The street food in Varanasi is just as ornate as the city’s past. Varanasi is also as old as the universe. The residents of Varanasi have given the city’s cuisine a unique flavour while incorporating influences from neighbouring regions like West Bengal and Bihar. A journey is not complete unless one enjoys Banaras’s culinary delights. While you’re in Kashi, here are the 8 must-try dishes in Varanasi to try.
8 Must-Try Dishes Of Varanasi
1. Dahi Chutney Gol Gappe
The sweet and sour Dahi Chutney Gol Gappe, also known as Meethe Golgappe, is a favourite among both kids and adults. A spicy mixture of boiling potatoes is placed within crisp Gol Gappas, which are then topped with sour chutneys, mint leaves, and other spices.
2. Kachori Sabzi
In Varanasi, kachori sabzi is the most well-liked breakfast food. The delicious kachoris are eaten with a flavourful aloo sabzi. The curry has been spiced up by the use of green and red chillies.
3. Baati Chokha
In Varanasi, baati chokha, a favourite dish in Bihar, also makes for a delectable roadside snack. Roasted chana dal and spices are put inside whole wheat dough balls and then topped with ghee. These packed balls are served with chokha, a spicy dish comprised of tomatoes, boiled potatoes, and eggplant.
4. Chena Dahi Vada
A delicious alternative to the standard lentil-based bhalla is chena dahi vada. Chena Dahi Vada resembles Rasmalai in look and is typically served with sweet yoghurt that has been dusted with a little black salt masala and roasted jeera powder. These dahi vadas are best enjoyed with a steaming cup of tea.
5. Tamatar Chaat
A local variation of aloo chaat known as tamatar chaat is produced by mashing together tomatoes, of course, along with boiled potatoes, green chillies, fresh coriander leaves, and onions. The dish is splashed with spices, including pounded ginger, red chilli powder, and garam masala, giving it a delectably spicy flavour
6. Paan
When visiting Varanasi, you must try banarasiya paan. Paan is made using beetle nut leaves, beetle nuts, lime, Supari, and a variety of seasonings, and it is typically consumed with lime or tobacco. Moreover, there is the Meetha Paan, a variation of Paan without tobacco or lime but with fennel seeds, sweetened rose petals, and chewy Supari instead.
7. Thandai
Since curd and milk are produced in large quantities in Varanasi, they are extensively used in the majority of the city’s recipes. The flavours are made genuinely rich and energising by the addition of seasonings like fennel seeds, vetiver seeds, pepper, saffron, and cardamom.
8. Rabri Jalebi
The capital of jalebis is Banaras, which is home to a lot of great delicacies. The jalebis, or imartis are a delicious sweet delight that should not be missed. If you serve them with rabri, you’ll want to keep returning to Banaras for this dish!
Aren’t they all drool-worthy?
Cover Image Courtesy: Canva