Varanasi Restaurants and Dining
(Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh, India)

The restaurants of Varanasi are widespread and most tend to favour the traditional cuisine of Uttar Pradesh. Varanasi's dining scene is also strongly influenced by the seasonal produce, and each year, the local 'langda aaam' mangoes in the summer are simply not to be missed, as are the autumn 'sitafal' custard apples.
Varanasi is certainly home to plenty of restaurants, with those tending to cater more for tourists being situated nearer to the ghats. The find the most authentic Indian dishes, you will probably find the best dining options and eateries situated around the main market area.

What to Eat
Local specialities in Varanasi include:
- Kachori - deep-fried flour ball, filled with mung beans or spiced potatoes
- Korma (qorma) - mild, creamy curry, made using yoghurt of coconut milk
- Korta - balls of minced beef or lamb, flavoured with onions and spices
- Paneer - an unusual cheese, often served as cubes or crumbled over a salad at many restaurants
- Pasanda - strips of fried, seasoned meat, often served in kebab form
- Samosa - a popular snack food in Varanasi, consisting of fried triangles of pastry, with savoury fillings
- Shami Kebab - patty made with minced meat, spices and chickpeas
- Zamin Doz Macchli - baked, stuffed fish flavoured with various spices

Where to Eat
A number of dining venues stand out in Varanasi are these are to be found clustered within the Ghats, and around the train station. Within the Ghats, popular restaurants line streets such as the Dasaswamedh Ghat Road, the Ganga Mahal, the Mandapur Road, the Shivala Road and the Kalika Gali, the latter of which is home to the highly recommended Ganga Fuji Restaurant, where an evening meal is accompanied by authentic Indian music.
Around the train station, Uttar Pradesh specialities are available at dining options, often within actual hotels, along the Mall, the Kabir Chaura Road, the Parade Kothi and the Raja Bazar Road. For bars, check out the top-end hotels in Varanasi, such as the Hotel Taj Ganges on the Raja Bazaar Road, or the Shivam Hotel along the Parade Kothi.