Gastronomy in Varanasi is an adventure for the senses. The city's food culture is deeply influenced by its 'Satvik' traditions, yet it offers some of the most flavorful street food in India. From the lanes of Kachori Gali to the sweet shops of Thatheri Bazaar, every bite tells a story.
A Day of Banarasi Eating
Start your morning like a local with a plate of hot Chuda Matar or Kachori-Sabzi. For the best food experience, align your culinary tour with fairs and festivals, when special seasonal delicacies like Malaiyo are served.
The 'Must-Taste' List
- Malaiyo: A winter-exclusive frothy milk dessert flavored with saffron and cardamom. It is incredibly light and disappears instantly on the tongue.
- Tamatar Chaat: Unique to Varanasi, this is a spicy tomato mash cooked with local spices and topped with sev.
- Banarasi Paan: The legendary betel leaf preparation. The 'Meetha' (sweet) version is a perfect palate cleanser after a spicy meal.
- Lassi at Blue Lassi: Famous worldwide, these thick yogurts are topped with fresh fruits and Malai.
- Baati Chokha: A rustic, wholesome meal consisting of wheat balls (baati) baked over coal, served with mashed vegetables (chokha).
Explore Culinary Delights of Banaras (12)
Kachori Sabzi
Kachori Sabzi is the soul of a Banarasi morning. This quintessential breakfast consists of two types of kachoris: the 'Badi' (large) kachori stuffed w...
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Chhena Dahi Vada
Chhena is similar to Rasmalai in terms of shape and is dipped in sweet Yoghurt and a hint of masala made of jeera and black salt. It makes for a perfe...
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Jalebi
No morning in Banaras is complete without the crunch of a hot, syrupy Jalebi. These golden spirals of fermented batter are deep-fried until crisp and ...
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Thandai & Lassi
Thandai and Lassi are the quintessential beverages of Varanasi, celebrated for their richness and refreshing qualities. The Banarasi Lassi is a thick,...
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Dahi Chutney Wale Gol Gappe
Dahi Chutney wale Gol Gappe are also popularly known as Meethe Golgappe that offer both spicy and sweet flavours. These street snacks are just like ch...
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Laaiya Chana
Laaiya Chana is similar to what Jhalmuri and Bhelpuri is but it has soaked boiled chana instead of puffed rice. It includes onions, tomatoes, peanuts ...
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Baati Chokha
Baati Chokha represents the rustic, wholesome heart of North Indian cuisine. This traditional meal consists of 'Baati'—hard wheat rolls slow-cooked ov...
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Tamatar Chaat
Tamatar Chaat is a culinary gem that you will only find in the lanes of Banaras. Unlike the potato-based chaats found elsewhere, this version uses a b...
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Chaat
Chaat is among the other foods that Varanasi is known for. Right from aloo tikki – potato patties served with chickpea curry and topped with chu...
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Malaiyyo
Malaiyyo (or Makkan Malaiyyo) is an ethereal winter delicacy that feels like tasting a cloud. This seasonal dessert is made by leaving milk out under ...
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Choora Matar
This street food is basically a Benarasi twist to the Poha or Kanda Poha. It is flattened rice soaked in desi ghee and tempered with various spices al...
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Banarasi Paan
Banarasi paan is famous across the world because of its awesome taste. People usually eat PAAN after meal as a mouth fresher to remove the bad odour f...
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