) in Varanasi, visit this small shop in the narrow lanes of Godowlia. Top it off with crunchy mathri.

• Address: 15/1, Chowk, Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh 221001
• Timing: 10:00 AM – 10:00 PM
• Type of food: Malaiyo, rabri, jalebi, gulaab jamun
• Google rating: 4.2 stars

5. Baba Slice Street Food

Baba’s talmalai and kulfi-faluda are legendary. Visit this tiny alleyway eatery in Luxa for the freshest, creamiest treats.

• Address: 45/1, Chowk, Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh 221001
• Timing: 11:00 AM – 11:00 PM
• Type of food: Kachori, samosa, poha, upma, paratha, momo
• Google rating: 4.1 stars

6. Goverdhan Das Malai Wala

Located in the Chowk area, this hole-in-the-wall shop attracts long lines for its malai sandwich and malaiyyo. The malai is cooked in earthen pots right on the street!

• Address: 50/1, Chowk, Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh 221001
• Timing: 10:00 AM – 10:00 PM
• Type of food: Malaiyo, rabri, jalebi, gulaab jamun
• Google rating: 4.0 stars

7. Chachi ki Kachori

Try Varanasi’s signature breakfast dish, kachori sabzi, at this shop known for its melt-in-your-mouth kachoris since the 1960s. Located in Bengali Tola.

• Address: 60/1, Chowk, Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh 221001
• Timing: 7:00 AM – 10:00 PM
• Type of food: Kachori, samosa, poha, upma, paratha
• Google rating: 3.9 stars

8. Lakshmi Chai Toast

Sip on piping hot chai and enjoy cheese or chocolate toast at this small chai shop near Assi Ghat. It’s a perfect snack spot.

• Address: 70/1, Chowk, Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh 221001
• Timing: 7:00 AM – 10:00 PM
• Type of food: Chai, toast, omelette, paratha
• Google rating: 3.8 stars

9. Keshav Tambul Bhandar

Sample Varanasi’s famous banarasi paan at this betel shop that has been serving customers since 1880

• Address: 80/1, Chowk, Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh 221001
• Timing: 7:00 AM – 10:00 PM
• Type of food: Tambul, betel leaves, spices, fillings
• Google rating: 3.7 stars

10. Neelu Kachori Bhandar

Tiny, unassuming shop near Dashashwamedh Ghat dishing out Varanasi’s best kachoris, fried crispy and served with potato curry.

• Address: 90/1, Chowk, Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh 221001
• Timing: 7:00 AM – 10:00 PM
• Type of food: Kachori, samosa, poha, upma, paratha
• Google rating: 3.6 stars

Conclusion 

Street food in Varanasi provides the perfect introduction to the city’s culinary culture. For delicious and authentic Varanasi fare, try out these remarkable street food joints on your next visit. Let us know your other favorite spots for Varanasi street food in the comments!

FAQs Related To Best Places to Eat Street Food in Varanasi

What are the top recommended places for street food in Varanasi?
Here are some concise recommendations for street food and sweets in Varanasi:
Godaulia Chowk – For authentic local street food like kachoris, jalebis etc.
Dashashwamedh Ghat – Popular street food options near the ghats.
Thandai Gali – Famous for lassi and traditional drinks.
Chowk Area – Renowned for delicious chaats.

Where can I try the traditional Banarasi sweets like “Malaiyyo” and “Rabri” from street vendors?
For malaiyyo and rabri, try the lanes around Dashashwamedh Ghat and Godaulia Chowk. Look for vendors near Vishwanath Gali and Gyan Vapi Lane.

Where can I find the most authentic local street food experience in Varanasi?
Godaulia Chowk is famous for authentic Varanasi street food like kachoris, samosas, jalebis, and more. The lanes around Kachori Gali offer an excellent local experience.

Where can I enjoy the famous “Kachori Sabzi” breakfast in Varanasi?
For kachori sabzi, head to iconic shops like Kachori Gali, Ram Bhandar, or Blue Lassi Shop early morning. They open around 6-7am.

Are there any popular street food stalls near the ghats of the Ganges?
Dashashwamedh Ghat and adjoining lanes have many street food stalls selling chaats, sweets, kulfi, lassi, etc. Popular options near the ghats.

Which street food market is ideal for tasting a variety of chaats in Varanasi?
Chowk area is renowned for chaat. Ram Bhandar, Kashi Chaat Bhandar, and Shree Cafe offer chaats like dahi bhalla, aloo tikki, etc.

Are there any particular stalls known for their exceptional “Lassi” in Varanasi?
Thandai Gali near Godaulia has many shops selling the traditional sweet drinks thandai and lassi. Blue Lassi Shop is hugely popular.

Where can I enjoy a satisfying evening of “Pav Bhaji” street food in Varanasi?
Manikarnika Ghat street has a line of Pav Bhaji stalls in the evenings. Options like Premji Pav Bhaji are local favorites.

What are some late-night street food options that are open after dark?
Kashi Panchakki area has street vendors serving late-night snacks like chowmein, rolls, momos, etc. Open till around 2-3 am.

What is the best way to explore multiple street food stalls in Varanasi in one go?
Taking a street food walk tour is a convenient way to try multiple stalls and delicacies. Local guides know the best spots.

Can you recommend places for street food where I can socialize with locals?
Shivala Ghat, Dashashwamedh Ghat, and Chowk area have bustling evening food markets where you can mingle with locals.