Street Food Secrets: Explore Varanasi Like A True Foodie

One of the oldest cities in the world, Varanasi is a cosmopolitan confluence of spirituality and foodies paradise. Perched by the Ganges, it is home to chili chaats and sweet snacks that gives it its own type-of culinary identity. Don't forget to taste the variety and authenticity of food reflecting all the city's flavors from history to culture in our street food guide.

Varanasi, one the world's oldest constantly populated cities, is not only a center for spirituality, but also a haven for food enthusiasts. Located on the banks of the Ganges River, this vivacious town presents a blend of flavors like no other. From chaats bursting with spices to delicately flavored sweet snacks, the street food of Varanasi is a testament to the city's multifaceted culture and rich history. Here's your complete guide to the ultimate street food experience in Varanasi.

1. Tamatar Chaat

One of the most iconic mentions when discussing Varanasi street food would be Tamatar Chaat. This quintessential snack consists of boiled, spiced tomatoes mixed with a pinch of pepper, cumin, coriander powders, and a dash of tamarind sauce, topped with fragrant fresh herbs. que Tamatar Chaat is best served chilled, making it an ideal treat during scorching days. You can find this unhealthy little delight around Godowlia Chowk or right beside Dashashwamedh Ghat. It is the perfect snack for every traveler looking for a refreshing taste in a hot and muggy climate.

2. Kachori-Sabzi:

Kachoris are flakey, deep fried pastries filled with lentils or potatoes, accompanied with steaming hot aloo sabzi, which translates to potato curry. This combination of breakfast is rich in nutrients to help you kick start your day and is available in plenty throughout the city, especially in places like Lahartara Road and Vishwanath Gali. Locals have a thing for kachori-sabzi; also, relish lassi or homemade pickles with it for even more flavor. This meal is perfect before a long day of temple or sightseeing as it keeps you energetic for many hours.

3. Malaiyo:

The Winter Special Sweet If Varanasi is on your travel list for winter, you should try Malaiyo, a dessert made of milk, saffron, and cardamom. This dessert smells great and is light as air. Malaiyo sellers set up stalls during the cooler months around the famous Assi Ghat and Manikarnika Ghat. Don't forget to grab some early in the morning as it is freshly prepared.

4. Chena Dahi Vada:

A Flavorful Twist Another Indian snack gets a special twist in Varanasi. Dahi vada is a staple snack, but in Varanasi it adds chena (paneer) to the batter. These soft and spongy fritters are soaked in rich yogurt and are topped with green and tamarind chutney and even cumin powder. The additional flavors improve the taste beyond boundaries. Seek out this chaat delicacy on the streets in Golghar or Thatheri Bazar where vendors have long sets of people waiting for their best seller.

5. Lassi:

While visiting Varanasi, one can't miss grabbing a tall glass of Lassi which is a blend of sweet yogurt drink with sugar, a hint of rosewater, and in some cases fruits. Other versions are served with a topping of malai and crushed nuts, making it feel like dessert. Whether plain or whose flavor one prefers, a lassi serves the purpose of giving relief from the blistering summer heat of Uttar Pradesh. The Blue Lassi Shop close to the Vishwanath temple is well known for the big serving of creamy lassi served in an earthen pot.

6. Jalebi-Rabri Combo:

People with a sweet tooth will enjoy love togetherness in the form of Jalebi-Rabri. The crispy, syrup soaked jalebi rings served with rabri, a rich cardamom milk dessert drizzled with ground pistachios and almonds. The combination of sweet, crunchy jalebi with smooth rabri is a delight for the taste buds. You can get this food in places such as Shree Shiv Chhatrapati or other local shops around Godowlia.

7. Pani Puri:

'Golgappa' or Pani puri is served throughout India but like most other delicacies, Varanasi has its own twist. A small hollow and crispy 'puri' is stuffed with mouthwatering, spicy, smashed potatoes, chickpeas, and mint tamarind water. The notable difference in Varanasi's pani puri is the dominating flavor that is bold. Some of the best vendors of this delicious snack can be found around Dashashwamedh Ghat and Man Mandir.

Conclusion

Street food of Varanasi vividly showcases the life and culture of the people, their innovation and their traditions. These food items tell a tale from the ancient era up until today, provided by the master chefs' skilled hands. Take a stroll in this mesmerizing holy city and let your senses dictate what meals you should taste. Stalls that appear clean and have many customers are good options as they guarantee safety and are more likely to sell authentic food.