Local Cuisine of Sarnath: A Food Lover’s Guide

Sarnath is a relatively quiet town a few kilometers from Varanasi in Uttar Pradesh, famous for its history and spirituality. The food in and surrounding Sarnath covers everything from basic vegetarian cuisine to unique local favorites, and the experience is a fantastic journey for your taste buds. Here we present a food lover's guide to the best local cuisine to try while in Sarnath.

1. Kachori Sabzi: A Street Food Classic

A very popular breakfast dish from Sarnath is kachori sabzi, and it is simply delicious; it’s definitely worth tasting. This flaky, deep-fried dough with a savory stuffing (often spiced lentils or peas), and a delicious potato curry (sour and spicy) served on the side makes for a filling and tasty meal. You can find local street vendors serving it hot with an optional chutney or yogurt on the side for a breakfast snack. Kachori sabzi is a common breakfast choice in Sarnath, and you can find it in local eateries or the marketplaces around the archaeological sites.

2. Chana Chaat: The Tangy Treat

If you enjoy zesty and spicy snacks from street food vendors, you’ll appreciate chana chaat, a popular snack made with boiled chickpeas mixed with raw onions, tomatoes, green chilies, and fresh coriander leaves, along with spices, including cumin, chaat masala, and, once again, lemon juice. The end result is a zesty and refreshing snack or light meal that is excellent to eat after discovering the remnants of civilization in Sarnath. Vendors typically give it to you in small bowls fit for snacking while moving through the temples and stupas.

3. Lassi: The Ultimate Refreshment

No trip to Sarnath would be complete without trying the famous lassi (or drinking a lassi). Lassi is a creamy, refreshing, and nutritious yogurt drink that is easily recognized for its cooling effect. You will encounter sweet lassi, salty lassi, and even mango lassi in Sarnath. Sweet lassi is creamy and smooth, topped with cardamom and saffron. Salt lassi will have salt on top with black salt, cumin, and mint to cool you down from the heat of the district. One of the best parts about concluding your visit to the Dhamek Stupa is sipping on your chilled drink.

4. Aloo Tikki and Dahi Puri: Iconic Street Snacks

If it comes to quick bites, aloo tikki and dahi puri are two must-try iconic street snacks. Aloo tikki is a golden, crispy patty stuffed with mashed potatoes mixed with a variety of spices. It is typically topped with slightly sweet and tangy tamarind chutney that makes it irresistible for any foodie to enjoy. Dahi puri is a smaller, crispy puri that is filled with tangy yogurt with chickpeas, potatoes, and both sweet and spicy chutneys drizzled on top. Both are light yet flavorful street snacks that provide crispy, soft, sweet, and spicy tastes all in one platter.

5. Vegetarian Thali: Full-Spectrum of Taste

Sarnath has many vegetarian food options, and a traditional vegetarian thali is ideal to get the complete range of tastes and experiences that Sarnath offers. A vegetarian thali is typically served on a large round metal plate and includes lots of small portions of different vegetarian dishes such as dal and sabzi with sides of roti, rice, and pickle. The vegetarian thali also includes a side of raita with optional sweets for dessert, such as kheer or gulab jamun. The vegetarian thali is perfect for those wanting to get a variety of flavors and tastes from Sarnath in one meal.

6. Banarasi Paan: The Personal Touch

After filling up on a good meal in Sarnath, there is still one last thing you must try: Banarasi paan. While paan (betel leaf filled with a variety of fillings) is a treat you can find all around India, the uniqueness of the Banarasi paan sets it apart. The filling is usually a mix of betel nut and aromatic spices, and sweeteners. Some sellers will even put a sprinkling of silver leaf on the paan—this is merely an accent for the luxury experience. Either way, this is a great way to end your meal and enjoy Sarnath's seasons.

7. Sweets of Sarnath: A Dessert Lover's Choice

You cannot leave Sarnath without at least trying some local sweets. Sarnath is known for ladoos (sweet balls of flour and sugar) and pedas (sweets originating from milk). The ladoos and pedas are usually flavored with cardamom or saffron and are often sold in the various sweet shops nearby, next to the local temple and market. The kesar peda (saffron-infused milk) seems to be a favorite of sweet lovers, and also a sweet to put on your list at any local sweet pantry or market stall.

Sarnath is not just a place of cultural and religious significance, but it also has some fantastic food. There are great street food snacks, as well as meal options for a dining experience—all you foodies will not feel left out. You can visit Sarnath to enjoy some activated chana chaat, quench your thirst with a lassi, and have lunch or dinner with a vegetarian thali. The food is a great addition to the experience of visiting this quiet and meaningful town. I would strongly recommend taking pauses while sightseeing to eat the local cuisine when visiting Sarnath in the future.