Apart from its ghat and allies, Varanasi is famous for its vibrant variety of street food and drinks. No matter where you are in the city you will always be accompanied by the street food shops. It’s always good to be surrounded by food but when you have so many options decision-making gets tough. To help you out in shortlisting the best options we have compelled a list of the top 10 best places to eat street food in Varanasi.
1. Deena Chaat Bhandaar
Deena Chaat Bhandaar is the oldest and the OG of street food in Varanasi. It is famous for its Tamatar chaat and Chuda Matar. Tamatar Chat which is an original Banarasi street food has a unique taste and is served in earthen cups. On the other hand, Chuda Matar is a very famous north Indian food. There are 2 Deena chaat shops in Varanasi and the oldest one is located right behind the Chowk Thana. This shop is more than 200 years old!
2. Shri Madhur Jal Paan
Shri Madhur Jal Paan is located in Sarafa Gali near Gowdalia Chowk. Madhur Jal Paan is quite famous among locals for their quality food. We’d recommend having Samosas, Malpua, and Gulabjamun from here. They have their special red chutney which is not available anywhere. Please beware of the fake shops which have been opened on the same street. The real one looks very modest and is on the left side of the lane.
3. Shree ji Ki Malaiyo
Malaiyo is a winter-exclusive sweet of Varanasi. If you haven’t heard about it before then check out Malaiyo – The Winter Delicacy of Varanasi. These days you can find Malaiyo everywhere in Varanasi you can even find a closer version of it in Lucknow and Delhi. But if you wish to have the original one then visit Shree Ji near Gopal Mandir they have been selling it for the last 100 years!
4. Neelu Kachori Bhandar
Neelu Kachori Bhandar is located in one of the oldest food streets of India. As the name suggests they serve delicious Choley Kachori in the morning. If you wish to try it then you’ll have to reach Kachori Gali between 7 AM to 10 AM. BTW to give you an idea of their legacy, The entire street is known as Kachori Gali because of this and the other shop located at the entrance of the street. Keeping the legacy of Kachori Gali alive, Neelu Kachori Bhandar is one of the best places to eat street food in Varanasi.
5. Jannat Cutlet Corner
This shop serves Cutlets and Panner Bread Pakora. Just in case you don’t know, Bread Pakora is a popular Indian fried snack and a very common street food. This shop has developed a unique version of it by fusing its delicious Banarasi chutneys and masala. Despite being a new shop it has gained much popularity, especially in the Chowk area. The sweet, sour, crispy, and salty taste sometimes described as a blast of flavors is worth trying!
6. Blue Lassi
Blue Lassi shop is just 5 minutes away from the Manikarnika Ghat and 3 minutes away from Neelu Kachori Bhandar. You can easily spot it by its vibrant blue color which also gives it its name. Blue Lassi Shop is more than 90 years old and three generations old. The present owner Chanchal has mastered the art of developing unique flavoured lassi, which is pretty much why it is famous.
7. Goverdhan Das Malai Wala
Everyone in India knows about malai but not everyone loves it. Those who like it enjoy it every day at least that’s how it is in Varanasi. This shop is located right next to the Bhramnal market and is 80 years old. Their process of making Malai is the same as it was 80 years ago and that’s what gives their products an authentic taste. Made from buffalo milk Malai has 55% butterfat. They serve malai and its products in earthen pots which also enhance the taste of it. Our favourite is malai puri It is made from malai but the core of it is filled with delicious Rabdi!
8. Purshottam Idli Corner
Purshottam Idli Corner is a 27-year-old small shop located at the entry of Bangali Tola Street if you enter from the Dashaswamedh Ghat side. At first, the small shop appears as just a small window, and very easy to miss it but thanks to their aromatic food you can reach the shop just by sniffing the fragrance of idli and chutney. This small shop opens twice a day and serves amazing Idli and Vada at and negligible price. Purshottam’ idli and Vada are so popular among locals that they sell out within a few hours every day!
9. Chachi ki Dukan
Located near BHU, Lanka Chachi ki Dukan is famous for its Jalebi and Kachori Sabji.
10. Laxmi Chai Wala
50 years old Laxmi Chai Shop is one of the most famous Chai shops in India. Located near Chowk Thana area it serves tea until late at night. They also serve toasted bread lathered up with yummy butter and malai which goes well with a hot cup of tea. Every tea shop in India is a place to talk about politics, Cricket, and life. If you have a glimpse of it then head over to this shop.
If you made it to the bottom of the list then congrats you are a real foodie! Craving more culinary adventure? Varanasi’s vibrant street food scene awaits! But be warned, your taste buds might never forgive you if you miss out. Join a food walk before these hidden gems disappear into the labyrinthine lanes!
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