THE BEST FOODS TO EAT IN
VARANASI
Varanasi’s food is rooted in tradition, not trends.
Seasonal,simple, and unchanged for decades.From malaiyo, thandai, and thick lassi to chaat and pani puri,this list is based on what we actually ate, revisited, and judged honestly.Some dishes earn their reputation. Some survive only on hype.
IFD ratings focus on taste and value. Nothing else.
Personally eaten, Honestly written!
Lassi
🍽️Blue Lassi ShopBlue Lassi Shop is a tiny, legendary spot known for its thick, creamy lassi served in traditional earthen cups. From classic sweet to fruit-loaded variations, every glass is rich, refreshing, and unapologetically indulgent.
📍 CK 12/1 Kunj Gali, Kachaudi Gali, Near Rajbandhu, Govindpura, Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh 221001
⭐IFD Rating: 3/5 | ₹100-200
Opening Hours: 9:30am–9pm
Malaiyo
🍽️Shreeji - Sweets & MilkMalaiyo at Shreeji – Sweets & Milk is a winter-only delicacy that feels like eating a cloud. Light, airy, and delicately sweet, this milk foam dessert melts instantly on the tongue, carrying subtle hints of saffron and cardamom. Rare, seasonal, and unforgettable—pure magic in a bowl.
📍 k 26, 17, choukhamba, Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh 221001
⭐IFD Rating: 4.5/5 | ₹50-200
Opening Hours: 8am–11pm
Thandai
🍽️Thandai BaharThandai – Thandai Bahar A glass that feels like summer just slowed down for you. Thandai Bahar isn’t just a drink—it’s nostalgia, festivals, and old-city vibes blended into creamy perfection. Cool, fragrant, and comforting, every sip wraps you in that familiar North Indian warmth, even on the hottest days.
📍8254+JMG, Sonapura Rd, next to SBI ATM, Luxmanpura, Godowlia, Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh 221001
⭐IFD Rating: 3.6/5 | ₹80-150
Opening Hours: 8am–12am
Chaat
🍽️Kashi Chat BhandarKashi Chat Bhandar is a chaat lover’s paradise, known for its bold, tangy flavours and irresistible crunch. From the sweet-spicy kick of tamatar chaat to crispy palak patta and classic papri chaat, and samosa chaat, and mix chaat, every plate is messy, addictive, and full of street-side charm. Pure chaat, done right.
📍D, 37/49, Godowlia Rd, Harha, Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh 221001
IFD Rating: 4/5 | ₹60-100
Opening Hours: 3pm–10:30pm
Paani Puri
🍽️Kashi Chat BhandarKashi Chaat Bhandar serves pani puri with bold flavours and perfect balance. Crisp puris, spicy-tangy water, and well-seasoned fillings come together for a burst of taste in every bite. Simple, fiery, and endlessly addictive—this is pani puri done the classic way.
📍D, 37/49, Godowlia Rd, Harha, Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh 221001
⭐IFD Rating: 3.8/5 | ₹40-100
Opening Hours: 3pm–10:30pm
Paan
🍽️Keshav Tambul BhandarKeshav Tambul Bhandar is a paan lover’s delight, where tradition, aroma, and sweetness come together. From classic meetha paan and sada meetha paan to soft paan gilori and fragrant gulkand-yukt special meetha paan, every bite is fresh, balanced, and deeply satisfying. A perfect sweet pause to end any food trail.
📍72J3+H82, Lanka Rd, Near Ravidas Gate, Anandbagh, Lanka, Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh 221005
IFD Rating: 4.3/5 | ₹20-80
Opening Hours: 7am–11pm
Malai Toast
🍽️Lakshmi Chai WaleLakshmi Chai Wale is a cozy stop where simple toasts meet perfectly brewed chai. From rich malai toast and creamy cashew toast to classic white butter and Amul butter toast, every bite is comforting and nostalgic. Pair it with their special chai or a hot coffee, and you’ve got the kind of break that slows the day down.
📍CK 56/34, near chowk thana, Govindpura, Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh 221001
IFD Rating: 3.5/5 | ₹20-80
Opening Hours: 4am–12am