Varanasi, the ancient holy city on the banks of the Ganges River, is renowned not only for its ghats and temples but also for its incredible street food. Among the lip-smacking delicacies you’ll find in Varanasi, the tamatar chaats stand out as some of the most iconic and delicious.
Tamatar, or tomato, is an integral ingredient in many chaats. The juicy, tangy tomato adds a burst of flavor and beautiful color. In Varanasi, you’ll find tamatar chaats made with ripe, red tomatoes during tomato season or even with tangy green tomatoes when red ones are not in season. The tomatoes are combined with various chutneys, spices, herbs and crunchy sev or bhujia to create irresistible explosions of taste.
Table of Contents
8 Best Tamatar Chaat in Varanasi
1. Keshari Deenanath Chaat Bhandar
Operating since 1980, this tiny shop near Assi Ghat is the go-to place for tamatar chaat in Varanasi. Their special ‘tamatar chaat’ contains chopped and smashed tomatoes seasoned with lime juice, powdered spices, beaten curd and topped with mint chutney. The balance of flavors is just perfect and keeps you craving for more.
- Address: 121, Chowk, Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh 221001
- Timings: 11 am to 11 pm
- Google Rating: 4.3 out of 5 stars (based on 900+ reviews)
- Speciality: Tamatar chaat, aloo tikki, golgappa, pani puri
- Other details: This is the oldest and most famous place for tamatar chaat in Varanasi. It has been around for over 50 years and is a popular spot for locals and tourists alike. The tamatar chaat here is made with fresh tomatoes, spices, and herbs, and is served with a generous amount of chutney.
2. Deena Chaat Bhandar
Located in the bustling streets of Godowlia market, Deena Chaat Bhandar draws foodies from all over Varanasi. Their tamatar chaat contains juicy tomatoes garnished with crispy sev, fine chopped onions, coriander leaves, green chilly and lemon juice. The addition of curd and tamarind chutney adds a tangy twist to this street style chaat.
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- Address: Dashashwamedh Ghat, Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh 221001
- Timings: 11 am to 11pm
- Google Rating: 4.2 out of 5 stars (based on 2,500+ reviews)
- Speciality: Tamatar chaat, aloo tikki, golgappa, pani puri
- Other details: This is another popular place for tamatar chaat in Varanasi. The chaat here is made with a unique blend of spices that gives it a distinct flavor. They also serve other popular chaat items like aloo tikki, golgappa, and pani puri.
3. Kashi Chaat Bhandar
Operating since the 1930s, Kashi Chaat Bhandar near Dashashwamedh Ghat is an iconic chaat shop in Varanasi. Their tamatar chaat is made from freshly chopped tomatoes mixed with hung curd, ginger, green chilly, rock salt and black salt. A shower of sev and spices adds crunch while the mint and tamarind chutneys enhance the taste.
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- Address: Godowlia, Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh 221001
- Timings: 11 am to 11pm
- Google Rating: 4.1 out of 5 stars (based on 1,200+ reviews)
- Speciality: Tamatar chaat, aloo tikki, golgappa, pani puri
- Other details: This is one of the oldest chaat places in Varanasi. They have been serving chaat for over 70 years and are a popular spot for locals and tourists alike. The tamatar chaat here is made with fresh tomatoes, spices, and herbs, and is served with a generous amount of chutney.
4. Ram Bhandar
Specializing in chaat for over a century, Ram Bhandar near Dashashwamedh Ghat attracts both locals and tourists for their flavorful tamatar chaat. Plump tomatoes mixed with mathri crumbs, sprouted beans, spices and chutneys come together in an explosion of textures and tastes. Don’t forget to try their unique tomato kulfi served in a tomato bowl.
- Address: 106, Chowk, Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh 221001
- Timings: 11 am to 11pm
- Google Rating: 4.0 out of 5 stars (based on 700+ reviews)
- Speciality: Tamatar chaat, aloo tikki, golgappa, pani puri
- Other details: This is a popular place for chaat in Varanasi. They serve a variety of chaat items, including tamatar chaat, aloo tikki, golgappa, and pani puri. The chaat here is made with fresh ingredients and is served in generous portions.
5. Babu Chaat Corner
Tucked in the narrow lanes of Vishwanath Gali, Babu Chaat Corner whips up lip-smacking tamatar chaats laced with curd, chutneys and spices. The tomatoes are nice and tangy, contrasted by the crunchy mathri pieces and flavored with coriander, tamarind and mint chutneys.
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- Address: 105, Chowk, Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh 221001
- Timings: 11 am to 11pm
- Google Rating: 4.1 out of 5 stars (based on 500+ reviews)
- Speciality: Tamatar chaat, aloo tikki, golgappa, pani puri
- Other details: This is a small, family-run business that has been serving chaat in Varanasi for over 30 years. The tamatar chaat here is made with a special blend of spices that gives it a unique flavor. They also serve other popular chaat items like aloo tikki, golgappa, and pani puri.
6. Kachauri Gali
True to its name, Kachauri Gali is heaven for chaat lovers with shops lined up serving endless variations. For tamatar chaat, head to Vishwanath Chaat Bhandar which serves tangy tamatar chaat garnished with boondi, sev, onions, chaat masala and chillies for a nice kick. The tomato flavor shines through brightly in this irresistible street snack.
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- Address: Kachauri Gali, Chowk, Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh 221001
- Timings: 5 am to 11pm
- Google Rating: 4.0 out of 5 stars (based on 1,000+ reviews)
- Speciality: Tamatar chaat, kachori, samosas
- Other details: This is a famous street in Varanasi that is known for its chaat and snacks. Many stalls in this gali sell tamatar chaat, kachori, samosas, and other snacks. The chaat here is made with fresh ingredients and is served in generous portions.
7. Pandit Chaat Bhandar
Last but not the least, Pandit Chaat Bhandar located on Dashashwamedh Road whips up light and flavorsome tamatar chaats. Fresh tomatoes are seasoned with black salt, ginger, green chilies and roasted cumin powder for a tantalizing chaat bursting with taste.
- Address: 143, Chowk, Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh 221001
- Timings: 11 am to 11pm
- Google Rating: 4.0 out of 5 stars (based on 400+ reviews)
- Speciality: Tamatar chaat, aloo tikki, golgappa, pani puri
- Other details: This is a small, no-frills chaat shop that has been serving chaat in Varanasi for over 20 years. The tamatar chaat here is made with a simple recipe that is full of flavor. They also serve other popular chaat items like aloo tikki, golgappa, and pani puri.
Conclusion
The melt-in-the-mouth tamatar chaats available at these iconic joints in Varanasi is an experience every foodie must have. The next time you are in Varanasi, be sure to go on a chaat trail and try the city’s signature tamatar chaats at these places. The burst of sweet, tangy and spicy flavors will leave your tastebuds happy and longing for more.
FAQs Related To Best Tamatar Chaat in Varanasi
Where can I find the best Tamatar Chaat in Varanasi?
Some of the best places to have Tamatar chaat in Varanasi are Blue Lassi Shop near Dashashwamedh Ghat, Kashi Chaat Bhandar in Godowlia, and Tamatar Chaat stall near Assi Ghat.
What makes Varanasi’s Tamatar Chaat special?
The tamatar chaat in Varanasi stands out for its tangy tomato-based gravy made from ripe tomatoes, complemented by crisp fried patties of mashed potatoes (aloo tikki) or dahi vadas. The rich sweet-tangy-spicy flavors are unmatched.
How spicy is the Tamatar Chaat usually served in Varanasi?
The standard tamatar chaat served in Varanasi typically ranges from mildly spicy to medium spicy. The spice levels can be customized as per your preference when you order. You can request the vendor to tone down or increase the spices.
Can I customize the spice level of Tamatar Chaat?
Yes, you can easily customize the spice level of tamatar chaat everywhere. Just specify whether you want it mild, medium or very spicy when you place the order. The vendors oblige happily.
What is the cost range for Tamatar Chaat in Varanasi?
The cost of tamatar chaat varies from stall to stall, but on average is between ₹50 to ₹80 per plate. Portion sizes are quite generous. Some places may charge higher.
Are there any variations of Tamatar Chaat that include fusion ingredients?
There are a few variations of tamatar chaat found such as schezwan tamatar chaat which includes schezwan sauce and spices. Some places serve cheese tamatar chaat topped with grated cheese. But the traditional tamatar chaat is most popular.
Do Tamatar Chaat stalls follow specific hygiene standards in preparation?
The famous chaat stalls and vendors ensure good hygiene standards while preparing tamatar chaat. Basic precautions like using filtered water, covering food to avoid flyovers, hand hygiene are followed at most places. However, please check personally before ordering.