A Foodie's Guide to Varanasi: 7-Day Itinerary

Friday, August 4: Arrival in Varanasi

Welcome to Varanasi, the holiest city in India and a food lover's paradise! After checking into your hotel, head to the famous Kachori Gali in the morning. Indulge in piping hot kachoris, a popular local breakfast dish. In the afternoon, visit Vishwanath Gali, known for its street food stalls offering mouthwatering chaats and sweets. In the evening, take a boat ride on the sacred Ganges River and witness the mesmerizing Ganga Aarti ceremony.

• Kachori Gali: Estimated cost - INR 200, Estimated time spent - 1 hour
• Vishwanath Gali: Estimated cost - INR 300, Estimated time spent - 2 hours
• Ganga Aarti ceremony: Free, Estimated time spent - 1.5 hours

Saturday, August 5: Culinary Delights

Start your day at Ram Bhandar, a legendary eatery known for its delicious and filling breakfast of kachoris and sabzi. In the afternoon, visit Ksheer Sagar for a traditional thali meal consisting of a variety of vegetarian dishes. End your day with a visit to Pizzeria Vatika, a local favorite for wood-fired pizzas with Indian flavors.

• Ram Bhandar: Estimated cost - INR 250, Estimated time spent - 1 hour
• Ksheer Sagar: Estimated cost - INR 400, Estimated time spent - 1.5 hours
• Pizzeria Vatika: Estimated cost - INR 500, Estimated time spent - 2 hours

Sunday, August 6: Sweets and Snacks

Indulge your sweet tooth at Blue Lassi, a famous lassi shop offering a variety of flavors. In the afternoon, explore the narrow lanes of Chowk and try the famous Banarasi paan. For an evening snack, head to Deena Chaat Bhandar and savor their mouthwatering chaat items.

• Blue Lassi: Estimated cost - INR 150, Estimated time spent - 1 hour
• Banarasi paan at Chowk: Estimated cost - INR 100, Estimated time spent - 1 hour
• Deena Chaat Bhandar: Estimated cost - INR 200, Estimated time spent - 1.5 hours

Monday, August 7: Authentic Varanasi Cuisine

Start your day with a traditional breakfast of malaiyo, a creamy milk froth delicacy available only in the winter season. In the afternoon, visit Baati Chokha for a taste of the famous Bihari cuisine, including baati (baked wheat balls) with chokha (mashed vegetables). In the evening, enjoy a rooftop dining experience at The Great Kebab Factory, known for its delectable kebabs and Indian specialties.

• Malaiyo: Estimated cost - INR 100, Estimated time spent - 1 hour
• Baati Chokha: Estimated cost - INR 500, Estimated time spent - 1.5 hours
• The Great Kebab Factory: Estimated cost - INR 800, Estimated time spent - 2 hours

Tuesday, August 8: Street Food Extravaganza

Embark on a street food adventure today! Start at the legendary Kashi Chat Bhandar and try their famous tamatar chaat. In the afternoon, head to Lahori Tadka and indulge in their lip-smacking kebabs and biryanis. End your day with a visit to Blue Coriander, a hidden gem known for its fusion street food.

• Kashi Chat Bhandar: Estimated cost - INR 200, Estimated time spent - 1 hour
• Lahori Tadka: Estimated cost - INR 600, Estimated time spent - 1.5 hours
• Blue Coriander: Estimated cost - INR 400, Estimated time spent - 2 hours

Wednesday, August 9: Varanasi Specialties

Start your day with a visit to Madhur Milan Sweets and savor their famous malai paan. In the afternoon, head to Niyati Café for a fusion of international and Indian flavors. In the evening, explore the street food stalls near Dashashwamedh Ghat and try local delicacies like kachori sabzi, malai toast, and thandai.

• Madhur Milan Sweets: Estimated cost - INR 100, Estimated time spent - 1 hour
• Niyati Café: Estimated cost - INR 500, Estimated time spent - 1.5 hours
• Street food near Dashashwamedh Ghat: Estimated cost - INR 300, Estimated time spent - 2 hours

Thursday, August 10: Cooking Experience and Farewell

Learn the art of cooking Varanasi cuisine with a cooking class at a local home. Discover the secrets behind traditional recipes and enjoy a delicious meal prepared by yourself. Spend your afternoon exploring local markets and picking up souvenirs. In the evening, bid farewell to Varanasi with a dinner at Baati Chokha, where you can relish their signature dishes one last time.

• Cooking class: Estimated cost - INR 1000, Estimated time spent - 3 hours
• Shopping at local markets: Estimated cost - Varies, Estimated time spent - 2 hours
• Baati Chokha: Estimated cost - INR 500, Estimated time spent - 2 hours

Hidden Gems and Local Favorites

While exploring Varanasi, make sure to visit Keshariya Bhandar for their famous laddoos and jalebis. Another hidden gem is Kashi Vishwanath Thandai Bhandar, where you can try refreshing thandai with a twist. For a unique dining experience, head to The Brown Bread Bakery & Café, known for its organic food and cozy ambiance.

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