5 Popular Banarasi Street Foods You Should Not Miss

Varanasi or Banaras, as it was previously known, is a renowned tourist destination attracting people from all over the world. It is a spiritual city where the river Ganga flows from the city. The city has over 35000+ temples. The city is known for its Banarasi street food, people, gullies, culture, and temples.

Varanasi is like a canvas on which different vivid colors fade into each other and create this beautiful complex painting. Every day, thousands of people from around the world explore the city’s winding lanes and narrow alleyways, seeking something unique and often finding themselves pleasantly surprised or deeply intrigued by what this charming town has to offer.

The city keeps particular sentiments in everyone; it is said that “once you come here you won’t ever forget the Kaashi.” The next thing that comes is the mouthwatering street food; yes you heard it right.

So not surprisingly, Banarasi street food was the central theme for my trip too. And here’s what you should not miss if you’re in Varanasi.

1. Kachori Sabji

The first thing to start a day is to have Kachori Sabji for breakfast. Banarasi people love to have this food in the morning. It can be found anywhere. I tried kachori sabji at four different places, and the one I liked the most was the highly recommended Ram Bhandar in Thateri Bazaar. If you go between 7 am to 9 am, you might struggle, so I would recommend having it after 9 am if you’re a tourist.

The most common breakfast in Varanasi is Kachori sabji or Poori Sabji. When it comes to where to eat it, Varanasi is a city where it’s hard to find a street without a temple, a kachori sabji shop, and a lassi shop. During my visit, I tried kachori sabji at four different places, and the best I found was at the widely recommended ‘Ram Bhandar’ in Thateri Bazaar.

Recommend: If you’re traveling in summer, make sure you carry enough water bottles or Paper Boat drinks along with you.

2.Baati Chokha or Litti Chokha

You can find baati chokha almost everywhere in the streets and restaurants of Varanasi. This beloved dish in Bihar cuisine is enjoyed by people throughout the country. Baati consists of small wheat dough balls stuffed with roasted chana dal and sattu. When cooked over charcoal, these balls acquire an authentic flavor that pairs perfectly with chokha, a spicy mixture of mashed potatoes, tomatoes, and roasted eggplant. Baati chokha is one of Varanasi’s famous foods.

3. Tamatar (Tomato) Chaat

All of you must have heard about aloo Chaat, but the streets of Varanasi have something unusual and delicious to offer.Prepare this Chaat by mixing boiled tomatoes, mashed potatoes, onions, green chilies, and coriander leaves. Add spices like garam masala, hing, red chili powder, and black pepper to this mixture. This dish is spicy enough that some people may find it challenging to eat. Tamatar Chaat is served in a bowl made from Palash leaves, called dona in Hindi. This particular dish is unique to Varanasi, and everyone must try this at least once in their lifetime.

4. Thandai and Lassi

Varanasi is a city that produces a lot of milk and curd, so you’ll find them in many of their dishes. Thandai is a seasonal fruit puree served in a kulhad with rabri and flavored with rose essence, ice cream, dry fruits, and nuts. Condiments such as fennel seeds, magaztari seeds, pepper, vetiver seeds, cardamom, and saffron add depth and freshness to the flavors. In addition, lassi is available from early morning until late at night at almost every other street vendor.

5. Chenna Dahi Vada

Soak deep-fried Vada made from chenna (unripened curd cheese) in thick, beaten sweet yogurt. Then, garnish it with masala, crushed black pepper, cumin, and coriander, among other things.This perfect mix of sweet and sour is very light.

To taste the best chenna Dahi vada, you can visit Deena Chat Bhandar, Dashashwamedha ghat.

Next time when you plan to visit the city make sure you try all these Banarasi street foods mentioned above.