Flavours of Kashi: 4 Best Local Foods in Varanasi You Can’t Miss
- Ankita Ojha
- May 14
- 4 min read
The city in Uttar Pradesh, known as Kashi, also goes by Varanasi and Benaras. Actually, it makes sense, as Kashi is Shiv Nagri which shares the characteristics with Lord Shiva, who is also known by various names.
However, the city is famous for temples and shopping. But apart from shopping and spiritual sites, people also visit to enjoy the best local foods in Varanasi. And to make your trip even more exciting, I've brought some must-try street foods that, after tasting them, you'll surely say, "Wow, this is where the real flavour is!"
4 Best Local Foods in Varanasi (What to Eat in the Holy City!)
90% of people must know common and best street foods in Varanasi like Lassi, Malliyo, samosa, chat & etc. This is why, being a travel guide, I tried street foods in Varanasi to find out tastier and yet-to-be-famous choices. And I bet no one has told you about these.
Let's have a glimpse...
Mishrambhu
Also known as "Benarasi Energy Booster." This famous drink in Varanasi is prepared with milk, khoya (thickened milk), rabri, and malai.
These rich ingredients are mixed and topped with dry fruits, malai, and rose syrup or kewra (Pandanus) for floral notes.
Mishrambhu is served in a kulhad for cooling and aromatic effect, helping you feel refreshed and energetic in the summer heat.
The best place to try its version is "Mishrambhu Shop" in Godowlia Chowk.
Bedami Puri and Sabzi
If you want your morning breakfast to be tastier and delicious, then bedami puri and aloo chane ki sabzi are a must. In the maze of thin gullies of Benaras, you'll find this famous street food place in Varanasi, filled with people enjoying their breakfast.
Before you visit this famous street food in Varanasi, be ready for a long wait. You need to wait a little longer to get a chance. Apart from this, they serve delicious kachori sabzi as well as Jalebi.
To enjoy the real taste of bedami puri and sabzi, you have to visit "The Ram Bhandar"
The Address is The Ram Bhandar, C.K 15/29 Katra Ratanlal, Thatheri Bazar, Govindpura.
You can find the shop here!
Traditional Indian Thali
Now, here's something different from street foods, this ethnic indian thali is served in a veg restaurant in Benaras named "Kesariya Thaal." Here, you'll get multiple choices of dishes served to your plate.
The price of the thali is Rs. 396 (It might have increased, do cross-check before you visit). Also, you'll get more than 20 dishes to eat.
Moreover, this best local food in Varanasi has a unique dish menu for each day, and everything is served in bronze tableware, which is also called Kansa.
Serving food in Kansa is the main specialty of Kesariya Thaal, as eating out in Kansa helps enhance one's gut health, promotes & balances alkaline levels, and much more.
The address is: Kesariya Thaal, 1st Floor, Of Hotel Vishwanath, B, 10/7, Sonarpura Road, Krim Kund, Shivala.
You can check the MAP HERE!
Tamatar Chat
The tangy and spicy chat is prepared with tomatoes. To make the chat even more tastier; spices, crunchy sev bhujiya, and chopped onion are sprinkled. These little but powerful ingredients make the tamatar chat worth trying & yes! Repeating.
You'll get tamatar chat in every corner of Varanasi, but as per my experience, you should try in "Deena Chat Bhandar."
However, Deena Chat Bhandar is one of the famous street food places in Varanasi, there are other variants of chat served here. But tamatar chat is the best one to try.
The Address is Deena Chat Bhandar, D47/184, Luxa Rd, near PDR mall, Luxa, Varanasi.
Refer to the MAP HERE for easy finding!
In the meantime, here are a few options of the best local foods in Varanasi that might be new to you, which I found finger-licking gooooood...!!!
Choora Matar: This is a local take on flattened rice (poha), soaked in ghee and spiced with green peas, and sometimes raisins and saffron. It's often enjoyed as a light breakfast or evening snack.
Chena Dahi Vada: A softer, melt-in-your-mouth version of the regular Dahi Vada, made with fresh cottage cheese (chena) and served with sweet yogurt, often sprinkled with roasted cumin and black salt.
Laaiya Channa: If you enjoy Bhel Puri, you might like this Varanasi variation made with soaked and boiled chickpeas (channa) instead of puffed rice.
Malai Toast: A simple yet delicious breakfast item where thick cream from buffalo milk is spread on toast and sprinkled with sugar. This is the best breakfast to have with your morning tea.
Fried Idli: While South Indian food might not be the first thing you associate with Benaras, you can find vendors selling crispy fried idlis, often served with chutney.
Bottom Line!
Benaras has amazing street food you probably know, but here are some rich in taste and less common options. Therefore, exploring each gully and trying foods, I've found the best local foods in Varanasi to be must-try.
So, why wait? Book your tickets and taste the real flavors of kashi mentioned above. Plus, don't forget to comment down about how was your experience.
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See Yaa Soon! :)
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What is famous to eat in Varanasi?
Kachori Sabzi: Crispy kachoris served with a flavorful potato and chickpea curry.
Tamatar Chat: A tangy and spicy tomato-based chaat.
Malaiyyo: A winter delicacy, this sweet and airy milk froth is a must-try.
Lassi: A creamy yogurt-based drink, perfect for cooling down.
What is the Speciality of Varanasi?
It's also known for its: Ganga Aarti, Kashi Vishwanath Temple, Kaal Bhairav Temple, Banaras Hindu University, and Silk Weaving.
What is famous to buy in Varanasi?
Popular items to buy in Varanasi include: Banarasi Silk Sarees, Rudraksha Malas, Wooden Toys, Hand-knotted Carpets, and Gulabi Meenakari
Where to go for street food in Varanasi?
Neelu Kachori Bhandar: Known for its Kachori.
The Ram Bhandar: Famous for breakfast items and snacks.
Baba Slice Street Food: Offers a variety of street food.
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