Breakfast
- Kachori sabzi with jalebi, a classic Banarasi breakfast.
- Poori sabzi and halwa.
- Fresh lassi in earthen cups.
Street snacks
- Tamatar chaat, a spicy tomato-based chaat unique to the city.
- Aloo tikki and dahi bhalla.
- Chooda matar, a winter favourite.
- Baati chokha, roasted wheat balls with mashed vegetables.
Sweets and drinks
- Malaiyo, a light milk foam sweet, available in winter mornings.
- Rabri and kulhad lassi.
- Thandai, especially around Holi.
- Banarasi paan, a post-meal tradition.
Eating safely
- Choose busy stalls with high turnover and freshly cooked food.
- Drink bottled or filtered water.
- Avoid raw salads and cut fruit from roadside carts if you have a sensitive stomach.
- Carry hand sanitiser and basic stomach medicine.
Vegetarian city
Many areas near the ghats and temples are strictly vegetarian and some do not serve onion or garlic. Non-vegetarian food is available in other parts of the city.
Frequently asked questions about Varanasi Food Guide: What to Eat and Where to Look
Is street food in Varanasi safe?
Busy stalls with fresh, hot food are generally fine, but choose carefully and drink bottled water, especially if you are not used to Indian street food.
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