Varanasi, the spiritual heart of India, is a city that enchants not just with its rich history and cultural significance but also with its delectable street food scene. Among the local favourites, lassi stands out as a refreshing and creamy beverage perfect for foodies. For any true foodie venturing into Varanasi, the quest for the perfect lassi is a must. Here's a guide to some of the places in Varanasi that serve the best lassi.
Pehelwan Lassi shop in Varanasi is known for its rich recipe for the drink, complete with malai, rabdi and almonds. After Panna Sardar took over his father's shop in 1950, he made it popular with his new recipe, which, even now, customers can't get enough of. "Pehelwan Lassi is my go-to place for a tumbler of chilled goodness when I'm coming back from work," said Krishnapriya Pandey, a local.
Address: Pandit Madan Mohan Malviya Road, Ravidas Gate, Saket Nagar Colony, Lanka, Varanasi
Blue Lassi shop is the place to be if you need to cool yourself down with a good glass of lassi and want aesthetically inclined interiors. The blue walls of the place are filled with pictures of visitors giving it a warm ambience and an instant hit with tourists and first-time visitors. The menu is versatile and offers fruit-flavoured lassis such as coconut, strawberry, blueberry and chocolate, besides the original plain one.
Address: CK 12/1 Kunj Gali, Kachaudi Gali, Near Rajbandhu, Govindpura, Varanasi
Siwon Lassi shop got its name around a decade ago from some Korean tourists who visited the shop and loved the lassi. Siwon, which means "refreshing" in Korean, is famous for its almost dessert-like preparation of the cold drink topped with fresh fruits and nuts. Girdhar Yadav, the shop owner, learnt the art of lassi making from his father, who has his famous lassi shop, Rajaram Lassi Wale, in Thatheri Bazaar. A unique thing you will notice is that the store's name is written in both English and Korean.
Address: CK 33/71-72, Nepali Khapra, opposite Kashi Karvat Temple, Varanasi
This particular shop offers delicious lassi and a magnificent view of the Ramnagar Fort, against which it stands. The lassi here comes with a lavish layer of creamy malai and delectable rabdi. This indulgent concoction is so thick that it beckons to be savoured with a spoon, gently scooped from the traditional earthen cup. Priced at a modest Rs 30 per glass, this divine fusion of lassi and rabdi has garnered a devoted following from locals and travellers.
Address: 72CG94P, Ramnagar Fort, Ramnagar
After a long day of immersing yourself in the vibrant Gadowlia Market, treat yourself to a chilled glass of lassi at Dwarikapuri Milk Bahar. Situated at the bustling Gadowlia Chowk, this charming establishment serves up a heavenly lassi that will delight your taste buds. The meticulous preparation of the beverage has made it a big draw for visitors. Topped with aromatic pistachios, velvety malai (cream), and the subtle allure of saffron, Dwarikapuri Milk Bahar should be on your checklist when exploring the bylanes of Varanasi in search of good food. The shop is also renowned for its malaiyo, the frothier cousin to rabri, crafted from airy milk foam infused with the fragrant essences of saffron and cardamom.
Address: Gadowlia Chowk, Varanasi
