Varanasi street food offers an incredible mix of flavors, textures, and cultural influences. If you ever visit, don’t miss the chance to taste these local delicacies
Varanasi is famous for its vibrant street food scene, where you can sample a variety of local delicacies that reflect the essence of the city.
It is an essential part of the experience. Here are some of the most famous street foods of Varanasi:
Kachori-Sabazi (famous Varanasi street food)
A popular breakfast snack, Kachori features a deep-fried dough ball stuffed with a spicy filling of lentils or potatoes. People typically serve it with a tangy, spicy potato gravy (sabzi) and chutneys. You can taste it at Thatheri Bazaar, Chowk
Banarasi Paan
Visit to Varanasi is incomplete without tasting its famous paan (betel leaf stuffed with a mix of crushed nuts, spices, and sometimes sweeteners). Banarasi Paan is known for its unique flavor and variety. You can find it Near the ghats and at local paan shops.
Chaat (Varanasi-style)
Varanasi offers its own unique variation of chaat, especially Pani Puri and Aloo Tikki Chaat. Pani Puri here is served with a spicy, tangy water and is known for its extra crunch. You can find it at Kashi Chaat Bhandar, Godowlia.
Lassi
Lassi Varanasi is also famous for its thick, creamy lassi. It is a yogurt-based drink that is sweet or salted, often served in traditional clay cups. They often top lassi in Varanasi with a layer of malai (cream). You can find it at Blue Lassi Shop.
Tamatar Chaat
A unique dish found only in Varanasi, Tamatar Chaat is a spicy, tangy mix of mashed tomatoes, onions, potatoes, and chutneys. People often top it with yogurt and sev (crunchy noodles). You can taste it at Kashi Chaat Bhandar, Vishwanath Gali.
Jalebi (famous Varanasi street food)
A sweet, deep-fried dessert made from maida (flour) batter that is fried in circular shapes and soaked in sugar syrup. The crunchy, syrupy texture is irresistible. You can find it at local sweet shops.
Baati Chokha
A traditional dish from the Bhojpuri region, Baati Chokha consists of round wheat flour balls (baati) served with mashed vegetables like eggplant (baingan) and tomatoes, often spiced with mustard oil and garlic. You can get taste of it at Baati Chokha Restaurant, Teliyabag
Kulhar chai(Tea in a Clay Cup)
Tea served in traditional clay cups (kulhars) adds a rustic flavor to the experience. It’s a must-try, especially while sitting at one of the many tea stalls by the ghats. You can get Tea stalls along the ghats and near temples
Mallaio and Rabri (famous Varanasi street food)
Tea served in traditional clay cups (kulhars) adds a rustic flavor to the experience. It’s a must-try, especially while sitting at one of the many tea stalls by the ghats. You can get Tea stalls along the ghats and near temples.