Varanasi Food Guide: 10 Must-Try Local Delicacies

Varanasi's culinary landscape is as rich and diverse as its cultural heritage. From street food stalls in narrow lanes to traditional sweet shops that have been operating for generations, the city offers a gastronomic adventure that shouldn't be missed. Here are ten local delicacies you must try when visiting Varanasi:

1. Kachori Sabzi

Start your day like a local with this popular breakfast dish. Crispy, flaky kachoris (deep-fried pastry) are served with a spicy potato curry. The best places to try this are the small shops in Vishwanath Gali and Godowlia market, where they've been perfecting this recipe for decades.

2. Banarasi Paan

No visit to Varanasi is complete without trying the famous Banarasi paan. This betel leaf preparation is filled with a mixture of areca nut, slaked lime, and various sweet and savory ingredients. The paan shops near Dashashwamedh Ghat and Godowlia Crossing offer some of the most authentic versions.

3. Malaiyo

Available only during winter months (November to February), malaiyo is a unique milk foam dessert that's prepared in the early morning hours. It's light, fluffy, and garnished with pistachios, almonds, and saffron. Look for vendors in the Chowk area serving this seasonal delicacy from earthen pots.

4. Tamatar Chaat

A Varanasi specialty, tamatar chaat is a tangy, spicy preparation made with tomatoes, potatoes, and a blend of spices. The shops in Kashi Chaat Bhandar and Deena Chaat Bhandar in Godowlia are famous for their version of this local favorite.

5. Banarasi Lassi

Thick, creamy, and served in traditional clay pots, Banarasi lassi is often topped with a layer of malai (cream) and garnished with nuts. Blue Lassi Shop near Kashi Vishwanath Temple has been serving this refreshing yogurt drink for over 75 years.

6. Choora Matar

A winter breakfast specialty, choora matar consists of flattened rice cooked with green peas, spices, and sometimes potatoes. It's hearty, flavorful, and perfect for fueling a day of exploration. Try it at the small eateries near Assi Ghat.

7. Banarasi Kalakand

This milk-based sweet has a unique grainy texture and is flavored with cardamom and saffron. Renowned sweet shops like Gopal Ji Sweets in Chowk and Ram Bhandar in Thatheri Bazaar offer excellent versions of this traditional dessert.

8. Thandai

This cooling drink made from milk, nuts, and spices is particularly popular during the Holi festival but available year-round. Some shops offer a special "Bhang Thandai" (containing cannabis), which is legally sold in government-authorized shops, but should be consumed with caution.

9. Litti Chokha

Though originally from Bihar, litti chokha has become a staple in Varanasi. These baked wheat balls filled with sattu (roasted gram flour) are served with a mashed vegetable preparation called chokha. The area around Assi Ghat has several vendors selling authentic litti chokha.

10. Malaiyyo

Not to be confused with malaiyo, malaiyyo is a saffron-flavored milk foam dessert that's only available during winter months. It's made by churning milk in the cool morning dew, creating a light, airy texture that's unlike anything else. Look for it in the lanes of Chowk and Thatheri Bazaar.

Food Safety Tips

While exploring Varanasi's street food scene, keep these tips in mind:

• Choose vendors with high turnover and where locals are eating
• Opt for freshly cooked, hot foods
• Carry hand sanitizer and use it before eating
• Start with small portions to see how your stomach adjusts
• Drink only bottled or filtered water

Varanasi's food scene is an integral part of experiencing the city's culture. Don't be afraid to explore the narrow lanes and follow the locals to discover hidden culinary gems that have been satisfying taste buds for generations.