Saturday September 23: Exploring the Local Cuisine
Start your foodie adventure in Varanasi by sampling traditional breakfast delicacies at the famous Kashi Vishwanath Temple. Indulge in crispy kachoris, piping hot jalebis, and refreshing lassi. In the afternoon, head to the Chowk area, known for its street food scene. Try the local specialty, Banarasi Paan, a betel leaf filled with exotic flavors. As the evening sets in, take a boat ride along the Ganges River and witness the magical Ganga Aarti ceremony, while feasting on delectable chaat and samosas from street vendors.
Kashi Vishwanath Temple: Entry fee is free, time spent: 2 hours
Chowk area: Estimated cost for street food: INR 200, time spent: 3 hours
Ganga Aarti ceremony: Free, time spent: 1.5 hours
Restaurants
Start your day with a visit to Kashi Vishwanath Temple and enjoy a delicious breakfast at Ram Bhandar. This iconic eatery is known for its mouthwatering kachoris and hot jalebis. The average cost for a meal here is about 100 INR per person.
For lunch, head to Deena Chaat Bhandar in the Chowk area. This popular street food joint offers a variety of chaat dishes, including the famous Banarasi Paan. The average cost for a meal here is about 150 INR per person.
End your day with a delightful dinner experience at Baati Chokha. This rustic restaurant serves authentic Bihari cuisine, with specialties like litti chokha and sattu paratha. The average cost for a meal here is about 250 INR per person.
Sunday September 24: Culinary Heritage and Sweets
Start your day with a visit to the famous Ram Bhandar, known for its scrumptious breakfast staple, Aloo Tikki and Kachori. In the afternoon, embark on a heritage food walk through the narrow lanes of Varanasi, stopping at renowned eateries like Blue Lassi Shop and Deena Chaat Bhandar. Indulge in mouthwatering delicacies like Malaiyyo, Rabri, and Gulab Jamun. In the evening, take a boat ride to witness the mesmerizing Ganga Aarti at Dasaswamedh Ghat, accompanied by a delightful dinner at Keshari Restaurant.
Ram Bhandar: Estimated cost for breakfast: INR 150, time spent: 1.5 hours
Heritage Food Walk: Estimated cost for street food: INR 400, time spent: 3 hours
Dasaswamedh Ghat: Free, time spent: 2 hours
Restaurants
Start your day at Ram Bhandar, a famous breakfast spot known for its delicious Aloo Tikki and Kachori. Average cost for a meal is about 100 INR per person.
For lunch, head to Blue Lassi Shop. It is a renowned eatery offering a variety of refreshing lassi flavors. Average cost for a meal is about 150 INR per person.
Indulge in a delightful dinner experience at Keshari Restaurant, located near Dasaswamedh Ghat. Enjoy the mesmerizing Ganga Aarti and savor their delicious dishes. Average cost for a meal is about 500 INR per person.
Monday September 25: Exploring Varanasi's Food Markets
Begin your day by visiting the bustling spice market, Gyan Vapi, where you can find a wide range of aromatic spices and exotic ingredients. Then, head to the Lahurabir area to explore the local market, famous for its fresh produce and street food stalls. Indulge in the delicious Banarasi street food, such as Tamatar Chaat and Baati Chokha. In the evening, enjoy a dinner cruise along the Ganges River, savoring the flavors of authentic Bhojpuri cuisine.
Gyan Vapi Spice Market: Estimated cost for spices: INR 500, time spent: 2 hours
Lahurabir Market: Estimated cost for street food: INR 300, time spent: 3 hours
Ganges River Dinner Cruise: Estimated cost for dinner cruise: INR 1500, time spent: 2.5 hours
Restaurants
Start your day at the popular breakfast spot, Kashi Chat Bhandar, known for its delicious street food dishes like Kachori Sabzi and Jalebi. Enjoy a hearty meal for around 100 INR per person.
For lunch, head to The Great Kabab Factory, a renowned restaurant offering a wide variety of authentic Indian kebabs. Treat yourself to a delicious lunch buffet for around 600 INR per person.
In the evening, dine at the enchanting Bana Lassi, famous for its creamy and refreshing lassis made from local yogurt. Indulge in a delectable dinner with various lassi flavors for around 200 INR per person.
Tuesday September 26: Cooking Classes and Temples
Immerse yourself in the culinary traditions of Varanasi by joining a cooking class to learn how to prepare authentic dishes like Tamatar Chaat and Malaiyyo. After the class, visit the historic Sankat Mochan Hanuman Temple and enjoy a vegetarian lunch at its renowned Langar. In the afternoon, explore the famous Bharat Mata Temple and admire its unique map of India made entirely of marble. Indulge in a delightful dinner at Pizzeria Vaatika Cafe, offering a fusion of Italian and Indian flavors.
Cooking Class: Estimated cost for class: INR 1500, time spent: 4 hours
Sankat Mochan Hanuman Temple: Free, time spent: 1 hour
Bharat Mata Temple: Entry fee: INR 20, time spent: 1.5 hours
Pizzeria Vaatika Cafe: Estimated cost for dinner: INR 800, time spent: 2 hours
Restaurants
Start your day with a delicious breakfast at Kashi Chat Bhandar, known for its mouthwatering kachoris and samosas. Average cost for a meal is about ₹50 per person.
For lunch, head to Shri Ram Bhandar, a popular eatery serving authentic Banarasi cuisine. Don't miss their famous puri sabzi and lassi. Average cost for a meal is about ₹150 per person.
Indulge in a sumptuous dinner at Baati Chokha, a rustic restaurant offering traditional Bihari cuisine and a variety of baati and chokha options. Average cost for a meal is about ₹300 per person.
Wednesday September 27: Varanasi's Sweet Treats
On your final day, satisfy your sweet tooth by visiting the famous Blue Lassi Shop once again to try their wide variety of lassis. Embark on a foodie tour of the city, trying regional sweets like Malai Peda, Kheer Mohan, and Lavang Lata. End your culinary journey with a lavish dinner at the renowned BrijRama Palace, where you can feast on delectable dishes while enjoying the breathtaking view of the Ganges River.
Blue Lassi Shop: Estimated cost for lassi: INR 150, time spent: 1 hour
Foodie Tour: Estimated cost for sweets: INR 300, time spent: 4 hours
BrijRama Palace: Estimated cost for dinner: INR 2000, time spent: 2 hours
Restaurants
Start your day with a hearty breakfast at Kashi Chat Bhandar, known for its delicious and authentic street food. Indulge in their famous Aloo Tikki, Chole Bhature, and Masala Dosa. Average cost for a meal is about 100 INR per person.
For a satisfying lunch, head to Deena Chat Bhandar, a local favorite renowned for its mouthwatering chaat delicacies like Pani Puri, Papdi Chaat, and Samosa Chaat. Average cost for a meal is about 150 INR per person.
Experience a luxurious dinner at The Great Kabab Factory, offering a wide range of succulent kebabs and flavorful Indian dishes. Don't miss their signature Galouti Kebabs and Dal Bukhara. Average cost for a meal is about 800 INR per person.
Hidden Gems and Local Favorites
For off the beaten path attractions, head to the Manikarnika Ghat and explore the nearby lanes to discover hidden local eateries serving delectable street food. Don't miss trying the unique Banarasi Thandai, a traditional drink made with a blend of aromatic spices and dry fruits. Another local favorite is the Kachori Sabzi at Madhur Milan, a small eatery tucked away in the crowded streets of Varanasi, offering a perfect combination of flavors.
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