I was born here, spent the first 18 years of my life here. The city has influenced me in ways that I can’t even begin to describe or fathom.But I know this for sure… this city is where I developed a taste for food. Amazing food!
You’re probably coming to Banaras to check out all the temples, take a boat ride on theGanges, hang with sadhus (and smoke a little something something), or discover yourself. Whatever your reason may be, the one thing that you can’t miss out on is the streetfood.Banaras is one of the best street food cities in the world, and everyone (I mean literally everyone) here is a major foodie.
The amazing food mentioned in thisposthas been put together by all of my childhood friends,Thanks guys!! 😉 ,both current residents of the holy city and many morewho keep coming back, in no small part because offantastic culinary experience that is our city.
So let’s get to it! The absolute must eat street food in Banaras…
1. Chaat (the quintessential Indian street food)
Yes, you can find chaat in every Indian city, but you will be hard pressed to beat the chaat scene in Banaras. Go to Kashi Chaat Bhandaarin Gudowlia, Dena Chaatin Luxa orBanarasi Chaatin Lanka. The three thing that you must try are, Tamatar (Tomato) Chaat, Alu tikki (Potato cutlet) and Golgappas (spicy water bombs). If you have any space left after this, you can experiment with many other chaat forms like Samosa (potato pastry) Chaat, Palak(Spinach) Chaat, Dahi Vada (Sweet and spicy yoghurt),the list goes on.
2. Kachowri Sabji
Staple breakfast of deep fried indian bread with some spicy flavorful potato curry. Go to Chachi ki Kachowri(Aunty’s Kachorwi) shop in Lanka or Ram Bhandarin Kachowri Gali. (That’s right, the food is so gangsta they name the street is named after it). Get yours before 10am, they run out pretty fast.
3 or 2b Jalebi
Right after you’ve had kachori sabji at one of these 2 locations above. Ask for some Jalebi. Deep fried pastry dipped in thick sugar syrup. Crispy sweet and delicious!
4. Rolls at Maharaja (Jagatganj)
Go for the double egg double chicken roll. The flaky bread stays together because of the the egg bonding. This Calcutta style roll is better than most of the rolls I’ve had in Calcutta. Absolutely delicious.
5. Lemon Tea at Tinku Ki Chai (Assi ghat)
This ain’t your simplelemon tea with subtle flavors. The added salts are an assault on your tastebuds.
6. Chai Toast at Laxmi Chai (Chowk)
Some coal roasted bread with a dollop of salty Amul butter. Not good for your cholesterol levels, but so good for your taste buds. The chai is served in traditional terracotta cups (kulhar) that add an earthy flavor.
7. Malaiyoo atThatheri bazaar
Saffron-flavored sweet fluffy milk froth. Way fluffier than souffle. Only available in the winters and only in this city. Absolute must have.
8. Thandai at Mishramboo (Gudowliya) and Thatheri Bazaar Streets
Thandai is a cold milk drink made with pistachios, almonds and saffronthat is typically consumed during the festival of Holi with marijuanaextract called bhaang (yes…highly intoxicating) or without. No reason to restrict consumption to the Holi celebration. You can have this anytime of the year.
9. Rabri atKanhaiya Chitra Mandir in Godouilya
This is my all time favorite Indian sweet. Made from thickening milk with sugar over low heat for a long time. Simple ingredients but there is nothing like it.
10. Lassi
Banaras is home to some of the most amazing lassi (yoghurt drink) you will drink (let’s ignore the fact that Lassi is from Punjab ;)). Go to Phalwan ki Lassi (in Lanka) for some traditional lassi, or check out Blue Lassi (Kachowri Gali Chowk) for some amazing flavored lassi (Mango, Banana, Chocolate, Coconut , Pomegranate and many more).
11. South Indian fare at Kerela Cafe (Bhelupur)
Not so local but a local favorite. Dosa, Idli, Vada and Uttapam are the four most common South Indian dishes found in North India. This place has the best South Indian food in the city.
12. Baati Chokha at Baati Chokha next to Anand Cinema
Baked Eggplant, lentils and Baked Flour Balls. Super healthy and super good, this is an import from the neighboring state of Bihar. Started as a street food trend (in Lanka) the best place to have this now is the Baati Chokha Shop (in the Anand Cinema Complex).
13. Food not from Banaras but still delicious
And finally I wanted to leave you with a list of restaurantsthat are worth trying out even if these places aren’t all that Banarasi.
- Japanese Food:I:ba Cafe & Restaurant
- Bakery, Breads, Pastas etc. :Bread of Life Bakery
- Kababs:The Great Kabab Factory – Radisson Hotel
- Coffee:Open Hand Shop & Cafe
Endnotes
Great food aside, Banaras can bean assault on your senses. The city is theepitome and amplification of the chaos and cacophony that is India. Life here blends seamlessly withdeath. Not everyone’s cup of tea. If you find yourself lost in the all the chaos, take a deep breath and head to the next tea stall and relax. You will find your way. That’s why youcome to Banaras in the first place. To find your way!
Banaras is different things for different people. For me and my friends thatgrew up here Banarasis just home.
Acknowledgment
Thanks to all of my friends who reminded meof these amazing places.This one’s for all of you…
