It’s always the food that adds on to the essence of destination. You might be aware that somebody great has said that human’s emotion is linked to the stomach. If you can make someone happy through food it simply means you have won over them! Well it’s logical whenever you think about destination or about a trip the first thought that comes is where to stay & the food!
Recently I visited Varanasi and that trip was something that changed me, moved something inside me! From the divine energy the people to the spiritual and of course the food. There is something special about north India, the spices the essence and the taste is totally lip smacking. Not being biased just because I’m northern Indian but this is what it is! Everyone should savor the iconic northern Indian delicacies at their original region.
All the foodies out there, gear up to embark on the foodie’s journey to Varanasi! Through the iconic street food to surreal delicacies, I have craved it all and even had guilty pleasure to the fullest. Time to fulfill your Banaras foodie wish list with this blog.
Breakfast Begins Before Sunrise
Picture this the sky painted in early morning hues, ghats just beginning to hum with chants, and the city slowly stirring awake.
Now, imagine the smell of hot ghee and simmering aloo sabzi drawing you into a bustling gali.
Your first stop? Kachori Sabzi.
No Banaras trip starts without this combo. Puffed-up kachoris, stuffed with spicy dal, dunked in fiery aloo curry — served on a leaf plate, hot enough to fog up your glasses.
Pair it with:
– A golden, syrupy jalebi (because dessert for breakfast is totally legal in Banaras)
– And a cup of strong, earthy kulhad wali chai
“Aur bhaiya, ek aur milega?” – You’ll find yourself saying that before you even finish your first bite.
Midday Munchies: Streets That Crunch
As the sun climbs higher, the city gets louder — and so does your tummy.
You’re now wandering through Vishwanath Galli or Godowlia, where every second shop is a temptation. Here’s what you must try:
Tamatar Chaat – Forget everything you know about chaat. This is mashed tomatoes with ghee, hing, crushed namak pare, and a mystery mix of masalas. Served sizzling in a dona. One bite, and you’ll understand why even Delhi foodies nod in respect.
Baati Chokha – Rustic, earthy, and smoky. The baatis (round wheat balls) are roasted on coal, cracked open, and slathered with ghee. The chokha? Mashed brinjal, tomato, and potato mixed with raw mustard oil, green chillies, and love.
Chena Dahi Vada – Light, fluffy, and a relief if you went a little overboard on the spice.
Insider Tip: Don’t chase the fancy shops. Look for the ones where locals are queuing up. That’s where the magic is.
Sweet Siesta with Malaiyyo Magic
If you visit between November and February, you’re in for a mystical, seasonal treat — Malaiyyo.
This isn’t just dessert. It’s a miracle in a bowl.
Boiled milk left overnight under the winter sky, churned in the morning dew, turned into a saffron-laced, cardamom-kissed foam that feels like you’re eating clouds.
Don’t blink. It disappears on your tongue in seconds.
Only available till 9 AM and only during the colder months. Go early or miss out!
Evening Calls for Chaat & Chai
Evenings in Banaras are a ritual. The Ganga Aarti glows in gold, bells ring in rhythm, and the ghats come alive.
Right after you’re done soaking in the spiritual vibes, head straight to:
Kashi Chaat Bhandar – If there’s a Nobel Prize for chaat, this place deserves one. Their palak chaat is a crunchy, creamy explosion you didn’t know you needed.
Kulhad Chai with Bun-Maska – Find a quiet chai tapri, sit on a wooden bench, and sip while watching Banaras blur into silhouettes.
Fun fact: Chai in Banaras is not a drink. It’s a mood. A conversation starter. A pause button.
Nights End With a Paan… and a Smile
Just when you think you can’t eat another bite, someone offers you a Banarasi Paan.
You accept. Obviously.
Wrapped in betel leaf, packed with gulkand, supari, and secret masalas — it’s the traditional full stop to your Banaras food story.
But Wait, Banaras Isn’t Done With You Yet…
Still hungry? Here are a few more chatori delights you can’t miss:
Launglata – A flaky pastry filled with khoya and clove-scented syrup
Thandai – With or without bhang… we’ll let you decide
Rasagullas– From Pehelwan Sweets – Spongy, juicy, divine
Mishrambu’s Lassi – Thick, chilled, topped with malai
Banaras isn’t for the rushed. Take it slow. Sit on the ghat steps. Strike up a conversation with a chaiwala. Let the city serve you stories on a plate.
Because here, food isn’t just about hunger. It’s about heritage, harmony, and halwai-wali happiness.
So, next time someone says “Banaras mein kya hai?”, just smile and say —
“Khaate peete kat gaye, Banaras ke raste!”
Happy Sundaying!
Travellogs 