A respite for motorists in the hot sun, and a fancy place for the tourists to try something native of the locality, Shiv Prasad Lassi Bhandar is a charmer of sorts. With a backdrop of the mounting Fort that proves contrasting to its unassuming manner, this place serves delicious Lassi (sweet curd topped with thickened cream). A highly popular destination in the city, they serve the lassi in small earthen pots, which undoubtedly provides a cooling effect. There are wooden benches in the outdoor setting, but most of the customers are seen standing in a huddle while relishing.
Lassi, a yogurt drink topped with fruits and spices, is hugely popular in the Northern side of India, and Varanasi has the atmospheric Blue Lassi Shop to boast an exclusive shop. Painted in blazing blue, the small outlet is on the narrow alley leading to the mighty Kashi Vishwanath Temple. The small seating area has a nice display of photographs. Served in earthen pots, the drink is a must-try while in India; look no further than this blue laden charmer to try it out.
Run by the Japanese woman Megu, along with her Indian business partner Sanjay, the Megu Cafe offers diners a restful break from the chaotic alleys outside. This cozy restaurant boasts an exciting and authentic menu where all of the dishes are prepared by a skillful Japanese cook. Cute wooden chairs and tables with glass tops make for a pretty picture while the chopsticks invite the initiated to try their hand at it! While Japanese tourists understandably flock here, locals and others are not left behind. Closed on Sundays.
An erstwhile 19th-century residence of a royal Nepalese family, Hotel Surya is home to Canton Royale, a charming fusion cuisine eatery serving up an array of world flavors. The restaurant features an imperial setting, complete with ivory walls and upholstered dining chairs. Menu features myriad delicacies across cuisines like continental, Chinese, Thai and Mexican. Guests can dine inside the royal palace or choose to enjoy their meal in its sprawling gardens.
Kashi Chat Bhandar is one of the famous fast food restaurants serving snacks and Chats. Some of the items they serve are Dahi Bhalla, Aloo Tikki, Paani Puri, Papri Chat, Mixed Chat and Dahi Masala Chat. In their sweet menu, Rabri Jalebi is the best. It has a typical Banarasi taste. The place is very small but is well maintained and clean. The prices are kept as low as possible so you can come here often with a gang of friends and enjoy munching some tasty snacks.
Consistently dishing out a mind-boggling range of fresh and tantalizing traditional sweets since 1968, the family-run Ksheer Sagar uses 100% natural ingredients in all its preparations. Literally translating into Ocean of Milk, this shop does roaring business no matter what time of the day or year. Locals flock here to pick up delicacies such as gulab jamun, jalebi and shrikhand (a sweetened yogurt served with cardamom, pistachios and saffron). If the proof of the pudding is in the tasting, Ksheer Sagar wins in a heartbeat!