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Varanasi, one of India's oldest and most revered cities, is a captivating blend of spirituality, culture, and history. Nestled along the banks of the sacred river Ganges in the northern state of Uttar Pradesh, Varanasi, also known as Kashi or Benares, is a spiritual epicentre for Hindus. The city's vibrant culture is marked by daily prayer ceremonies and the enchanting sounds of bhajans (devotional songs) echoing through its streets.
Varanasi's cultural heritage is a treasure trove of ancient rituals, spiritual practices, and artistic expressions that have thrived for millennia. Its temples, ghats, and daily Ganga Aarti offer a glimpse into the deep-rooted spiritual beliefs and practices that have endured over centuries. The city is also a hub of classical music, arts, food, and learning, making it a revered destination for scholars, food enthusiasts, and artists alike. Its rich tapestry of traditions and its timeless connection to the river make Varanasi a captivating and deeply symbolic destination in India’s cultural and culinary heritage.
On the culinary front, Varanasi's distinctive cuisine, with its delectable array of street food, showcases a delightful fusion of flavours, influenced by the city's diverse history and immigrant communities. From the famous kachoris to the delectable paan, Varanasi's culinary offerings are a sensory delight that reflect the city's cultural tapestry, making it a unique and cherished destination for those seeking to immerse themselves in India's cultural and culinary heritage.
Sampling the street food of Varanasi is an absolute must for anyone visiting this culturally rich city, as it isn't just about satisfying your taste buds; it's a gateway to the heart and soul of the city. It's an opportunity to immerse yourself in the vibrant local culture, where centuries-old culinary traditions come alive in the bustling lanes. Here are seven street food delights that you must try:
Baati Chokha
Baati chokha is a beloved and hearty street food dish that hails from the cultural heart of Varanasi. Comprising primarily of two components, baati and chokha, this rustic delicacy embodies the essence of North Indian comfort food. Baatis are round, unleavened bread rolls made from coarsely ground wheat flour and ghee, which are traditionally baked in a wood-fired oven or over an open flame, giving them a smoky and crispy exterior while remaining soft inside.
Chokha, on the other hand, is a robust and flavourful accompaniment prepared from mashed roasted vegetables such as brinjal (eggplant), tomatoes, and various spices, lending it a delightful smokiness and tanginess. The combination of the earthy baati and the savoury chokha creates a harmonious palate of flavours.
Banarasi Paan
The Banarasi Paan is an iconic and emblematic symbol of Varanasi's rich cultural heritage. This finely crafted Banarasi betel leaf preparation represents a centuries-old tradition deeply rooted in the city's social fabric. A skilled paan vendor meticulously assembles this sensory delight by wrapping a betel leaf around a tantalising blend of ingredients, which typically include areca nut, slaked lime, flavouring tobacco (optional), sweet or savoury fillings like gulkand and dried fruits, and a medley of aromatic spices.
The result is a complex explosion of flavours and textures, ranging from sweet and spicy to refreshing and fragrant. Enjoying a Banarasi paan isn't just about savouring its unique taste; it's a cultural experience that connects you to Varanasi's age-old customs and rituals, making it an integral part of any visit to this one of the spiritual cities of India.
Tamatar Chaat
Tamatar Chaat is a delectable and tangy street food delight that captures the essence of Varanasi's culinary diversity. This unique dish features ripe tomatoes that are chopped and mixed with a number of spices and flavourful ingredients, creating a burst of sweet and savoury flavours with a hint of spiciness.
The tomatoes are typically complemented by the addition of chopped onions, cilantro, green chilies, and a generous squeeze of lemon juice, which all combine to create a refreshing and zesty taste sensation. Often served on a street cart, tamatar chaat not only tantalises the taste buds but also provides a refreshing respite from the city's vibrant chaos.
Choora Matar
Choora Matar is a delightful and wholesome street food specialty originating from Varanasi that features "choora," which are flattened and dehydrated rice flakes, cooked to perfection with tender green peas and an array of aromatic spices. The preparation often includes ingredients like ghee, cumin seeds, green chillies, and coriander leaves, infusing the dish with a harmonious blend of earthy and spicy notes. Choora Matar is not only a delicious culinary experience but also a filling and nutritious snack that reflects the ingenuity of Varanasi's street food culture.
Malaiyo
Malaiyo, also known as Makhan Malai or Nimish, is a unique and ethereal street food specialty of Varanasi that evokes the essence of the city's culinary traditions. This delicate and airy dessert is crafted from milk froth and is as much a work of art as it is a culinary delight. To make malaiyo, milk is meticulously heated and then left to cool overnight.
The next morning, the thick layer of cream, or malai, that forms on top is delicately collected and flavoured with saffron and cardamom. This batch of cream is whipped in batches, and the foam that forms is collected separately and garnished with pistachios or almonds before being served. The cloud-like, melt-in-the-mouth confection that is both sweet and fragrant is the final product. Malaiyo is typically served in small clay pots and enjoyed during the winter months, adding a touch of elegance and sophistication to Varanasi's bustling street food scene.
Lassi
Lassi, the quintessential Indian yoghurt-based beverage, finds a special place in Varanasi's street food culture. Varanasi's lassi is renowned for its rich and creamy texture and its ability to provide a refreshing respite from the city's bustling streets. Prepared by blending thick yoghurt with sugar or sometimes salt for a savoury version, lassi can be customised with a variety of flavours and toppings.
In Varanasi, you'll often find vendors offering different variations, such as the classic sweet lassi with added flavours like mango, rose, or saffron, as well as a savoury version, often seasoned with spices like cumin or black salt. Served in tall glasses or clay pots, lassi in Varanasi is not just a delightful thirst quencher; it's a cultural experience that beautifully balances the vibrant energy of the city with the soothing, creamy goodness of this traditional drink.
Chhena Dahi Vada
Chhena dahi vada is a somewhat sweet and creamy street food specialty that captures the essence of Varanasi's culinary diversity. This unique dish is a twist on the classic dahi vada, where soft lentil dumplings are replaced with vadas made from chhena, a fresh Indian cheese similar to paneer. These chhena vadas are soaked in thick, spiced yoghurt and generously garnished with an array of aromatic spices, including cumin, red chilli powder, and chaat masala, along with fresh coriander and mint leaves. The result is a medley of textures and flavours, with the creamy chhena vadas providing a delightful contrast to the tangy and spicy yoghurt. Chhena dahi vada reflects the city's talent for reinventing traditional dishes with a creative twist.
