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What are the local dishes I should try in Varanasi?

• Kachori: These are deep-fried pastries filled with a spicy mixture of lentils or peas. They’re often served with tamarind chutney or potato curry.

• Chaat: Varanasi is famous for its various types of chaat, such as Aloo Chaat (spicy potato cubes with chutneys), Pani Puri (crispy puris filled with spicy water, tamarind chutney, and chickpeas), and Tikki Chaat (spiced potato patties served with chutneys and yogurt).

• Lassi: This refreshing yogurt-based drink is available in different flavors and is often served sweet or salty. It’s a great way to cool down after a spicy meal.

• Peda: A popular sweet made from condensed milk and flavored with cardamom. It’s a delicious treat and often found in local sweet shops.

• Banarasi Paan: A unique local specialty, Banarasi paan is a betel leaf preparation filled with a mixture of areca nut, slaked lime, and various spices. It’s often enjoyed as a post-meal digestive and is known for its distinctive flavor.

• Malaiyyo: Also known as Rabri, this is a creamy and frothy dessert made from milk that’s slow-cooked to a thick consistency. It’s especially popular during winter months.

• Chana Chaat: This is a spicy and tangy dish made from chickpeas, tomatoes, onions, and a variety of chutneys and spices.

• Litti Chokha: Although more common in Bihar, this dish is also popular in Varanasi. It consists of round wheat flour balls stuffed with spiced sattu (roasted gram flour) and served with chokha, a spicy mashed vegetable dish.