Top 10 Street Food in Varanasi You Must Try (With Best Spots)

Varanasi's street food is as legendary as its ghats. The holy city has been perfecting its culinary traditions for centuries, and the result is a food scene that will leave you craving more. Here are the top 10 must-try street foods with the best spots to find them.

1. Kachori Sabzi — The King of Varanasi Breakfast

No visit to Varanasi is complete without starting your day with crispy kachori served with spicy aloo sabzi and tangy green chutney.

• Best spot: Ram Bhandar, Thatheri Bazaar (since 1937)
• Price: ₹30-40 per plate
• Timing: 6:00 AM — sells out by 10:00 AM

2. Banarasi Paan — The Iconic Digestif

The Banarasi paan is not just a betel leaf — it's an institution. The iconic meetha paan (sweet paan) with gulkand, saunf, and silver leaf is a post-meal essential.

• Best spot: Keshav Tambul Bhandar, Dashashwamedh Road
• Price: ₹20-80 depending on variety

3. Malaiyyo — Varanasi's Winter Delicacy

Available only from November to February, malaiyyo is a cloud-like milk foam flavored with saffron and cardamom. It literally melts in your mouth.

• Best spot: Early morning street vendors near Godowlia Chowk
• Price: ₹30-50
• Timing: 6:00 AM — 9:00 AM only (it melts as the day warms up!)

4. Lassi — The Creamy Classic

Thick, creamy, and topped with a layer of fresh malai — Banarasi lassi is legendary across India. Served in earthen kulhads for that earthy flavor.

• Best spot: Blue Lassi Corner, Kachauri Gali
• Price: ₹40-80

5. Tamatar Ki Chaat — Uniquely Banarasi

Found almost nowhere else in India, this tomato-based chaat is a tangy, spicy, sweet explosion of flavors topped with crispy sev and fresh coriander.

• Best spot: Deena Chaat Bhandar, Lanka
• Price: ₹30-50

6. Litti Chokha — The Rustic Powerhouse

Roasted wheat balls stuffed with sattu (roasted gram flour) served with mashed brinjal, tomato, and potato chokha. A hearty, healthy meal that's deeply Banarasi.

• Best spot: Street vendors near Assi Ghat
• Price: ₹40-60

7. Thandai — The Festive Drink

A spiced milk drink with almonds, saffron, fennel, rose petals, and black pepper. Especially popular during Holi and Maha Shivratri.

• Best spot: Godowlia Thandai shops
• Price: ₹50-80

8. Banarasi Chaat

Unlike Delhi-style chaat, Varanasi chaat uses unique masala blends and local ingredients. The tikki chaat and papdi chaat here have a distinct Banarasi twist.

• Best spot: Kashi Chaat Bhandar, Vishwanath Gali
• Price: ₹30-60

9. Jalebi — Hot and Crispy

Fresh, piping hot jalebis dipped in sugar syrup, best enjoyed in the morning with hot milk or rabri.

• Best spot: Ksheer Sagar, near BHU Gate
• Price: ₹30-50 per plate

10. Chole Kulche — The Street Staple

Soft, buttery kulche served with spicy chole and a side of pickled onions. A filling and affordable street meal available throughout the day.

• Best spot: Street vendors along Sigra and Lanka
• Price: ₹30-40

Food Tour with Varanasi On Wheels

Want to taste all of these without getting lost in the narrow lanes? Book a Varanasi Food Tour with us! Our drivers know every gali and nukkad. We'll plan a route covering the best food spots, drop you off, wait while you eat, and take you to the next one.

Plan your Varanasi food adventure today! Call 7800664900.