Popular Foods of Varanasi

Varanasi is one of the oldest living cities in the world, and its street food is as elaborate as the city’s history. Since Aryan culture is found in the holy city, vegetarian cuisine is mostly followed with some exceptions. The food of Varanasi is impacted by nearby states including Bihar and West Bengal, which has been given a different flavour by the locals of the city. Unless one tastes the popular street food of Varanasi, a trip is incomplete. Food is an essential part of Varanasi’s culture. Thousands of Indian and foreign tourists enjoy the city’s cuisine every day. A few locations and special treats will tickle your taste buds while you’re in Varanasi.

Kachori Sabzi

Kachori Sabzi is the most popular breakfast in Varanasi. There are two different types of Kachoris- Badi and Choti Kachori. Badi Kachori is stuffed with lentils called Dal Ki Pithi while Choti Kachori is stuffed with spicy mashed potato. The Kachoris are served with a tangy and aromatic Aloo curry, which is made using a generous amount of cloves and black pepper. Green chillies and dry red chillies have added the curry to make it hot and spicy. Where: Ram Bhandar, Thatheri Bazaar and Kachori Gali

Malaiyyo

Malaiyyo is a popular winter street dessert in Varanasi. It is prepared by churning the milk slowly to create a creamy texture. The milk foam is flavoured with saffron and cardamoms and garnished with pistachios and almonds on the top. It is an Unforgettable light and perfectly sweet which is served in Purva or kulhads. Malayiyyo is a secret of Varanasi, which can only experience while visiting this eternal city.

Thandai And Lassi

Varanasi is a city that produces lots of milk and curd and therefore, you’ll find them in most of their preparations. Benarasi Thandai is a cold, milk-based drink prepared with a mixture of various dry fruits and flavouring agents like rose essence and saffron. Originated in India it is mainly prepared and enjoyed during Maha Shivaratri and Holi festival but you can enjoy it round the year in Varanasi. Along with that, lassi is available at almost every other street shop from morning till late evening. lassi is a drink that’s made of yoghurt(curd). It is served in a kulhad(earthen pot) topped with Rabri and flavoured with rose essence.

Chhena Dahi Vada

Often dahi vadas are made from lentils but the special Dahi vada of Banaras is made from chhena which is shaped like rasmalai and serve it with sweet curd by adding chaat masala. It is a very tasty and easy and liked recipe. It makes a perfect mix of sweet and sour. The coriander garnishing makes it more refreshing. A perfect dish to enjoy with friends and family.

Baati Chokha

Baati Chokha, a favourite delicacy in Bihar makes a tasty street snack in Varanasi too. Whole wheat dough balls are stuffed with roasted chana dal and spices. These stuffed balls are known as Litties(baati) and are roasted over charcoal. Baati(littie) is dipped generously in desi ghee and served with Chokha, which is made of a spicy mixture of boiled potatoes, tomato and eggplant.

Choora Matar

This street food is a Varanasi version of Maharashtrian Poha and Chiwda of Bihar. Made of flattened(pressed) rice cooked in ghee with green peas, raisins and saffron. Choora Matar is a famous breakfast and evening snack in Varanasi. Spices like black pepper, garam masala and hing are added to increase its taste. Onions are not added to the mixture but milk or cream is added to enhance its texture and flavour. Where: Gopal Mandir Gali

Dahi Chutney Wale Gol Gappe

Gol Gappe is a spicy, sweet and sour delight which are loved by ladies and children. Wafer-thin, crisp Gol Gappas are filled with a spicy mixture of boiled potatoes, chole and then topped with tangy chutneys and curd, flavoured with Imli, Pudina and other spices along with sev. Pomegranate is also sprinkled as a final garnishment on top. Crispy and wholesome, these little packets burst different flavours as soon as you put them in your mouth. Where: Deena Chaat Bhandar

Tamatar Chaat

Tamatar Chaat is a local version of aloo chaat and is made from a mashed mixture of boiled potatoes, tomatoes, onions, green chillies and fresh coriander leaves. This mouthwatering spicy chaat is too hot to handle and is not for the faint-hearted. Spices like pounded ginger, red chilli powder and garam masala are splashed into the dish making it deliciously fiery. It is served in a kullad or dona, a bowl made with palash leaves. Where: Deena Chaat Bhanda

Laaiya Chana

laiya chana is the perfect healthy snacks for busy days and in between meals. Laaiya chana is made of salted puffed rice mixed with peanuts and roasted chickpeas, as well as various other ingredients such as coriander leaves and cumin powder. Additional ingredients, like namkins and corn flakes, can also be added. This is a snack frequented by locals and travellers looking for a quick bite. So, if you’re looking for a delicious snack in between meals, go for laiya chana.

Rabri Jalebi 

Rabri Jalebi is a dessert and delicious snack which is prepared by squeezing a mixture of dough batter in spirals into the hot oil, then dipped into the sugar syrup. Chilled condensed milk (rabri) and hot jalebi is certainly the best combo. Best served hot. So, if you’re looking for a delicious and sweet snack while you’re exploring Varanasi, look no further.

 Banarasi Paan

Banarasi Paan is something that you must try when in Varanasi. Paan is made from beetle nut leaves with beetle nuts or Supari, lime and a mixture of condiments and eaten with tobacco or lime. There is also the Meetha Paan, a version of Paan, devoid of tobacco or lime but filled with sweetened rose petals, fennel seeds and soft and chewy Supari.

Where: Rajendra Chaurasia Paan, Chowk Thana and Deepak Tambul Bhandar, Dashashwamedh Ghat