Varanasi, one of the oldest cities in the world, is not just famous for its spiritual aura but also for its diverse food culture. The city’s cuisine is deeply rooted in tradition, offering a mix of sweet, spicy, and savory dishes that reflect the cultural heritage of the region.
🍛 Must-Try Foods in Varanasi
1️⃣ Kachori Sabzi
A breakfast favorite, this dish consists of deep-fried kachoris stuffed with lentils or potatoes, served with a spicy and tangy potato curry. Popular places: Ram Bhandar (Thatheri Bazaar), Kachori Gali .
famous kachori sabji ready to eat.
2️⃣ Chena Dahi Vada
A softer and lighter version of the traditional dahi vada, made with chhena (cottage cheese) and served with curd and spices.
3️⃣ Malaiyyo (Winter Special)
A saffron-infused milk foam dessert available only in winters. It’s incredibly light and melts in your mouth. Famous spots: Chowk and Thatheri 4️⃣ Tamatar Chaat & Chooda Matar
Tamatar chaat is a spicy, tangy, mashed tomato-based street food, while chooda matar is made of flattened rice and green peas, cooked with ghee and mild spices.
5️⃣ Baati Chokha
A traditional dish made of baked wheat dumplings (baati) served with spiced mashed potatoes (chokha) and chutney. A specialty from Bihar and Eastern UP.
6️⃣ Banarasi Paan
No visit to Varanasi is complete without trying its famous paan (betel leaf preparation), known for its refreshing and aromatic ingredients.
7️⃣ Lassi & Thandai
Served in earthen pots, Banarasi lassi is thick and topped with rabri and dry fruits. Thandai, a chilled milk-based drink, is popular, especially during festivals like Holi and Mahashivratri. Famous places: Blue Lassi (near Kashi Vishwanath Temple), Pehlwan Lassi.
🎭 Cultural Heritage of Varanasi
1️⃣ Ghats & Ganga Aarti
The Dashashwamedh Ghat is the heart of Varanasi’s spiritual life, hosting the mesmerizing Ganga Aarti every evening, where priests perform rituals with fire lamps and chants.
2️⃣ Music & Dance
Varanasi has been a hub for classical Indian music. It is home to legends like Pandit Ravi Shankar (sitar) and Ustad Bismillah Khan (shehnai). The city also has a deep-rooted tradition of Kathak dance.
3️⃣ Festivals & Celebrations
- Dev Deepawali – The entire city lights up with diyas (lamps) along the ghats.
- Mahashivratri – Grand processions take place for Lord Shiva.
- Nag Nathaiya – A reenactment of Lord Krishna’s victory over Kaliya Naag in the river Ganga.
4️⃣ Handicrafts & Banarasi Silk
Banarasi silk sarees are world-famous for their intricate weaving and gold-silver embroidery. You can find the best ones in markets like Thatheri Bazaar, Godowlia, and Vishwanath Gali.