21 Famous Foods in Varanasi You Shouldn’t Miss

India has a rich food culture, and Varanasi is no exception; in fact, it is a city that offers spiritual satisfaction and satiate the taste buds at the same time. The gastronomic tradition of the city is vast and delightful and it provides the opportunity to enjoy various flavors for the ones situated in the location as well as the travelers. What to Eat in Varanasi: 21 banaras famous food You Shouldn’t Miss in Varanasi. This post aims to reveal famous food in varanasi. It ranges from simple street food to those heartwarming sweet treats that will embark you on a culinary journey through the alleys of this very old town.

1. Kachori Sabzi

Kachori Sabzi is one of the local breakfast staples that can be enjoyed by anyone visiting Banaras. This thin, crisp, deep-fried pastry consists of spiced lentils or peas accompanied by a zesty potato preparation. The flaky outer crust and moist, spicy stuffing make the final dish ideal to enjoy in the morning in Varanasi.

• Best Places to Try: Ram Bhandar in Thatheri Bazaar, Deena Chat Bhandar near Dasaswamedh Ghat
• Pricing: ₹20-30 per plate

2. Aloo Kachori

Aloo Kachori is another popular variant, the member of kachori family from Varanasi area. These pakodas are prepared with spiced mashed potatoes or aloo mixture and are best eaten with the tangy tamarind chutney and spicy green chutney. This is because pairing crispy outer layer with tender, succulent and well seasoned potato filling gives the consumer that irresistible feeling.

• Best Places to Try: Kachori Gali near Kashi Vishwanath Temple, Vishwanath Gali
• Pricing: ₹15-25 per piece

3. Baati Chokha

Baati Chokha is a very simple and homey dish that hails from Bihar but thanks to its popularity in Varanasi, it made its way to my plate. Baati are wheat rolls prepared from wheat flour and baked over coal and chokha is a vegetable mush usually of potatoes, tomatoes and eggplant. With ghee and dal, the combination of roti and sabji is complete and provides a fulfilling meal.

• Best Places to Try: Baati Chokha Restaurant in Lanka, Madhur Milan Cafe in Bhelupur
• Pricing: ₹100-150 per plate

4. Chena Dahi Vada

Chena Dahi Vada is a regional delicacy having roots with Banaras and is a variation of dahi vada. Unlike the conventional lentil batter-based vadas, these are made with chena (cottage cheese) and are subsequently submerged in spiced yogurt. Enriched with tamarind chutney and green chutney, enhanced by spices, the layers of flavor elevate this dish, and the crunch of the coating complements the soft falvour of the vegetables.

• Best Places to Try: Deena Chat Bhandar near Dasaswamedh Ghat, Kashi Chat Bhandar in Godowlia
• Pricing: ₹40-60 per plate

5. Choora Matar

Choora Matar is one such dish which is widely consumed during the winter season in Varanasi. This dish is made from flattened rice called choora and green peas matar, which has been cooked with various spices and then topped with coriander. It is easy, delightfully tasty and what is more important – it can be served as a snack or a light lunch.

• Best Places to Try: Street vendors near Assi Ghat, Banarasi Zaika in Lanka
• Pricing: ₹30-50 per plate

6. Laaiya Channa

Laaiya Channa is indeed one Banarasi street food which is basically laaiya (puffed rice) mixed with spiced chickpeas(channa). The dish is then garnished with spices, lemon juice, and fresh coriander to give a good taste and good mix of salad. Locals enjoy it as a snack in the evening.

• Best Places to Try: Street vendors near Manikarnika Ghat, Kashi Chat Bhandar in Godowlia
• Pricing: ₹20-30 per serving

7. Dahi Chutney Golgappe

Dahi Chutney Golgappe is what the people of Varanasi love to have as the street food or snack. These crunchy and blistered puri shells are stuffed with spicy mashed potatoes, boiled chana, and topped up with both sweet and sour chutneys. The distinctive feature of these recipes is the inclusion of creamy yogurt, which gives the dessert a new dimension of taste.

• Best Places to Try: Deena Chat Bhandar near Dasaswamedh Ghat, Kashi Chat Bhandar in Godowlia
• Pricing: ₹30-50 for 6-8 pieces

8. Tamatar Chaat

Tamatar Chaat is a spicy and sour traditional meal that reflects Varanasi emphasis on the peculiar taste combinations. The dish consists of ripe tomatoes filled with boiled potatoes, spices, and chutneys and served with toasted sev. This is a style of chaat that makes ones taste buds tingle with all sorts of flavors with every spoon full.

• Best Places to Try: Street vendors near Assi Ghat, Kashi Chat Bhandar in Godowlia
• Pricing: ₹30-50 per plate

9. Malaiyyo

Malaiyo or Nimish, is a special food prepared in the winter season, and is peculiar to the city of Varanasi. This heavenly treat is done by beating milk cream until it is smooth and fluffy, infused with saffron and cardamom. He says it is traditionally served in clay pots and one can only get it during the winter season only.

• Best Places to Try: Godowlia Chowk area, Chowk area near Kashi Vishwanath Temple
• Pricing: ₹30-50 per serving

10. Rabri Jalebi

Rabri Jalebi is a fabulous mix and is a favorite item of consumption in Varanasi. It is a crispy, syrupy sweet which is accompanied with thick rabri which is a milk based dessert. I was especially impressed with the interplay of texts between crunchy jalebi and the smooth rabri that completes the delightful meals.

• Best Places to Try: Raj Bandhu Sweets in Sigra, Ksheer Sagar in Lanka
• Pricing: ₹60-100 per plate

11. Launglata

One must note that Launglata is actually an ancient Banarasi sweet which is prepared in the shape of a clove or ‘laung’. This is a pastry made by deep frying refined flour and then prepared with khoya, which is a milk product that is reduced in preparation, and the pastry is coated with sugar syrup. It is a sweet and fragrant preparation that is best enjoyed with a samosa.

• Best Places to Try: Shri Ram Bhandar in Thatheri Bazaar, Gopal Ji Ki Dukan in Vishwanath Gali
• Pricing: ₹10-20 per piece

12. Banarasi Paan

It needs no saying that during a tour to Varanasi, one must taste Banarasi Paan. This post-meal palate cleanser comprises of a betel leaf having an areca nut, slaked lime and generously filled with other sweet and savoury items. Banarasi version is slightly different in terms of tastes and is supposed to be India’s best Biryani.

• Best Places to Try: Keshav Tambaku Bhandar near Godowlia Chowk, Netram Paan Bhandar in Lanka
• Pricing: ₹20-50 per paan, depending on the variety

13. Thandai

Thandai is a cooling non-alcoholic drink that is consumed with milk, usually during the festivity time like Holi or Mahashivratri. Using nuts, seeds, and spices, this drink is perfect for hot days in Varanasi, India Due to its quality, it proves to be refreshing. Some versions also contain bhang (cannabis), particularly during the Holi festival, as an extra ingredient.

• Best Places to Try: Blue Lassi Shop near Manikarnika Ghat, Baba Thandai Shop in Godowlia
• Pricing: ₹30-50 per glass

14. Kulhad Chai

Kulhad Chai is a special kind of tea that every food lover should not miss while in Varanasi. This hot beverage is served in small clay cups known as kulhads and is also famous for its one-of-its-kind rich clay taste. The chai generally comes supplemented by spices, making it more of a warm cup of good cheer for all hours of the day.

• Best Places to Try: Assi Ghat area, Pappu Chai Wala near Vishwanath Temple
• Pricing: ₹10-20 per kulhad

15. Lassi

 

Lassi is a yogurt-based drink which is commonly sold in northern part of India and one of the famous Lassi ever is the one which is from Varanasi. It is available in both sweet and salty version, and is served chilled, typically garnished with cream and sometimes fruit juices such as mango or strawberry.

• Best Places to Try: Blue Lassi Shop near Manikarnika Ghat, Badal’s House of Lassi in Assi
• Pricing: ₹30-60 per glass, depending on the variety

16. Bun Rabdi Maska

Rabdi Toast is a sweet dish that people are already beginning to accept and include in the food choices in Varanasi. It contains the thick sweetened milk preparation rabdi and the crunchy bread toast. The warm toasted bread, especially buttered toast, is perfectly accompanied by chilled rabdi which have different temperatures very pleasing to the palate.

• Best Places to Try: Sharmas’ Tea Emporium in Lanka, Ksheer Sagar in Bhelupur
• Pricing: ₹50-80 per serving

17. Aloo Tikki

Aloo Tikki is one of the famous food stalls of Varanasi where deep fried mashed potatoes form patties, accompanied with chutney and occasionally, yoghurt & sev. It’s a very simple and quick snack or a light meal where you get a crisp outside layer and soft potatoes inside it.

• Best Places to Try: Kashi Chat Bhandar in Godowlia, Street vendors near Assi Ghat
• Pricing: ₹20-40 per plate

Conclusion

Food joints are as holy as the religion of Varanasi, as much as the temples are considered sacred. No matter what your need is, whether you are in a mood for a quick snack or an evening’s meal or to satiate your sweet tooth, the city has it all. If you are wandering through the ghats, worshipping the temples or shopping in the crowded lanes, do not forget to taste on these tasty foods of Varanasi. Every dish has its back story and the love that the city has for food and its innovation is portrayed in those dishes. Thus, this is the best opportunity to start this true culinary journey and try the most delicious Banarasi dishes!

FAQs Related To Banaras’s Famous Food

What are the most famous foods in Varanasi to try?
Banarasi paan, kachori sabzi, tamatar chaat, and lassi.

What is Varanasi famous for food-wise?
Street food and vegetarian cuisine, reflecting its spiritual significance.

Which are the must-try dishes in Banaras?
Baati chokha, malaiyo (seasonal milk-based dessert), and Banarasi thali.

What are some delicious street foods in Varanasi?
Golgappas, various chaat varieties, and hot kachoris.

What are the best vegetarian options for food in Varanasi?
Malai toast, alu kachori, and Banarasi kadai paneer.

Where can I find the most authentic Varanasi food?
In the old city, particularly around Dashashwamedh Ghat and Godowlia market.

What are some unique food experiences to have in Varanasi?
Enjoying a traditional meal at a local home or taking a cooking class to learn Banarasi recipes.

Are there any specific food festivals in Varanasi?
No major food festivals, but religious festivals often feature special local delicacies.

What are some good options for breakfast in Varanasi?
Kachori sabzi, poori aloo, and jalebi with rabri.

What is the best time of day to experience the Varanasi food scene?
Early morning for breakfast specialties and evening for vibrant street food culture.