Exploring the Delicious Gastronomy of Varanasi

Uttar Pradesh

Savour the flavours

The bustling city of Varanasi on the sacred Ganges River beckons you on a journey beyond spiritual enlightenment. Take a walk through its alleyways, and you will find yourself delving into its abundant culinary delights. The tantalising aromas in every corner will draw you in and leave you craving more. From traditional delicacies to modern varieties, treat yourself to the must-have dishes and experience the delicious side of this place that has also inspired Bollywood.

A wholesome delight

When in Varanasi, don’t forget to please your palate with Baati Chokha. This nutritious dish is made by baking unleavened bread balls over a wooden fire until perfectly crisp. Generously stuffed with lentils, onions, peas, and powdered roasted gram (sattu), it is served with a tangy, smoky chokha. What a perfect blend of health and taste! While exploring Varanasi, make sure to experience it at Potli.

The creamy elixir of Varanasi

One of the most refreshing beverages, even ‘Lassi’ feels out of the world in Varanasi. So, don’t miss tasting this creamy yoghurt-based beverage served in an exquisite earthenware goblet! What truly sets Varanasi Lassi apart are its exotic flavours, enhanced by abundant velvety cream on top and fragrant rose water and cardamom infused into every sip. Now the best Lassi in Varanasi can be found at the Pahalwan Lassi shop. Perfect name, right?

A tantalising appetiser

Want a savoury appetiser while exploring the streets of Varanasi? Look no further than Kachori Gali, where hot and crispy kachoris reign supreme! These fine flour spheres filled with a mouth-watering blend of lentils and spices are sure to tantalise your taste buds. The accompanying tangy chutney provides another burst of flavours. Satiate your craving, but you can never have enough of Kachori Gali. It’s a street food culture experience unlike any other!

A glass of cold, creamy lassi can satiate your very soul

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Uttar Pradesh

A symphony of flavours

In Varanasi, the beloved snack of northern India ‘Chaat’ comes alive. You’ll be amazed by the diverse varieties available at Kashi Chaat Bhandar, one of Varanasi's oldest and most renowned chaat destinations. Delight yourself with an exquisite chaat of your choice, enhanced by curd, sev, sweet tamarind chutney and spicy green chutney. In these delectable bite-sized treats, you’ll experience Varanasi of yet another kind.

The perfect culinary finale

Varanasi is full of delicacies, but even for you, Banarasi Paan will stand out as a culinary highlight. Made using betel leaves rolled with areca nuts and other tantalising toppings, this cool after-food mouth freshner is an exquisite experience in itself. Here are some paan shops you must visit: Ramchandra Chaurasia Tambul Bhandar, Keshav Tambul Bhandar, Banaras Paan Store, Krishna Paan Bhandar!

Varanasi offers a culinary feast unlike any other city. It will indulge you with exotic flavours and have you craving more. From Baati Chokha to creamy Lassi, Mallaiyo to Banarasi Paan, there is so much here for every kind of foodie. You have got to come to experience all of it!