Kachoris, Chaats, and Chai
In Varanasi, food is not just about taste — it’s about experience. Every lane is alive with sizzling pans, bubbling pots, and the laughter of people sharing snacks. Street food here is a ritual, a culture, and sometimes, even a pilgrimage in itself.
The Morning Kachori Ritual
Varanasi mornings begin with the irresistible aroma of kachori-sabzi. Vendors start frying golden, puffed-up kachoris before sunrise, served hot with a spicy potato curry. Locals swear no day feels complete without it.
Chaats That Define Chaos
As the sun sets, the streets light up with chaat stalls. Crisp puris filled with tangy tamarind water, aloo tikkis topped with chutneys, dahi, and spices — Varanasi chaat is equal parts food and theatre. The vendors call out, toss, and serve at lightning speed.
The Legendary Kulhad Chai
After the spice, there’s always chai. Served in kulhads (clay cups), the chai in Varanasi has a smoky, earthy aroma that no paper cup could ever replicate. Locals gather around tea stalls, sipping…