Varanasi food tour
VARANASI FOOD TOUR - As the sun sinks over the Ganges, the world's oldest living city comes alive. Temple bells ring out across the ghats, marigold garlands sway above the lanes and the air fills with the scent of simmering milk, sizzling ghee and smoky spices. For more than three thousand years, pilgrims, poets and wandering holy men have found their way to Varanasi, and every one of them has had to eat. The result is a gloriously vegetarian street-food culture, fiercely protected by the families who have run the same tiny shops for generations.
Over four hours and 15+ tastings, we're eating our way through the old city's twisting galis, legendary milk shops and buzzing chaat stalls.
First, a refreshing glass of nimbu pani before we head straight for the city's sweetest obsession: milk. At one of Varanasi's most beloved milk shops, men stir vast kadais over open flames for hours to make lachha rabdi, layer upon layer of thick, cardamom-scented cream. Next door, the city's famous buffalo lassi is churned by hand and served in a traditional clay kulhad. In the winter months, you might even be lucky enough to try malaiyo, a cloud-like saffron milk foam that melts the moment it hits your tongue.
Then follow the sizzle to a local favourite for a crisp paneer masala dosa, served with cooling coconut chutney and tangy sambar.
As golden hour settles over the ghats, we'll step aboard a wooden boat and drift along the Ganges, watching the palaces, temples and riverside steps glow in the evening light. It's one of the most magical sights in India, and arguably the best seat in the city.
Back on dry land, crack into a flaky kachori drowned in spiced chickpea ghughni, then warm up with a cup of masala chai poured from a height into a clay cup. At an old-school sweet and snack shop, sample chena dahi bhalla, soft cheese dumplings in cool spiced yogurt, alongside fiery masala kaju cashews and silky khandvi rolls.
Then it's time for Varanasi's most famous street snack. Watch a chaat master at work as he ladles steaming tamatar chaat, a tangy, spicy tomato stew topped with crunchy crackers, into clay cups. Follow it with golgappa, crisp puri shells filled with spiced potato and tangy water.
After wandering through the explosion of colour at the Phool Bazar flower market, pull up a chair for a more Banarasi dishes: creamy shahi paneer with cashews, aloo jeera potatoes roasted with cumin, crispy palak pakoda spinach fritters and warm, buttery naan.
Finish the way every great Banarasi evening ends: with a freshly folded paan, made right in front of you, and the city's finest sweets, including delicate malai gilauri and clove-scented laung lata.
NOTE: the boat along the Ganges is weather dependent and doesn't run in the rainy season months
Why this tour is awesome
Over four hours and 15+ tastings, we'll explore the old city's winding lanes, legendary milk shops and buzzing chaat stalls, with a sunset boat ride along the sacred Ganges.
Expect hand-churned buffalo lassi, cardamom-scented rabdi, crisp paneer dosa and Varanasi's famous tamatar chaat. Along the way, discover the faith, history and centuries-old traditions that shaped Banarasi food, before finishing with Baranasi favourites, freshly folded paan and traditional Indian sweets.
Taste your way through Varanasi with 15+ tastings, from bubbling chaat to creamy rabdi and a sunset boat ride.
Wander through garland-strung lanes as evening settles over the old city.
Milk simmered for hours in giant kadais for lachha rabdi.
Cardamom-scented rabdi, thick with layers of sweet cream.
The food heroes of Banaras.
Buffalo lassi churned by hand, just as it has been for generations.
Paneer masala dosa sizzling on a cast iron griddle.
Crisp paneer masala dosa with coconut chutney and spiced sambar.
Hop aboard a wooden boat as the sun sets over the Ganges.
Boats waiting at the edge of the river.
The ghats glow as golden hour settles over Varanasi.
Sunset on the sacred Ganges.
Palaces and temples line the riverbank at dusk.
Temple spires and the Ganges stretching to the horizon.
The temple monkeys of Varanasi, always on the lookout for a snack.
Flaky kachori broken into rich chickpea ghughni.
Kachori, tikki and golgappa piled high at the chaat stall.
Meet the tamatar chaat master of Varanasi.
Tamatar chaat served steaming in a clay kulhad.
Spiced tomato chaat, topped with crunchy crackers and fresh coriander.
Tangy chaat drizzled with tamarind chutney and cool yogurt.
A glittering counter of Banarasi sweets.
Marigolds piled high at the Phool Bazar flower market.
Sit down for a proper Banarasi feast.
Creamy shahi paneer, jeera aloo and buttery naan.
Paan folded fresh on the spot.
Conclude on a sweet note with malai gilauri and laung lata.
Includes
- Price US $39 per person
- Language English
- Small group Maximum of 8 guests (private tours or groups of 9+, please contact us)
- Tastings 15+ tastings
- Drinks Bottled water and local drinks
- Duration 4pm - 8pm
- Guide Led by one of our superb Varanasi food hosts
- Cancellation Cancel up to 48 hours before departure for a full refund
- Family friendly Families welcome on all our tours. Children 50% discount.
- Transport Predominately walking, though a boat is used for part of the tour
- Instant confirmation Book now to secure your space (before we sell out!)
- Pick up / drop off Our guests come from all over the city, so to save time we have a meeting point. Your guide can help you find transport back at the end of the tour
Dietary information
- General advice Many local eateries specialise in signature menus, and may not have alternatives. It is not always possible to cater for all dietary requests at every stop
- Vegetarian Suitable, all 15 tastings are vegetarian
- Vegan Unsuitable as dairy is used in 10 tastings (out of 15 total)
- Pescatarian Suitable, all 15 tastings are vegetarian
- Pork Suitable for no pork diets
- Halal Suitable, as the tour is fully vegetarian and no meat is served
- Gluten intolerance / Celiac Possible, though gluten is present in 4-5 tastings (out of 15 total)
- Lactose intolerance Unsuitable, as dairy is used in 10-11 tastings (out of 15 total)
- Tree nut / peanut allergy Possible, though nuts are used in 5-6 tastings (out of 15 total)
- Seafood / Shellfish allergy Suitable for no seafood diets
- Severe allergies Due to the nature of street food cooking, we can never guarantee any dish to be 100% free from allergens, as there is always the risk of traces and cross-contamination. It is unsuitable for severe allergies. Contact us: info@achefstour.com
How to book
To join our Varanasi food tour, use the calendar above to select your preferred date, and secure your tour with your card. For special requests, private bookings, or dietary requirements, please contact us. Safety of our customers is our first priority, so if you have any food allergies, please contact us before booking.
What to expect
This tour is designed for adventurous eaters with an interest in discovering the food locals eat. Itβs a walking tour, but the pace is gentle, and there are plenty of rest (eating) stops along the way. Join us on the best Varanasi food tour in the city, you won't regret it.
Meeting point
Meet outside the 1916 Cafe & Restaurant in Varanasi's old town. It's easy to reach either on foot from most hotels, or via taxi. There will be more details on your booking voucher.Β
Cancellation Policy
Why you should book with us
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99% 5 star reviews across our tours -
Secure payments through provider Peek
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No hidden charges - all food tastings included in the price
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Authentic food experience, escape the tourist traps