Wine & Dine
A melange of people from around the world call Varanasi their home, and this cultural mix is reflected in its culinary landscape.
World Cuisine
The 6 Pizzeria Vaatika Café ( pizzeriavaatika.in) near Assi Ghat serves vegetarian pizzas, apple pies, and ice cream in a garden overlooking the ghat. In the same area, the Hayat Mediterranean, run by a Jordanian, offers an authentic selection of Middle Eastern delicacies, drinks, and flavoured shishas in relaxed lounge-style seating. In Shivala, head to I:BA Cafe & Restaurant ( facebook.com/ ibacafevaranasi) for Japanese fare or to Bread of Life Bakery & Restaurant ( bread-cafe. edan.io), run by an AmericanGerman duo, for freshly baked muffins, steaming moussakas, ratatouille, and more. Brown Bread Bakery ( facebook.com/ brownbreadbakery) in Bangali Tola does a range of breads, rolls, and Tibetan dishes.
Local Treats
In Varanasi one can find entire lanes dedicated to street fare— the Kachori & Samosa Gali near Dashashwamedh Ghat is one example. Pahalwan Lassi Bhandar in Lanka, Varanasi, is recommended for thick lassis served with a generous dollop of malai (clotted cream). 7 Kashi Chaat Bhandar in Godowlia is a hot favourite for mouthwatering chaats like tamatar ki chaat, meethe golgappe, chena dahi vada, and palak chaat. For sweet offerings such as creamy malaiyyo and rabri jalebi, head to New Rajshree Sweets near Kachahari Chauraha. One should not leave Varanasi without sampling a Banarasi paan (betel leaf stuffed with condiments), and Rajendra Chaurasia Paan on Panchkosi Road is the best place for it.
Fine Dining
Housed in the 200-year-old heritage building of Hotel Surya, the multi-cuisine Canton Royale is known for its Indian thalis and Continental fare served in a colonial ambience with live music. With stark, minimalist interiors, The Palate in Ramada Plaza ( ramadajhvvns.com) is the place to be if you seek a luxe dining experience in Varanasi. Located in the oldest hotel in the city, 1951 at Clarks Hotel ( clarkshotels.com) offers a range of Indian, Continental, and Chinese delicacies.
Watering Holes
One of the best places to escape the din of the city and slow down with a chilled beer and good finger food is Trishna Pub in Sigra. In Nadesar, 8 Mangi Ferra Café offers a lively atmosphere with a selection of drinks, vegetarian and meat platters, and pizzas. Established in honour of artist James Prinsep, who spent many afternoons here sketching the ghats, the stately Prinsep Bar in Taj Ganges ( tajhotels. com) is a classy destination. For the most happening nightlife, though, the place to visit is the 3rd Floor Bar Stock Exchange ( varunahotels.com/ the3rdfloorbarstockexchange) in Sigra.