Varanasi also known as Benares, Banaras or Kashi is a holy city situated on the banks of river Ganges in Uttar Pradesh and regarded as the spiritual capital of India. The holy city with some 2,000 temples is also a paradise for street food lovers. From Kachori Sabzi to Baati Choka and from Paan to Thandai, you can find it here in the magical city. To make sure you don’t miss the Top Street Food Places in Varanasi, here are best 7 places that you must try on your visit to the holy chit.
1. LAXMI CHAI WALA
What better way to start your Varanasi trip with a hot cup of Chai (Tea)? Laxmi Chai Wala is an 80 years old tea shop and also one of the most popular Chai Stalls in India. You can also find amazing bread stuffed with lots of butter and toasted over coal, served with Kulhad Chai (Tea). This place is a perfect spot to start your day and get ready for Varanasi’s street food adventures.
2. THE RAM BHANDAR
A trip to Varanasi is incomplete without visiting Ram Bhandar; a legendary breakfast spot where tourists and locals lineup to get Banaras’s authentic Kachori Sabzi. You can find two varieties of Kachoris here; Badi(Big) Kachori and Choti (Small) Kachori, prepared in desi ghee and served with spicy potato curry. Start your morning with the Varanasi’s most love breakfast here and thank us later.
3. DEENA CHAAT BHANDAAR
This place has been serving Varanasi’s own version of Aloo Chaat and Chuda Matar for more than 200 years. Tamatar ki Chaat, a local delicacy is made from boiled potatoes, tomatoes, onions, fresh coriander leaves and lots of green chillies to make it spicy. If you have a high spice tolerance, this one is definitely for you.
4. BLUE LASSI SHOP
Located near the Manikarnika Ghat, this 75 years old Lassi shop is currently run by 3rd generation of the family. You can easily locate the shop by its bright blue colour which also gives it its name: Blue Lassi Shop. Chanchal, the third generation of the family running the shop has mastered the art of Lassi making. The blue lassi shop has more than 83 varieties of Lassi flavors for you to choose from. All the best for choosing one!
5. RAJENDRA CHAURASIA PAAN
When in Varanasi, eat Banarasiya Paan; made from beetle nut leaves with supari, lime and special mixture of condiments and sing “khaike paan Banaras wala”!
6. BAATI CHOKHA RESTAURANT
Baati Chokha is a famous dish from Bihar which made its way to the streets of Varanasi as well. Baati is a whole wheat ball stuffed with chana daal and a mixture of spices and roasted over charcoal, then dipped in generous amount of desi ghee and served with Chokha, which is spicy curry made of tomatoes, eggplant and boiled potatoes.
7. MARKANDEY KI MALAIYO
MALAIYO is a lesser known sweet delicacy of Varanasi and a must eat. It’s also known as –The Winter Delicacy of Varanasi. Marakndey located near Gopal Mandir have been selling Malaiyo from last 100 years. Head over to this place to enjoy the best Malaiyo in the city.
Do you know any other Food Legend of Varanasi and wish to add them to this list? Let us know on Instagram @My Yellow Plate