Skip the famous stalls, these hidden eateries in Varanasi deserve your attention

In the narrow lanes of Varanasi, these food gems remain deliciously undiscovered from the crowd.

Varanasi’s culture is deeply rooted in its food scene, and every nook and corner of the city serves delicacies worth trying. From Ram Bhandhar to Chachi ki kachori, Pahalwan lassi to Deena Chat Bhandhar, are some of the most popular eateries people often visit to savour the delicacies. However, Varanasi boasts a lot more food joints that deliver the real flavour, waiting to be explored. Scroll down to check out some of the hidden food gems that are too good to stay secret.

Gopi chaat bhandhar serves the best chaat in Varanasi. (Unsplash)

For chaat and golgappe

From Tamatar Chaat to Golgappe, sev papdi to aloo chaat, Varanasi’s chaat menu is something you can miss out on your trip. Amidst popular main market food joints, Gopi Chat Bhandhar often go unnoticed. Located in the Ravindrapuri colony, this snack spot offers a wide range of delicacies worth trying. As a local, I would recommend trying Palak Patta Chaat and Tamatar Chaat.

For kachori jalebi

Kachori jalebi is one of the most popular breakfast options in Varanasi, available at every corner of the city. While Ram Bhandhar is the most popular spot to savour this delicacy, Babulal, located on the Godowlia Chowk Road, which is within walking distance from the galli, is one of the underrated gems to enjoy this lip-smacking cuisine in peace, away from the crowd. Madhur Jalpan, nestled in the lane next to KCM Mall on the same road, is another undiscovered spot where you can satiate your taste buds. Don’t forget to try samosa and chole, served around 3 pm at these food stalls.

Babulal and Madhur Jalpan offers mouth-watering jalebi. (Unsplash)

Banarasi lassi

If you are in Varanasi, especially during summers, then you can skip trying Banarasi lassi. Made out of a thick layer of creamy milk, served in large earthen glasses, and topped with rabri and malai, this kind of lassi you won’t find anywhere else in the world. You also get the choice to customize your lassi based on your taste and preferences. While Pahalwan lassi is a popular one, Blue Lassi near Rajbandhu in Kachori Galli (known for their fruit lassis), Dwarikapuri Milk Bahar, and Shiv Prasad Lassi Bhandar are some of the best options to try this beverage.

Blue Lassi near Rajbandhu in Kachori Galli serves a variety of fruit lassi. (Unsplash)

Chooda matar and malaiyyo

These two delicacies are winter specials and are found only in Varanasi. Chooda matar is actually the Varanasi version of poha, made with a twist. It’s one of the most fulfilling evening snacks and is worth trying at Gopi Chaat Bhandar. Malaiyyo is another world-famous winter dessert you can’t skip in Varanasi. Dwarikapuri Milk Bahar, Shiv Prasad Lassi Bhandar, and Neelkant are some of the undiscovered gems where you can try this fulfilling dessert.