Varanasi’s Culinary Delights: A Guide to the City’s Must-Try Street Food

Varanasi, also known as Banaras, is one of the oldest cities in the world, situated in the northern state of Uttar Pradesh, India. This city is a perfect blend of culture, religion, and gastronomy.

The streets of Varanasi are known for their mouth-watering street food, which is loved by both locals and tourists alike. From savoury chaats to sweet desserts, Varanasi’s street food has something for every palate.

In this post, we will take you on a culinary journey through Varanasi’s must-try street food.

Kachori Sabzi

Kachori Sabzi is a popular breakfast dish in Varanasi. Kachori is a deep-fried pastry filled with spiced lentils, peas, or potatoes, and sabzi is a vegetable curry made with potatoes, peas, and spices. The combination of crispy kachori and spicy sabzi is a treat to the taste buds.

Banarasi Paan

Banarasi Paan is a specialty of Varanasi, and it is famous all over India. Paan is a betel leaf filled with various fillings like areca nut, tobacco, and a mixture of spices and sweeteners. Banarasi Paan is known for its unique blend of ingredients like rose petals, gulkand, and silver foil, which makes it stand out from other varieties of paan.

Tamatar Chaat

Tamatar Chaat is a popular street food in Varanasi, especially during the winter months. It is made with boiled potatoes, tomatoes, and a mix of spices like cumin powder, red chili powder, and chaat masala. The chaat is garnished with coriander leaves and served hot.

Lassi

Lassi is a refreshing drink made with yogurt, water, and sugar. It is a perfect drink to beat the scorching heat during the summer months in Varanasi. The lassi is served in a clay pot or a tall glass, and it is garnished with saffron strands and chopped nuts.

Malaiyo

Malaiyo, also known as Nimish, is a winter delicacy in Varanasi. It is a light and fluffy dessert made with milk froth, saffron, and sugar. The dish is served in earthen pots and is sprinkled with chopped nuts.

Baati Chokha

Baati Chokha is a traditional dish from Bihar, but it is popular in Varanasi as well. It is a dish made with baked dough balls called baati, which are served with mashed potatoes or chokha. The chokha is made with roasted eggplant, tomato, and onion, and it is seasoned with mustard oil and spices.

Kachori Jalebi

Kachori Jalebi is a popular street food in Varanasi, especially during breakfast time. It is a combination of sweet and savory dishes, where kachori is served with spicy chutney and jalebi is a sweet fried dessert made with flour, sugar, and syrup.

Samosa

Samosa is a popular street food in India, and Varanasi is no exception. It is a deep-fried pastry filled with spiced potatoes, peas, or lentils. The samosa is served with tamarind chutney and green chutney.

Malai Toast

Malai Toast is a sweet dessert that is popular in Varanasi. It is made with bread slices that are dipped in sweetened milk and topped with thickened cream, chopped nuts, and saffron strands.

Rabri

Rabri is a sweet dish made with condensed milk, sugar, and cardamom. It is a popular dessert in Varanasi, especially during festivals and special occasions. The dish is garnished with chopped nuts and saffron strands.

Thandai

Thandai is a popular drink in Varanasi, especially during the Holi festival. It is a sweet and spicy drink made with milk, sugar, and a mixture of spices like cardamom, fennel seeds, and black pepper. The drink is garnished with chopped nuts and saffron strands.

Kulhad Chai

Kulhad Chai is a unique way of serving tea in Varanasi. It is a hot and spiced tea served in clay cups called kulhad. The tea is made with milk, tea leaves, and a mix of spices like cardamom, ginger, and cinnamon.

Malaiyo Kulfi

Malaiyo Kulfi is a unique dessert that is popular in Varanasi. It is a combination of Malaiyo and Kulfi, where Malaiyo is mixed with condensed milk and frozen to make Kulfi. The dessert is garnished with chopped nuts and saffron strands.

Makhan Malai

Makhan Malai is a winter delicacy in Varanasi. It is a light and frothy dessert made with milk froth, saffron, and sugar. The dish is garnished with chopped nuts and served in earthen pots.

Chhole Bhature

Chhole Bhature is a popular dish in North India, and it is popular in Varanasi as well. It is a combination of spiced chickpeas called chhole and deep-fried bread called bhature. The dish is served with pickles and onion salad.

Final remarks

In conclusion, Varanasi’s street food is a reflection of the city’s rich culture and gastronomy. From savoury chaats to sweet desserts, the street food of Varanasi has something for everyone. If you are planning to visit Varanasi, make sure to try out these must-try street foods to get a taste of the city’s culinary delights.