Must-Try Food in Varanasi

The Culinary Soul of Banaras

Food in Varanasi is not just about taste—it’s a ritual, a celebration, and an inseparable part of the city’s culture. From the bustling ghats to narrow gullies, Banaras tempts with a palette of flavors that range from spicy street snacks to cooling drinks and traditional sweets. Every dish reflects devotion, history, and the spirit of Kashi.

1. Kachori Sabzi

The iconic Banarasi breakfast begins with hot, crisp kachoris stuffed with lentils or spiced fillings, served with a tangy, spicy potato curry. Often accompanied by jalebi, this combination is loved by locals and visitors alike. Famous places include Kachori Gali near Vishwanath Temple and Ram Bhandar at Thatheri Bazaar.

2. Jalebi

Golden, syrupy spirals of jalebi are the sweet counterpart to kachori-sabzi. Fried crisp and soaked in sugar syrup, Banarasi jalebis are often eaten for breakfast. Try them fresh at Rajbandhu or small corner shops in Chowk.

3. Tomato Chaat

Unique to Varanasi, tamatar chaat is a spicy, tangy snack made with mashed boiled potatoes, tomatoes, spices, and garnishes—served in small leaf bowls. Visit Kashi Chat Bhandar at Godowlia for the most famous version.

4. Malaiyo (Winter Special)

Available only in winter, Malaiyo is a delicate, saffron-flavored milk froth served in clay cups. It melts instantly in the mouth, leaving behind a trail of sweetness. Head to Thatheri Bazaar early in the morning to savor this seasonal delicacy.

5. Banarasi Lassi

Thick, creamy, and served in clay kulhads, Banarasi lassi is topped with a dollop of malai and often flavored with rose essence or saffron. Blue Lassi Shop in Kachori Gali is world-famous for its inventive fruit lassis.

6. Thandai & Bhang

Thandai is a refreshing milk-based drink with nuts, saffron, and spices. During Holi and Shivratri, it’s often infused with bhang (cannabis), making it a festive specialty. Baba Thandai and Thandai Ghar are iconic stops in Godowlia.

7. Banarasi Paan

The Banarasi paan is legendary—betel leaves filled with areca nut, slaked lime, and a variety of sweet or savory fillings. Symbolic of hospitality, it’s enjoyed after meals and immortalized in Bollywood songs. Try Keshav Paan Bhandar or Mehta Paan near Godowlia.

8. More Street Food

Beyond the classics, Banaras offers baati chokha (wheat dough balls with spiced filling and roasted brinjal mash), samosas, chena dahi vada, golgappas, and rabri. The flavors are diverse, yet each carries the rustic charm of Banaras.

9. Sweets of Banaras

From rabri and pedas to balushahi and lal peda, the sweet shops of Varanasi are always buzzing. Shree Rajbandhu and Deena Chat Bhandar are renowned for their wide variety of mithais.

10. Cafes & Dining Spots

Varanasi has also embraced modern cafés and casual dining while keeping its roots intact. Popular choices include:

Open Hand Café – Known for coffee and global snacks.
Aum Café – Vegetarian, organic food near Assi Ghat.
Pizzeria Vatika – Famous apple pie and pizza with a river view.
Kerala Café – South Indian dishes in the heart of Banaras.
Dosa Café – Specializes in unique dosa varieties.

The Flavor of Varanasi

In Varanasi, food is an emotion woven into the fabric of devotion and community. Whether it’s the crunch of a kachori, the sweetness of malaiyo, the coolness of lassi, or the aftertaste of paan, every bite carries centuries of culture. The ghats may be the city’s heartbeat, but its food is the soul that keeps people returning.