If you enjoy food, Varanasi’s street food is something you should never miss. The city offers something for everyone, and the list of locations to eat excellent local street food in Varanasi below will help you get there. Varanasi is as old as time, and the city’s street food is as rich as its history.
However, pork and beef are not commonly consumed, and vegetarian food is the norm, with a few outliers owing to Muslim habitations. Varanasi cuisine is distinct due to influences from neighboring Bihar & West Bengal states. Food is a vital part of the city’s culture, and the food here combines modern and traditional styles.
List of the Top 8 Popular Street Food Places in Varanasi:
While the city is decorated this way, your trip to Varanasi will transport you to the age of the Aryan culture. If you enjoy the cuisine, Street food in Varanasi is something you should not miss. The city offers something for everyone, and the list of locations to eat fantastic street food in Varanasi below will help you get there.
1. Blue Lassi Shop
The Blue Lassi Shop in Varanasi is an antique shop that dates back around 75 years and is about 5 minutes from the Manikarnika Ghat. The location is easily identified by its blue tint, which corresponds to its name.
The store, however, is three generations old, and the current owner is a master at providing distinctively flavored lassi, for which this shop is well-known in the city. The shop is situated on Narrow Street, yet it is a hidden treasure for those who enjoy street cuisine.
- Location: Kachori Gali, near Manikarnika Ghat
- Highlights: Known for its thick, creamy lassis served in various flavors with generous toppings of cream and dry fruits.
- Best Time to Visit: Anytime during the day.
- Activities: Enjoy a refreshing lassi while exploring the narrow lanes of Varanasi. Visit Manikarnika Ghat nearby for a glimpse into the city’s spiritual rituals.
- Tips: Don’t miss the photo opportunities with the colorful lassi preparations and the vibrant shop atmosphere.
Read also: Your Ultimate Delhi to Ayodhya Travel Guide
How to Reach Blue Lassi Shop, Varanasi:
2. The Ram Bhandar
Ram Bhandar in Varanasi is situated in Thatheri Bazaar and is recognized for its tangy kachoris. The establishment is famed for its incredible desi ghee recipes, and the ideal time to visit is in the early morning.
The famed aloo sabzi cooked with potato, chickpeas, and unusual spices is served at the historical street food restaurant. Don’t forget to finish with some delicious jalebis for an aromatic delight.
- Location: Thatheri Bazaar
- Highlights: Famous for its Kachori Sabzi, a deep-fried bread served with spicy potato curry.
- Best Time to Visit: Early morning for breakfast.
- Activities: After a hearty breakfast, explore the bustling Thatheri Bazaar, known for its brassware and traditional crafts.
- Tips: Arrive early to avoid long queues and to enjoy the food while it’s freshly prepared.
How to Reach The Ram Bhandar, Varanasi:
3. Kashi Chat Bhandar
Kashi-Chat Bhandar in Varanasi is a well-known shop that reflects the city’s reputation and name. It is regarded as one of the famous street food places in Varanasi, and once you come, you will understand why Varanasi is so fond of their chaat. Tamatar Chaat, Papdi, Panipuri, and Chura Matar are among the several chaats available at the shop.
The most outstanding meals here are Palak Patta and Palak Patta and Tamatar chat which should not be ignored. All the street food served here is reasonably priced and has a distinct taste and flavor. Gulab Jamun and Kulfi Falooda are also available.
- Location: Godowlia
- Highlights: Popular for its Chena Dahi Vada and Tamatar Chaat, offering a unique blend of flavors.
- Best Time to Visit: Afternoon or evening.
- Activities: Stroll through the Godowlia market, where you can shop for souvenirs and traditional Varanasi items.
- Tips: Try multiple chaats to experience the diverse flavors and textures of Varanasi street food.
How to Reach Kashi Chat Bhandar, Varanasi:
4. Baati Chokha Restaurant
Baati Chokha Restaurant invites tourists to its earthy environment of clay furnaces and millstones roasting organic chickpeas and delicious dals. The location is on Puran Das Road and features local art in the form of a modest temple.
They provide the most delectable meals with real Bihar & Uttar Pradesh flavors. You may have sattu paranthas and litti chokhas with steaming hot Dal, eggplant chokha, and a variety of pickles.
- Location: Teliabagh
- Highlights: Traditional Baati Chokha, a dish consisting of baked wheat balls served with mashed spiced vegetables.
- Best Time to Visit: Lunch or dinner.
- Activities: Visit cultural sites nearby and enjoy a rustic dining experience that offers a taste of traditional UP cuisine.
- Tips: Opt for the thali to get a comprehensive taste of various traditional dishes.
How to Reach Baati Chokha Restaurant, Varanasi:
5. Chana Masala Chaat Wala
You must not miss the Chana Masala Chaat on Varanasi’s street. It’s a nutritious chaat with protein-rich Kala chickpeas, basic spices, and a dash of lemon juice.
It’s a delicious roadside snack composed of healthy chana, squishy potato, luscious tomatoes, crisp onions, and a dash of masalas, resulting in a chatpati Tangy chaat with a distinct flavor. It is regarded as one of the famous street food places in Varanasi. It is eventually garnished with green coriander leaves, costing just Rs. 10/-.
How to Reach Chana Masala Chaat Wala, Varanasi: OD 36/1, Godowlia 35/1, Varanasi UP
- Highlights: Known for its spicy and tangy Chana Masala Chaat.
- Best Time to Visit: Evening.
- Activities: Attend the evening Ganga Aarti at Dashashwamedh Ghat and enjoy the vibrant atmosphere.
- Tips: Pair your chaat with a stroll along the ghats to fully immerse yourself in the local culture.
6. Hotel Kalika
A non-vegetarian lunch usually is inconceivable in Varanasi, yet eating excellent Mutton Curry is incredible. However, the Kalika restaurant in Nadesarmake is credible and the ideal spot to sample all non-vegetarian cuisines. It is the best meat restaurant in Varanasi for delicious fish, chicken, and meat meals.
It is a must dish here is goat meat curry offered in a kulhad; however, all dishes are prepared using mud cutlery and heated coal, making it unique. The finger-licking Mutton served at the restaurant is a local favorite.
- Location: Lanka
- Highlights: Famous for its non-vegetarian delicacies, particularly the mutton curry.
- Best Time to Visit: Lunch or dinner.
- Activities: Explore the nearby Banaras Hindu University (BHU) campus and its attractions.
- Tips: If you’re a fan of spicy food, don’t miss the mutton curry, which is a local favorite.
How to Reach Hotel Kalika, Varanasi:
7. Vishwanath Misthan Bhandar
In Varanasi, Vishwanath misthan bhandar, located in Visheshvar ganj, is the most excellent spot to have a delicious breakfast, serving kachoris with a new sabzi daily. It is regarded as one of the Famous street food places in Varanasi.
If you enjoy the sizzling sounds of jalebi & kachoris, this is the most popular eatery in Varanasi. Every morning, there is a crowd of people waiting for their food. You’ll find a tangy, spicy, and scorching hot aloo sabzi with crispy kachori in a leaf bowl.
- Location: Vishwanath Gali
- Highlights: Renowned for its sweets, especially the creamy and delectable rabri.
- Best Time to Visit: Anytime during the day.
- Activities: Visit the nearby Kashi Vishwanath Temple and enjoy the local sweets as a treat.
- Tips: Try a variety of sweets to satisfy your sweet tooth and experience the richness of Varanasi’s dessert culture.
How to Reach Vishwanath Misthan Bhandar, Varanasi:
8. Rahul Milk Bhandar
To have wonderful Malaiyoo, you must go to Rahul Milk Bhandar. It’s a saffron-flavored delicious frothy milk froth available only in Varanasi. The milk form is generated at a low temp, and the foam dissolves as you taste it, leaving a natural sweetness.
It is one of the city’s most underappreciated treasure troves and is only open during winter. It is a delectable dish that you should not skip when in Varanasi.
- Location: Lanka
- Highlights: Known for its rich and creamy milk-based drinks like lassi and flavored milk.
- Best Time to Visit: Morning or evening.
- Activities: Explore the Lanka area, which is bustling with shops and local attractions.
- Tips: Enjoy a lassi to cool down during the hot afternoons, and don’t miss the seasonal flavors.
How to Reach Rahul Milk Bhandar, Varanasi:
Tips for Food Enthusiasts
- Local Hygiene: Choose popular and well-reviewed places to ensure good hygiene and quality.
- Peak Times: Visit during peak times to experience the lively street food culture and freshly prepared dishes.
- Cultural Etiquette: Be respectful of local customs and practices while dining.
- Photography: Capture the vibrant scenes of street food, but always ask for permission before taking photos of people.
Conclusion
Your visit to Varanasi will remind you of the Kashi Vishwanath temple, the Ghats, and so on. What shouldn’t be ignored here, though, is the food, since the city has it all, from lip-smacking chaats to delectable sweets to please your sweet taste.
Varanasi is a foodie’s paradise; they will undoubtedly fall in love with Varanasi’s street cuisine, which has intriguing flavors, textures, and combinations. To make your vacation unforgettable, visit the locations mentioned above to experience the most incredible street delicacies in Varanasi.
More Information on Varanasi:
- Varanasi List of Most Popular Ghats
- Famous Tourist Destination to Visit in Varanasi
- Varanasi 12 Most Popular Museums
- 5-Star Hotels in Varanasi Near Ghat
- Things to do in Varanasi
- Varanasi List of Most Famous Temples
- 12 Famous Restaurants in Varanasi
- Kashi Vishwanath Temple In Varanasi Detailed Travel Guide
