Food & Drinks

With pleasure we tried all the below mentioned places, to make sure we only guide you to culinary spots that one way or another capture the essence of the Indian culinary tradition. From foodstalls with amazing good Indian and Varanasi snacks (but only visited by locals), to charming home cooked food places and high-end restaurants. To help our guests to find their way to enjoy Indian Food & Drinks the way it’s enjoyed best in Varanasi. And yes, you can have your croissant, pizza and pasta in Varanasi too. If you’re really craving for that, just ask our team and they will politely help you with that too. (Please be aware that in Kashi, the old holy center of Varanasi, you will not find alcoholic drinks or non-veg food. In any case the Indian culinary tradition is very veggie oriented.)

And now an overview of our favo spots for food:

Ram Bhandar

If you like sweets, this is the place for you. Varanasi is known for sweets and here they have them in many varieties. Since 1887 people love to come here. For the traditional Banarasi breakfast, tikki, samosas and for sweets like jalebi, kheerkadam and kaju star. Also known as the Sweet Temple of Varanasi.

Ck 15/29 Katra Ratanlal, Thatheri Bazar, Chowk, Kashi

Kashi Chat Bhandar

Renowned for its exceptional street food offerings that attract locals and tourists alike. With iconic dishes like Tamater Chaat, Aloo Tikki, Dahi Puri and Palak Patta Chaat. A must do when you like to explore Indian food in Varanasi.

Gadowlia. Situated D 37/47 Dashashwamedh Ghat Road, Godowlia.

The Chaat Walk

One of the many places in town offering great chaat. And those street food snacks are really a must try for all food lovers of the world.

Situated in Hamrautia area on Raja Bazar Road.

Baati Chokha

Another must go. Not only because of the authentic home food style cooking, served on palm leave plates. The whole experience of going there is appealing, especially with kids. Here for example you can also see how they grind herbs, make sarees and things like that. Also the entourage is nice, with everybody sitting on the floor like how they still eat in rural areas. This restaurant is named after a traditional and popular dish from the region of Banaras (one of the many names for Varanasi).

Brijrama Hotel

If you want a traditional luxury fine dining experience facing the Ganges we advise to make a reservation at our neighbour Brij Rama. The ambiance is very stylish, the staff very kind and the food is good. Making a reservation for one of their two restaurants is a must. And don’t forget to ask for a tour through the building, or go to the toilet – what will allow you to see the best parts of their venue too.

Taj NADESAR Palace

Making a reservation is an absolute must. They prefer not to have outsiders and places are very limited. But once you’re in, you will experience an exquisite fine dining experience – in the 18th century palace building, or on the terrace facing the beautiful garden. Often they play traditional Indian music during dinner time. The Nadesar Palace is peacefully situated, about 20 minutes from our place. Very nice staff.

Lakshmi Chai Wala

Founded in 1950 this is one of the iconic places of Varanasi. In this food stall you get your hot cup of Chai and a tosti too if you want, toasted over coal. With a lot of butter. A perfect spot to start the day, because they’re open from very early in the morning. However, don’t expect the famous Indian service. It’s chai and tosti. Nothing more, nothing less.

CK 56/34, near chowk thana, Govindpura, near the Vish Temple

Diljeet Café

Near tourist place Assi Ghat, on the first floor. Very friendly set-up, clearly aiming for Western tourists. But this food is soooooo good and made with sooooo much love that you don’t mind the toilet not being how you have it at home. And you also immediately forgive them the long waiting time for preparing the food. Welcome in India, welcome in Varanasi. And say hello to the very friendly Diljeet who started this hangout specialized in Hindustani Cuisine with so much dedication.

B1/156, haveli, near hotel, Assi Ghat, Shivala

Shyam Chaat Bhandhar

This is a real insiders tip. Only locals come here, and it tastes delicious. Streetfood adventure to the max. The tomater chat is best. So is the pani puri. It’s on Maldahiya Road, Lahurabir in Varanasi. Just stop when you’re nearby, you won’t regret it.

AVANTIKA by the Ganges

If you’re craving for a shot of European food and/or some fine dining moments with great Ganges View (and you don’t want to spent another day at our place) try the new Avantika, a new luxury Taj property, located at Ram Ghat. They call it contemporary, vibrant hospitality, a blend of modern and heritage design. A good place for an abundant breakfast on the terrace, with great view.

Diljeet Café Everest 2.0

The annex of the Diljeet Café at Assi Ghat, situated on an amazing place facing the Ganges at Gularia Ghat. Treat yourself: go there, climb the stairs and spend a couple of hours just watching and drinking chai or lemon tea. They also serve good snacks.

Chai & Lemon Tea On The Banks

In for a food adventure? For us the most beautiful moments in life are when we enjoy our chai or lemon tea – that we buy for about 20 rupees from one of the street vendors roaming the banks. Just sitting there and watch the Ganges and all and everything around us. Nothing more, nothing less. Try it!

Some tips: Ask for a lemon tea without masala (in hindi: masala nahi) because most probably as a westerner you prefer it without. Normally in India you first drink or eat, and pay afterwards. Also, when you pay, you hand over money with your right hand.

Chai & Lemon Tea

For us the day hasn’t started without a decent sip of chai or lemon tea. Walk down to the Banks from our place, hold someone carrying lemon tea, or buy a cup of chai at the stall below our venue – for 10 rupees you buy a cup of pure happiness. Just sit down on the Banks and enjoy. Be aware that in India you always pay afterwards. Also ask for a lemon tea ‘without masala’ when your background is not Asian. Most probably you will enjoy that taste more.

Coconuts & Sugar Cane Juice

When you go out, you most probably notice many stalls selling coconuts and sugar cane juice. Please treat yourself and buy. It’s not costly at all and the taste is delicious. And it’s very healthy too. When you’re not from India you will probably find it strange that here most of the time people do not eat and drink at the same time. That are separate things. According to the ayurvedic lifestyle it’s said to be more healthy that way. In any case make sure you drink enough during the day. It can be very hot and your body needs enough water or alternative drinks.

PANI PURi

Another of our favorite food stalls. It’s getting more and more popular in Western culinary places too, but originally it’s served as street food in India. One by one the stall owner is preparing them freshly for you. Every puri one delicious bite, sometimes served on a leave.

Also explore:

Some of our handpicked tips on what to enjoy in Varanasi. Tips from locals, tips from experts, tips from people that simply love Varanasi. You can easily go out on your own but when you prefer to go out with a guide feel free to ask us. We’re happy to facilitate (for our guests). Especially when you don’t speak the local language or Hindi and are not used to the art of bargaining it can be very helpful to have someone with you.

– Temples
– Boating & Banks of Ganges
– Shopping
– Other Experiences