Varanasi isn’t just about spiritual rituals and ancient temples; it’s also a city that’s bursting with flavor. Its streets are alive with the aroma of spices, fried snacks, and sweet treats, making it a perfect destination for food lovers. What sets Varanasi apart from other Indian cities is how its culinary scene is woven into everyday life—local food stalls are found at every corner, and sharing a meal here is a social event. We particularly love tours that combine authentic street eats with cultural insights, like the Varanasi Street Food Crawl, which offers a safe and delicious introduction to the city’s flavors with a knowledgeable local guide.
If you’re short on time but want a taste of the city’s culinary soul, the 3-hour street food tour provides a quick yet memorable snapshot. For a more in-depth experience that includes boat rides and a Ganga Aarti, the Varanasi Bliss: Private Food Tour, Boat Ride & Ganga Aarti brings together culture, scenery, and food in a single, beautifully curated outing. Whether you’re after a relaxed walk through bustling markets or an evening boat ride with fireworks, Varanasi’s food tours promise an immersive journey into India’s most poetic city.
1. Varanasi Street Food Crawl (2 Hours Guided Food Tasting Tour)
At number 1, this Varanasi Street Food Crawl offers a balanced mix of safety, authenticity, and local storytelling. Led by a bilingual guide, you’ll stroll through busy lanes, sampling a variety of hygienic snacks from trusted stalls—think jalebi, kachori, chaat, golgappa, and crispy puri with sabzi. Included drinks like lassi and tandai add to the feast, all within a comfortable 2-hour window. Guests consistently praise guide Manish for his friendly demeanor and deep knowledge about the city’s food and culture. The tour’s value lies in the well-curated selection, making sure you avoid stomach upset while enjoying local flavors. It’s perfect for first-timers wanting a safe, fun, and tasty introduction.
Bottom Line: An excellent choice for those who want a quick, comprehensive, and safe food experience with expert guidance.
2. Musical Tour with Street Food Tour of Banaras
At number 2, this Musical Tour with Street Food combines the city’s culinary delights with the soulful sounds of Banaras. Starting outside Hotel Ganges Grand Godowlia, this 1.5-hour walk takes you to local spots where you’ll try Tamatar Chaat and other North Indian snacks. The highlight is the lively atmosphere, with music and local stories enriching the tasting experience. The guide Monu is highly rated for his ability to navigate narrow streets and find hidden bites that are hard to discover alone. While the tour is shorter and pricier at $50, it’s ideal for music lovers who want to add a cultural soundtrack to their food journey.
Bottom Line: Perfect for those seeking a lively, sensory-rich introduction to Varanasi’s flavor and music scene.
3. Varanasi Bliss: Private Food Tour, Boat Ride & Ganga Aarti
Number 3 on our list is a full immersion into Varanasi’s spiritual and culinary world. For around $61, this Private Food Tour, Boat Ride & Ganga Aarti combines street food sampling with scenic boat rides and evening aarti. You’ll start with local favorites like crispy samosas and Laung-Latta, then glide along the Ganges, passing ancient temples and witnessing rituals. The tour is intimate, with hotel pickup and drop-off, making it ideal for travelers who want a seamless, culturally rich experience. The guide’s insights into the city’s traditions elevate this beyond just a food tour.
Bottom Line: A well-rounded experience suited for culturally curious travelers who want to eat, see, and feel Varanasi’s soul.
4. Varanasi Food Tour with Monu
At number 4, this Food Tour with Monu offers a deep dive into Indian street foods. Priced at just $22, it focuses on exploring the city’s most famous street stalls that many visitors miss on their own. Monu’s local expertise helps you discover hidden spots and authentic flavors, from spicy chaat to sweet treats. It’s especially good for budget travelers who want a taste of local life without the fuss. The tour’s informal style and emphasis on genuine, not overhyped, places make it stand out.
Bottom Line: Ideal for budget-conscious travelers eager to explore Varanasi’s real street food scene with a local guide.
5. Private Evening ceremony Aarti with Bazar & Street food
Number 5 offers a uniquely spiritual twist. For about $59, this Private Evening Aarti, Bazar & Street Food lets you experience the divine and the delicious. You’ll arrive at Dashashwamedh Ghat in time for the world-famous Ganga Aarti, then explore the vibrant street market, tasting local specialties like Thandai and Gulab Jamun. The small group size enhances the intimacy, and the combination of ritual and food makes it a memorable cultural evening. The focus on the spiritual ceremony adds a layer of meaning few other tours provide.
Bottom Line: A perfect pick for travelers interested in combining religious experience with street food exploration.
$58.67 per group (up to 2)
6. Tests of Best Varanasi Local Food Tour With Tourist Guide
Number 6 is a whirlwind of local flavors. Priced at $17.35, this Tests of Best Local Food Tour takes you through downtown Varanasi, hitting spots like Kashi Chat Bhandar and Baba Lassi. You’ll sample spicy poori sabzi, sweet jalebi, and a traditional lassi served in an earthenware glass. The tour is very focused on street-level authenticity, with an emphasis on lesser-known spots. The detailed insights from a local guide make it a good value for those wanting a quick, authentic taste of city life.
Bottom Line: Well-suited for travelers keen to explore Varanasi’s authentic street foods on a budget.
$17.35 per person
7. Varanasi: 3-hour street food tour
Number 7 offers a compact but lively experience. For $33.25, this 3-Hour Street Food Tour combines food sampling with a tuk-tuk ride through the bustling Godowlia Market. You’ll try snacks like samosas and kulfi, with time to explore local markets and shops along the way. This tour is particularly suited for those who want a quick yet comprehensive taste of Varanasi’s street food and shopping scene in a relaxed format.
Bottom Line: Best for travelers wanting a fast-paced, scenic introduction to local eats and markets.
$33.25 per person
8. Culinary Adventure Food Walk in Varanasi
Number 8 is a detailed culinary exploration at $55. The Culinary Adventure Food Walk features stops at iconic street stalls like Prasidhh Chachi Ki Dukaan, where you’ll enjoy Puri with vegetables, and Gama Pan Bhandar for Banarasi Paan. Led by a food evangelist, this tour emphasizes supporting local communities and learning about the city’s food culture. It’s a longer, more immersive experience suited for foodies who love learning about regional delicacies.
Bottom Line: Excellent for dedicated food lovers wanting an in-depth, cultural culinary experience.
$55.00 per person
9. Varanasi Street Food Crawl (2 Hours Guided Tour)
Number 9 revisits the lively street food scene with a 2-Hour Guided Food Crawl. Led by a local storyteller, you’ll walk through the Ghats of Kashi and sample a variety of snacks from trusted vendors. The emphasis is on safe, well-tested stalls, making it ideal for first-timers cautious about street food. The walk is short but packed with flavor and local insights, perfect for travelers with limited time or those wanting a quick introduction.
Bottom Line: A solid, safe choice for a brief but flavorful street food experience.
10. Food Tour: Highlights Tour with Tasting & Sunset in Varanasi
Number 10 offers a scenic combination of food and sunset views. For $15, this Highlights Tour with Tasting & Sunset guides you to popular spots like Blue Lassi and Lakshmi Chai Toast. You’ll sample local favorites and watch the sunset over the river, making it ideal for travelers wanting both taste and ambiance. The tour’s affordability and focus on iconic spots make it a good value for budget travelers.
Bottom Line: Great for those seeking a relaxed, scenic food experience at a budget-friendly price.
11. Varanasi: Night Tour with Aarti Ceremony and Street Food
Number 11 combines the mystical evening Ganga Aarti with a street food crawl. For $57, the Night Tour with Aarti includes viewing the aarti at Dashashwamedh Ghat and exploring nearby lanes for local street snacks like chaat and sweets. The night setting adds a special atmosphere, perfect for travelers interested in spiritual rituals intertwined with local flavors. It’s a longer tour that suits those who want a full evening of cultural and culinary immersion.
Bottom Line: Ideal for night owls who want to combine spiritual spectacle with authentic street eats.
12. Food Walking Tour of Varanasi
Number 12 is a straightforward Food Walking Tour for $23. It emphasizes discovering local flavors in lesser-known spots, with over six authentic dishes sampled. While it has mixed reviews, the focus on exploring the city’s culinary heritage makes it a good pick for curious travelers ready to walk and taste their way through Varanasi’s backstreets.
Bottom Line: Suitable for adventurous food explorers interested in delving into local cuisine.
$23 per person
13. Sunrise Boat Ride, Ganga Arti, Street Food, Heritage Walk
Number 13 is a comprehensive morning experience. The Sunrise Boat Ride & Heritage Walk combines the tranquil beauty of dawn over the Ganges with street food and cultural sights. While pricing isn’t specified, it’s perfect for early risers wanting a blend of scenic serenity and local flavors, with insights from a licensed guide.
Bottom Line: Best suited for those wanting an early start with a mix of scenic and culinary delights.
$28 per person
14. Varanasi: Dev Diwali Boat Ride with Food and Guide
Number 14 offers a special festival experience during Dev Diwali. For $68, it features a boat ride on the Ganges with views of laser and fireworks shows, plus onboard Banarasi delicacies. The tour’s highlight is celebrating the festival’s energy while enjoying authentic food in a festive setting. It’s a particularly memorable choice for festival dates and those wanting a lively, celebratory atmosphere.
Bottom Line: Perfect for festival lovers and those seeking a vibrant, immersive experience.
$68 per person
15. Varanasi: Private Evening Street Food Tour
Finally, the Private Evening Street Food Tour concentrates on local street flavors in a more intimate setting. For $50, you’ll explore lesser-known lanes with a local guide and enjoy a meal at Dolphin Restaurant. This tour is suited for those who prefer personalized attention and want to avoid crowded spots while still tasting authentic flavors.
Bottom Line: Excellent for travelers seeking a private, relaxed evening exploring Varanasi’s street food scene.
$50 per person
How to Choose the Right Food Tour in Varanasi
When selecting your perfect Varanasi food tour, consider your budget, time, and interests. If you want a quick taste and safety, try the Street Food Crawl, which is highly rated and includes all snacks and drinks. For a deeper cultural experience that combines boat rides and evening rituals, the Varanasi Bliss is a top pick; it’s pricier but offers a comprehensive day. Budget travelers should look at tours like the Tests of Best, which showcase authentic street food without breaking the bank. If your schedule is flexible and you crave a scenic, spiritual experience, the Sunrise Boat Ride or festival-focused Dev Diwali Boat Ride could be ideal.
Booking early is always wise, especially during festival seasons or peak travel months, to secure your preferred time slot and avoid missing out.
Final thoughts
Varanasi’s food tours offer a wide spectrum—from quick, safe tastings to immersive cultural experiences. If you’re after a straightforward introduction, the Varanasi Street Food Crawl is hard to beat. For those keen on combining food with spiritual reverence and scenic boat rides, the Varanasi Bliss offers a memorable day. Whatever your interest or budget, these tours will deepen your appreciation of Varanasi’s lively, flavorful essence. Book early, and enjoy every bite of this unforgettable city.