Why Banaras Street Food is a Must-Try
Banaras, also known as Varanasi, is one of the oldest cities in the world. Along with its spiritual and cultural charm, the city is also famous for its unique street food. The lanes of Banaras are filled with the smell of hot ghee, sweet syrup, and spicy chaat. Each dish tells a story of tradition and local taste. Whether you’re here for a religious trip or just to explore, the street food in Varanasi is something you should not miss. Here are the top 10 street foods you must try when you’re in the city.
1.Kachori Sabzi at Thatheri Bazaar – The Classic Banaras Breakfast
If you’re in Banaras in the morning, start your day with kachori sabzi. These crispy puris are stuffed with a spicy dal mixture and served with a flavorful potato curry. The dish is usually enjoyed with a piece of jalebi on the side. Thatheri Bazaar is the most popular spot to taste this filling and tasty breakfast.
2.Tamatar Chaat at Deena Chat Bhandar – A Tangy and Spicy Mix
Tamatar chaat is a dish you will only find in Banaras. It is made by cooking mashed tomatoes in ghee with spices, hing (asafoetida), and crispy namak paras. Topped with chutneys and coriander, this dish is both sweet and spicy. Deena Chat Bhandar near Dashashwamedh Ghat is the best place to try it.
3.Malaiyyo in Chowk Area – A Light Dessert for Winter Mornings
Malaiyyo is a special winter dessert made by whipping milk overnight and mixing it with saffron and cardamom. It is light like foam and melts in your mouth. It’s served in small earthen cups called kulhads. You’ll find this sweet treat early in the morning in the Chowk area during the winter months.
4.Baati Chokha at Assi Ghat Bhojanalayas – A Rural Favorite with Urban Love
Baati chokha is a traditional dish from Bihar, but it is very popular in Varanasi too. Baatis are round wheat balls cooked over fire and served with mashed potatoes, roasted brinjal (eggplant), and spicy chutney. Eateries near Assi Ghat serve this dish with lots of ghee and authentic flavors.
5.Choora Matar at Godowlia – A Winter Street Snack You Can’t Miss
Choora matar is made by soaking flattened rice and mixing it with green peas, spices, and ghee. It’s a light dish but full of taste and often eaten for breakfast in the winter. You can find it being served hot and fresh in the lanes around Godowlia.
6.Thandai with Bhang in Godowlia – A Traditional Holi Drink
Thandai is a cooling drink made with milk, almonds, saffron, rose petals, and sometimes a small legal dose of bhang. It is especially popular during festivals like Holi. Godowlia has several shops selling this special drink in kulhads. It’s rich, tasty, and refreshing.
7.Litti Chokha in Lanka Market – Earthy Flavors with a Smoky Touch
Litti chokha is similar to baati chokha but has a filling of sattu (roasted gram flour) inside the litti. The littis are roasted over open flames and served with mashed potato and brinjal chokha. Try it at roadside stalls in Lanka Market in the evening.
8.Dahi Chutney Golgappe at Kashi Chat Bhandar – Crunchy and Creamy Delight
This version of golgappa is filled with potatoes, sweet and tangy chutneys, curd, and special masalas. The mix of crispy puris and creamy curd makes it a perfect evening snack. Kashi Chat Bhandar is known for serving some of the best dahi chutney golgappas in town.
9.Rabri Jalebi at Vishwanath Gali – A Perfect Dessert Combo
Hot jalebis dipped in sugar syrup are served with cold, thick rabri made from condensed milk. This combination is a must-try for anyone with a sweet tooth. Vishwanath Gali has many small shops where you can enjoy this treat after your temple visit.
10.Launglata in Chowk – A Festival Sweet You Can Enjoy Year Round
Launglata is a deep-fried pastry filled with sweet khoya and dry fruits, sealed with a clove, and soaked in sugar syrup. Though it is most popular during Holi, you can find it in sweet shops in Chowk throughout the year.
Taste the True Spirit of Banaras Through Its Street Food
Banaras is a city that feeds not just your stomach but also your soul . Its street food is filled with flavors that reflect its culture and daily life. Whether you prefer spicy, sweet, or tangy dishes, the streets of Varanasi have something for every taste. Don’t forget to explore these local gems on your next visit.
