20 Must-Try Street Foods in Banaras

Banaras, also known as Varanasi, is a city that captivates travelers with its spiritual ambiance, historical significance, and, most importantly, its mouthwatering street food. As the evening sky sets over the ghats, the streets of Banaras come alive with sizzling sounds, aromatic smells, and vibrant colors that pull food lovers into its embrace. From crispy kachoris to sweet treats, here’s a delicious journey through 20 of the best street foods that define the essence of Banaras.
 

1. Kashi Chaat (Kashi Chaat Bhandar) Located at Vishwanath Gali, this place is famous for its tangy and spicy chaat. You can expect a burst of flavors from tamarind chutney, curd, and crispy puris. A serving costs around ₹50-₹70.
 

2. Banarasi Pani Puri (Thatha Pani Puri) If you're craving the authentic taste of Banarasi pani puri, head over to Thatha Pani Puri near Dashashwamedh Ghat. With crispy puris and spicy water, it’s a treat for ₹30-₹50.
 

3. Aloo Tikki Chaat (Chaat Wala) A roadside vendor near the famous Godowlia Market offers crispy aloo tikki stuffed with spicy fillings and topped with chutneys. It’s a hot favorite and costs ₹50-₹70.
 

4. Kachori Sabzi (Shree Kachoriwala) 

One cannot leave Banaras without trying the famous Kachori Sabzi. Head to Shree Kachoriwala at the ghats for a plate of piping hot kachoris served with tangy sabzi and chutney for ₹30-₹50.
 

5. Tamatar Chaat (Ravi Kachori) In the narrow lanes near the Kashi Vishwanath Temple, Ravi Kachori serves up a tangy and spicy tomato-based chaat for just ₹40-₹60. It’s an absolute must-try for those who love bold flavors.
 

6. Lassi (Varanasi Lassi) Head to the famous "Blue Lassi Shop" in the narrow lanes of Kachori Gali for a refreshing glass of traditional Banarasi lassi. The thick, creamy, and rich lassi is served with fresh fruits, costing around ₹40-₹80.
 

7. Chura Matar (Chura Matar Wala) A dish that is a local specialty, Chura Matar is a savory mix of flattened rice with peas, chillies, and spices. It’s sold by street vendors near the Kashi Vishwanath Temple for ₹20-₹40.
 

8. Samosa (Ram Babu Samosa) If you’ve never tasted a Banarasi samosa, you’re in for a treat. Ram Babu Samosa, located near Dashashwamedh Ghat, serves crispy samosas filled with spicy potatoes and peas, priced at ₹10-₹20.
 

9. Banarasi Jalebi (Vishwanath Jalebi Wala) No trip to Banaras is complete without savoring the famous Banarasi Jalebi. Vishwanath Jalebi Wala near Kashi Vishwanath Temple is the place to indulge in these hot, crispy sweets soaked in syrup, costing around ₹40-₹60.
 

10. Kulhad Chai (Tea Stalls Near Ganga Ghats) Banaras offers a unique experience of sipping chai in a traditional kulhad (clay cup) by the Ganga. You’ll find multiple tea stalls, offering the warmth of tea for ₹10-₹20.
 

11. Lassi with Rabri (Lassi Wala) For something even sweeter, try the Rabri Lassi from Lassi Wala in Kachori Gali. The lassi topped with creamy rabri is priced at ₹70-₹100.
 

12. Pesarattu (Pesarattu Wala) This savory pancake made with green gram is served with chutney and sambar in Banaras, available for ₹40-₹60 at street vendors near the ghats.
 

13. Chana Chaat (Chana Chaat Wala) Located near the famous Banaras University, the Chana Chaat vendors offer a delicious plate of boiled chickpeas, seasoned with spices and topped with raw onions. A plate will cost ₹30-₹40.
 

14. Dahi Puri (Shree Puriwala) Savor the creamy, yogurt-filled Dahi Puri at Shree Puriwala, where the puris are stuffed with dahi, tamarind chutney, and spicy toppings. A serving costs ₹40-₹60.
 

15. Rabri (Chappal Wali Gali) Rabri in Banaras is made with thickened milk, sugar, and cardamom. For a creamy dessert, head to Chappal Wali Gali and pay ₹50-₹70 for a bowl of this delicious treat.
 

16. Petha (Petha Wala) Banaras is also famous for its soft, sugary Petha. Found in almost every corner of the city, the Petha Wala near Dashashwamedh Ghat offers slices for ₹30-₹50.
 

17. Bedmi Puri (Banaras Bedmi) Banaras Bedmi is a fried, crispy puri served with spicy chana. This dish, costing ₹40-₹60, can be enjoyed at food stalls near the Kashi Vishwanath Temple.
 

18. Sattu Paratha (Sattu Paratha Wala) Sattu Paratha, stuffed with roasted gram flour and spices, is another Banarasi breakfast favorite. Found near Assi Ghat, a plate of sattu paratha costs ₹50-₹70.
 

19. Chole Bhature (Chole Bhature Wala) Chole Bhature from Chole Bhature Wala is a filling meal, served hot and accompanied by spicy chickpeas. It’s a treat available for ₹60-₹80.
 

20. Bhel Puri (Bhel Puri Wala) Bhel Puri is a classic street snack in Banaras, prepared with puffed rice, sev, potatoes, and tangy chutneys. It costs ₹30-₹50 and can be found at stalls near Assi Ghat.

Banaras is not just a city of temples and history but also a haven for food lovers. From spicy chaats to sweet treats, the food culture here is as rich as its heritage. Whether you are strolling along the ghats or wandering through narrow alleys, these 20 street foods will make your trip to Banaras even more memorable. So, when you visit, don’t forget to indulge in these mouthwatering delicacies that showcase the true flavor of this incredible city.