Food & Shopping

Food & Shopping

Varanasi is not just the spiritual capital of India—it’s also a paradise for food lovers and shoppers. The city’s authentic street food, traditional Banarasi silk sarees, and unique handicrafts make it an exciting place for both gastronomical adventures and retail therapy.

 Best Foods to Try in Varanasi

Varanasi’s cuisine is a blend of flavors, traditions, and street-style cooking. From spicy chaats to sweet delicacies, here’s what you must eat in Varanasi.

 1. Kachori-Sabzi – The Ultimate Banarasi Breakfast

 Why Try It?

• A crispy kachori stuffed with dal or spicy masala, served with tangy potato sabzi.
• Best enjoyed with jalebi and a cup of hot tea.

 Best Places to Eat:
✔️ Ram Bhandar (Thatheri Bazaar) – Most famous.
✔️ Shri Madhur Jalpan (Godowlia Market).

 Price: ₹50 – ₹100 per plate
 Must-Do: Pair it with freshly made jalebis for a sweet-spicy combo.

 2. Tamatar Chaat – The Banarasi Chaat King

 Why Try It?

• A unique mix of mashed tomatoes, boiled potatoes, and Indian spices.
• Served hot in a leaf bowl, giving it an earthy flavor.

 Best Places to Eat:
✔️ Kashi Chaat Bhandar (Dashashwamedh Road).
✔️ Deena Chaat Bhandar (Luxa Road).

 Price: ₹50 – ₹80 per plate
 Must-Do: Eat it like a true local—with extra masala!

 3. Banarasi Paan – A Cultural & Flavorful Bite

 Why Try It?

• A symbol of Banaras' hospitality & tradition.
• Made with betel leaf, gulkand (rose jam), dry fruits, and flavored spices.

 Best Places for Paan:
✔️ Baba Paan Shop (Godowlia) – Most famous in Varanasi.
✔️ Keshav Paan Bhandar (Dashashwamedh Ghat).

 Price: ₹20 – ₹100 per paan
 Must-Do: Try the Chocolate Paan for a unique twist!

 4. Malaiyo – The Winter-Only Delicacy

 Why Try It?

• A frothy, saffron-flavored milk dessert available only in winter.
• So light that it melts in your mouth instantly.

 Best Places to Eat:
✔️ Chowk Market (Street Vendors in Winter Season).
✔️ Ram Bhandar.

 Price: ₹50 – ₹100 per bowl
 Must-Do: Visit early in the morning—Malaiyo disappears before noon!

5. Litti Chokha – The Bihari-Influenced Classic

 Why Try It?

• A Bihari-Banarasi favorite, made of roasted wheat balls (Litti) stuffed with sattu (gram flour) and served with mashed potato/brinjal mix (Chokha).
• Best enjoyed with homemade ghee.

 Best Places to Eat:
✔️ Bati Chokha Restaurant (Teliabagh, Near Varanasi Cantt).
✔️ Keshari Restaurant (Sigra, Near Lanka).

 Price: ₹100 – ₹200 per plate
 Must-Do: Ask for extra ghee for an authentic taste.

 6. Blue Lassi – The Legendary Lassi Experience

 Why Try It?

• A must-visit shop, over 100 years old, famous for thick, creamy, fruit-flavored lassis.
• Served in clay cups (kulhad) for a traditional taste.

 Best Place to Try:
✔️ Blue Lassi Shop (Near Kashi Vishwanath Temple).