Food of Varanasi

Varanasi has a distinct tint to its cuisine with a certain influence of dishes and styles of Bihar added to its platter. The popular delicacies of the area are Dum Aloo, Bati Chokha, Aloo-Tikki, Pani Puri, Kachori, Tamatar chaat as well as sweets such as Jalebis, Rabri and Banarasi Kalakand. Another essential relish of the town is its Paan, a delicacy of betel leaf. Other than these, do try out the Butter Toast with hot milk, typically almond flavoured. Also, try out the local drinks like Lassi and Badam Sharbat. Varanasi is also famous for its Thandai, which is a milk based drink with Bhang added in it, which is a form of cannabis legal in India. Apart from the traditional and local flavors here, one will find numerous options for Continental and typical Indian food. When in Varanasi, you can explore the variety of food from the delicious street food to the numerous cafes at Assi. The city really has it all!

Here are the top 14 restaurants in Varanasi:

1. Ayyar's Cafe

A saviour for South Indian food in North India. The cafe offers a concise yet homely menu of the southern delicacies such as dosa, idly and the typical South Indian thali.

2. Canton Royale

S.20/51 A-5 The Mall Road 
North Indian, Continental, Mediterranean
11 AM to 11 PM (Mon-Sun)
1500

3. Open Hand

B1/128-3, Dumraun Bagh Colony, Assi Ghat, Varanasi 
Cafe
8 AM to 10 PM (Mon-Sun)
450

A short walk from the Assi Ghat opens to this streak of breakfast options coupled with desserts, salads and snacks. Besides food, the store here is a work of art as well.

4. Aum Cafe

A family-run eatery, hosts an array of Indian, global and cafe foods along with organic tea and home-ground coffee. They have vegetarian, vegan and gluten-free diet options as well.

5. Pizzeria Vaatika Cafe

B-1/178, Assi Ghat, Varanasi, India 
Italian, Chinese
11 AM to 3 PM, 7 PM to 11 PM
INR 700 For Two

6. Eden Restaurant

Hotel Pradeep, Kabir Chaura Road, Lahurabir, Jaitpura, Varanasi, India 
North-Indian, Chinese, Continental
10 AM to 11 PM
INR 800 For Two

7. Ganga Fuji Restaurant

D 5/8 Kalika Gali, Dashaswmedh Road, Varanasi, India 
North-Indian, Chinese, Snacks
7:30 AM to 10 PM
INR 350 For Two

8. Brown Bread Bakery

With a wellcrafted menu of European, Indian and Continental quick bites and confectionery choices, the restaurant offers elaborate services of all three meals alongisde a breakfast buffet.

9. Vegan & Raw

Housed in a relaxing compound and Varanasi's first vegan restaurant, Vegan & Raw serves a delectable spread of vegan food including pizza, pasta and desserts along with regular live concerts.

10. Dosa Cafe

D-15/49, Maan Mandir, Dashaswamedh Ghat, Godaulia, Varanasi 
South Indian
10 AM to 9 PM (Mon-Tue, Thu-Sun), Wed Closed
450

Quaint, South Indian and Delicious are three words to describe this little cafe. Serving a span of dosa varieties including chocolate dosas, the cafe also has dessert and beverage options.

11. Dolphin Restaurant

This riverside eatery offering a rooftop dining experience hosts a select menu of Continental, Indian and Chinese food in addition to the unbeatable Tandoori options.

12. Aman e Khas

Boradway Hotel, Near IP Vijay Mall, Bhelupur, Varanasi 
North Indian, Mughlai, Chinese, Biryani
11 AM to 11 PM (Mon-Sun)
850

Aman e Khas is the perfect haunt for non-veg lovers. Besides mouth watering meat delicacies, the restaurant also has its own selection of vegetarian options and regional desserts.

13. Keshari Restaurant

A casual dinery offering over 40 varieties of paneer, chole and chinese starters besides mainstream thalis, soups and south Indian breakfast options. They have dessert too!

14. Darbhanga

Royal dining experience with classy street food and delectable Indian, Asian and gourmet options. The pricey entry fee works out just fine after the food coma!

Varanasi Photos

Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh
Varanasi - Historical City on the Banks of River Ganga
Dashawamedha Ghat in Varanasi
Jain Ghat in Varanasi, Uttarpradesh

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