Situated on the holy banks of river Ganga, Varanasi is the city of Lord Shiva that enchants visitors with exquisite views of its 84 ghats. This place is the center of attraction for tourists from all around the world. But spirituality and beauty aren’t the only things that bring people here. Besides a tourist spot, Varanasi is also known for its delicious cuisine that people love to try when they’re in the city. In fact, many find Varanasi food to be better than that of its neighboring cities like Jaunpur, Allahabad, Patna, and Nalanda. And if that doesn’t compel the foodie in you to book a trip, the following list of the best dishes to try in Varanasi definitely will!
8 Must-try Varanasi Food Items
The following food items must not be missed when you’re in this holy city, especially the street food, which is even a favorite of foreigners that come here.
1. Kachori Sabzi
With the start of the day in Varanasi, the best breakfast in the form of breakfast is kachori sabzi. Kachori is made up of stuffed spices and lentils inside it. And its companion, sabzi is made up of boiled potato fried in vegetable oil and then mixed up with selected spiced to bring its color as well as taste.
Location: Every nuke and corner of the city
Price: INR 30 to 50
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2. Malaiyyo (Stuffed Butter Foam)
Makkhan Malaiyyo or stuffed butter foam is another popular food in the streets of Varanasi. Milk froth is flavored with saffron, almonds, and cardamoms. This is served in the mud pot. This rich creamy froth of butter will melt in your mouth and left a creamy impression upon you. The Ghats of Varanasi are rich in this type of food serving. Having a spoonful of Malaiyo in your hand and sitting near the banks of Ganga adds charm.
Location: Godowlia Chowk
Price: INR 40 to 50
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3. Chana Dahi Vada
The curd lovers would like this another delicacy of Varanasi. The milk cheese is dipped in the sweet yogurt with a tasty combination of spices. After that, it is decorated with the coriander leaves for an appealing look. The chutney of tamarind and chilli adds more taste to this, however, it depends on the customer. This is a perfect dish to enjoy with nearer and friends.
Location: Everywhere in Varanasi
Price: INR 80 to 150
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4. Choora Matar (Fried Soaked Rice With Peas)
Varanasi food stall starts decorating in the winter evening with this delicious evening snacks. This food item is often cooked in almost every house of Varanasi as the evening dish. The dish is made with flattened rice soaked in ghee or vegetable oil with green peas with other added spices. It tastes good when there is a cup of tea with it.
Location: Street-side stalls near the ghats
Price: INR 60 to 80
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5. Thandai And Lassi
The city of Varanasi is a large scale milk producer, so one can find a large number of milk products all around the Varanasi. Thandai is made from seasonal fruit puree. Lassi is made from the curd with added sugar and rose water. This is one of the most common food-items in every nuke and corner of Varanasi. It is served chilled with the toppings of rabri floating on it. There is also a special lassi where toppings of fruits are there.
Location: Ravidas Gate
Price: INR 30 to 90
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6. Baati Chokha
Baati chokha, also famous as litti chokha, is a famous food of Bihar now savored in the streets of Varanasi almost everywhere. It is a tasty snack in Varanasi. Baati is made with wheat, round in shape, stuffed with sattu and chokha is the mixture of mashed potato and brinjal with added spices for taste. People like to keep chokha less spicy. It is served hot with sprinkled ghee on it. Desserts taken after this tasty food adds more love to this beautiful and delicious food item.
Location: Several kiosks in Varanasi, Baati Chokha Restaurant Telibagh
Price: INR 50 to 80
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7. Tomato Chaat
Varanasi has its way of preparing tasty chaat with tomatoes and various other materials. You can find this only in Varanasi. It is a spicy blend of coriander, boiled potatoes, green chilies, pounded ginger, and addition of spices. It is served in a bowl made of leaves. Other delicious materials are also added as per the convenience of the customers.
Location: Godowlia Chowk
Price: INR 50 to 100
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8. Paan (Betel-nut)
Banaras is famous in the whole of India for its Pan or betel and nut. In almost every mouth of Varanasi people, you can find this combination of betel and nut. This has its variety in different aspects. This is preferred by almost every age of people. Now this famous food item of Varanasi is projected at the world level. For its costly version, it is stuffed in the works of gold and silver making it the costly paan of the place.
Location: All paan shops in Varanasi
Price: INR 5 to 30 rupees
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So, which of these awesome Varanasi food varieties are you going to munch on first? Connect with TravelTriangle’s expert agents and plan a great holiday in Varanasi to enjoy its delicious culinary delights and its rich heritage.
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Frequently Asked Questions About Varanasi Food
How to reach Varanasi?
The nearest airport to Varanasi is Varanasi airport which is 22 km away from the city center. The nearest railway station is Varanasi Cantt railway station. You can take a bus, taxi, or auto rickshaw from these places to get anywhere in Varanasi.
Are there any good hotels in Varanasi?
Yes, Varanasi has a range of good budget and luxurious hotels equipped with modern facilities and designed to provide every bit of comfort to visitors.
Where can one eat in Varanasi?
Varanasi has plenty of street-side stalls, dhabas, low-budget eateries, and high-end restaurants where people can enjoy the variety of Varanasi food.
What is the best time to visit Varanasi?
September and October is considered to be the most ideal time to visit Varanasi.
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Exploring new places and trying out new food cuisines are two things that bring Seema all the happiness. Travel freak and a die-hard foodie are the synonyms that define her the best. Popular on social media by the name of ‘PandaReviewz’, lazing around the beaches, exploiting the sunset points, visiting the farthermost villages, exploring the renowned cities, trying out new food cuisines, and blogging about them are few things that keep Seema occupied, and happy!
