Varanasi, also known as Benaras, is a city that is famous for its rich cultural heritage and spiritual significance. One of the must-try experiences in Varanasi is trying out the local street food, especially the famous "chaat".
Chaat is a savory snack that is popular all over India, but the chaat in Varanasi has its own unique flavor and style. It is a combination of crispy fried dough, boiled potatoes, chickpeas, and a range of spices and chutneys, all topped with a generous sprinkle of sev (crunchy noodles made from gram flour).
One of the most famous chaat shops in Varanasi is Kashi Chaat Bhandar, located in the heart of the city near the Dashashwamedh Ghat. This shop has been serving delicious chaat for over a century and is a favorite among locals and tourists alike.
Another popular chaat shop in Varanasi is Deena Chaat Bhandar, which is known for its unique take on chaat. Here, the chaat is served on a leaf plate and topped with a special blend of spices that gives it a distinct flavor.
As you wander through the narrow alleys and bazaars of Varanasi, you'll come across several other chaat shops, each with its own style and flavor. Some of the other popular chaat shops in the city include Pappu Chaat Bhandar, Kachori Gali, and Ram Bhandar.
The best time to try chaat in Varanasi is in the evening, when the streets come alive with the sounds and smells of sizzling snacks. The chaat shops are usually crowded, but the experience is worth it. You can enjoy your chaat while standing on the street, chatting with locals and other foodies, and soaking in the vibrant atmosphere of the city.
In addition to chaat, Varanasi is also famous for its other street food delicacies like lassi, a sweet and creamy yogurt drink, and malaiyo, a frothy dessert made from milk and saffron.
Here are some of the most popular types of chaat in Kashi:
Aloo Tikki: Aloo tikki is a popular chaat made from mashed potatoes and spices, which are then shaped into patties and deep-fried until crispy. The tikki is then topped with a combination of chutneys, curd, and spices.
Papdi Chaat: Papdi chaat is a crispy snack made from wheat flour and topped with boiled potatoes, chickpeas, and a range of chutneys, spices, and sev. It is a delicious and crunchy chaat that is perfect for a mid-day snack.
Dahi Bhalla: Dahi bhalla is a soft and fluffy chaat made from lentil dumplings that are soaked in yogurt and topped with a blend of spices and chutneys. It is a refreshing and cooling chaat that is perfect for the hot and humid weather in Varanasi.
Kachori: Kachori is a deep-fried, crispy snack that is filled with a spicy mixture of lentils, potatoes, and spices. It is a popular chaat in Varanasi and is often served with a variety of chutneys and curd.
Chhole Bhature: Chhole bhature is ahearty and filling chaat that is made from fluffy fried bread (bhatura) and spicy chickpeas (chhole). It is a popular breakfast dish in Varanasi and is often served with a side of onions, chutneys, and pickles.
Samosa Chaat: Samosa chaat is a unique and delicious chaat that is made by topping crispy samosas with a combination of chutneys, curd, and spices. It is a perfect blend of crispy and soft textures and is a must-try for any foodie visiting Varanasi.
Tikki Chaat: Tikki chaat is a variation of aloo tikki, where the tikkis are crumbled and topped with a range of chutneys, curd, and spices. It is a delicious and tangy chaat that is perfect for those who love a little bit of spice in their food.
Ragda Pattice: Ragda pattice is a popular chaat that is made from mashed potato patties that are topped with a spicy ragda (dried yellow peas curry) and a range of chutneys and spices. It is a filling and flavorful chaat that is perfect for those who love a little bit of heat in their food.
Palak Patta Chaat: Palak patta chaat is a healthy and delicious chaat that is made from crisp spinach leaves that are topped with a tangy and spicy chutney and a range of spices. It is a unique and flavorful chaat that is perfect for those who want to try something new.
Raj Kachori: Raj kachori is a large and filling chaat that is made from a crispy kachori that is filled with a range of ingredients, including boiled potatoes, chickpeas, and a range of chutneys and spices. It is a delicious and hearty chaat that is perfect for those who want a filling meal.
Matar Chaat : is a popular street food in Varanasi and is often served as a snack or as a side dish with other chaat varieties. It is a delicious and healthy chaat that is perfect for those who want to try something new and flavorful.
Trying out the chaat in Varanasi is a must-try experience for anyone visiting the city. The chaat is a perfect blend of spices, flavors, and textures that are unique to Varanasi and will leave your taste buds craving for more. It is a great way to experience the local culture and get a taste of the vibrant street food scene in India.
.jpg)