Varanasi Food Tour: Spicy Hot and Sweet

Set off on a flavorful food tour at some of the best food places in the streets of Varanasi. pick up from the local hotel. Proceed, to the various galis (lanes) serving mouth-watering food varieties in Varanasi, which is also referred to as Benaras. There is a never-ending list on the food menu, and you’ll have some of the best among them. Tokri Chaat (basket chaat) is potato baskets filled with a variety of spicy and sweet filling combinations like tamarind, coriander or green mint chutney, yogurt and sev (thin strands of spiced deep-fried gram flour batter). Palak Patta Chaat, one of the most delicious chaats, one can find only in Varanasi, wherein crispy palak Patta (spinach leaves) dipped into the salty yogurt sprinkled with pomegranate. You’ll fall in love with it. Chiwda Matar or chooda matar is a great cereal breakfast treat with fresh green peas and flattened rice (chiwda) cooked together into a spicy concoction garnished with dried fruits. Tastes best with chai.  Tamatar Chaat, a spicy mix of tomatoes and boiled potatoes sprinkled with chaat masala and served in a dried leaf made bowl. Absolutely irresistible. Banarasi Lassi, Varanasi serves some of the thickest lassi (a sweet yogurt drink) with different varieties of exotic flavors. Banarasi Thandai cannot be missed. Chilled milk flavored with a concoction of spices like cardamom, rose petals, saffron, etc. This drink can be had laced with bhang (cannabis) or without as you order it. Launglata, a popular pastry dough stuffed with a rich filling of nuts, sugar and milk solids, etc., and then dunked in sugar syrup. Get a refreshing treat of sweet and sour Chhena Vada. Fried flour balls dipped in sweet yogurt, sprinkled with a mix of spices and garnished with fresh coriander leaves. Malai Toast or bread Makhan is unique to Varanasi. Locally made bread is served with a generous layer of safed makkhan (white butter) sprinkled with little salt and pepper. Malai Ghilori or malai paan is a terrific triangular sweet. The encasing is made with sweetened malai and varaq (silver leaf coating) and the inside caries green pistachio filling. Banarasi Chai, a hot cup of strong or sweet tea, black or masala tea, made over a coal stove and served in a kulhad (terracotta cup) is quintessentially Varanasi. A perfect drink to have a chat over life affairs. When it’s Varanasi then you have to end your meal course with Banarasi Paan. This unique and delicious treat is your perfect end to the gastronomic walk of the city. Your tour ends at your original departure point.