10 [Best] Sweets in Varanasi: A Complete Guide to Delightful

Varanasi: The City of Temples and Sweets

A Journey Through the Sweets Lanes of Varanasi

Varanasi, or Kashi as it’s lovingly known, is not just a city that’s ancient and holy. It’s also a destination in the heart of Uttar Pradesh, North India, famous for delighting your taste buds with traditional sweets like Rajshree Sweets’ Motichoor laddus and Kaju Rolls. Made from fine ingredients and sold at competitive prices, these sweets exemplify the time-honored culinary traditions of Uttar Pradesh.

Sweets in Varanasi

Famous Delights Sweets in Varanasi

1. Malaiyo: Fluffy Clouds of Delight

Malaiyo is a heavenly dessert that sits atop the list of most cherished sweets in Varanasi. This winter special kheer-like dessert, Malaiyo, is made from milk cream, sugar, and dry fruits, a definite specialty of Varanasi. Imagine savoring a fluffy cloud, sweetened with natural sweeteners blessed by the gods themselves. This heavenly creation is born from thickened milk, whipped over hours until it achieves fluffy consistency, then subtly infused with exotic saffron and cardamom, generously garnished with dry fruits.

• Recommendation: Best for those who have a taste for delicate, flavorful sweets blended with yogurt. A must-try for any visitor to Varanasi during the winter!

2. Banarasi Kalakand: Varanasi’s Signature Sweet

The Banarasi Kalakand is Varanasi’s signature sweet, a melt-in-your-mouth dessert with a distinctive grainy texture and a perfect blend of flavors. Steeped in a rich culinary tradition, these unique treats from the Om Sweets brand are also much sought-after for their wonderful kaju sweets counterparts, showcasing a magnificent blend of cashew nut flavor (kaju), especially the Kaju Roll Battisa Soanpapdi, sourced straight from the heart of Uttar Pradesh. When savored with a dollop of curd, the Banarasi Kalakand bursts into a delightful fusion of creamy and nutty flavors, further enhanced by the essence of saffron and garnished with crushed pistachios. Every bite of Banarasi Kalakand is an exploration of heavenly flavors.

• Recommendation: Best savored by those who appreciate a rich, multi-textured dessert, a Banarasi Kalakand served with curd or perhaps kaju sweets can capture the epitome of Varanasi’s sweet culture.

3. Sohan Halwa: Rich and Gooey Delicacy

Representing the royal touch in Varanasi’s sweet endeavors, Sohan Halwa is a luxurious treat that will enthrall your taste buds. Crafted by intricately frying a harmonious blend of ghee, sugar, and milk, and subsequently garnished with a medley of crunchy nuts, this confectionery delight emanates an opulence truly reminiscent of kheer kadam.

• Recommendation: As a rich and gooey delight much like soaked-in-sugar jalebi, Sohan Halwa is an ideal choice for those who appreciate lush and decadent flavours in their sweets.

4. Malai Laddu: Creamy Spheres of Indulgence

For anyone with a sweet tooth, Malai Laddu is an ideal treat. Infused with cardamom, these soft, creamy spheres are made from khoya (also known as mawa), milk solids that form the integral part of many sweet delicacies like Lal Peda. The laddus, an embodiment of pure indulgence, are then adorned in desiccated coconut, adding a delightful texture to the overall creamy richness of the mawa.

• Recommendation: Malai Laddu is perfect for anyone craving luscious and traditional Indian sweets. Imagine the joy of biting into this sweet sphere and discovering a surprising hint of mango flavor—it’s a unique combination of creaminess and crunchiness ensures an addictive experience!

5. Rasgulla: Soft and Spongy Sweet Treat

Rasgulla, a traditional Bengali sweet, is a favorite in Varanasi who have added their special touch to it. These delicate spheres of chhena (Indian cheese) and semolina are carefully simmered in a syrup of sugar. The milk used is first boiled and left outside overnight, soaking up the natural goodness of dew. Well-soaked in this delicious liquid imbued with Mother Nature’s virtuous elements, the rasgullas from Varanasi, much like the ones offered by Bengal Sweet House, stand out with an exceptional texture – soft, spongy and oozing with syrup.

• Recommendation: Rasgulla is best suited for those seeking a light, cool treat filled with goodness, especially during the hotter periods of the year.

6. Peda: Bite-sized Morsels of Sweetness

Peda, a cherished and timeless confection from Varanasi, is a delightful indulgence that always leaves a memorable impression. Crafted with love from local ingredients at various outlets, and prominently featured on their websites, these bite-sized sweets are made from khoya (reduced milk), and flavored with cardamom.

An absolute charm, Pedas are always the perfect choice, whether you’re planning for a festive occasion or just satiating a casual sweet craving.

• Recommendation: For those with a palate for the rich, milky taste of traditional Indian sweets, checking out the websites of these outlets is a must.

7. Chandrakala: Heavenly Sweet Dumplings

A crown jewel among Varanasi’s sweets is Chandrakala. Essentially a beloved snack among locals, this exquisite delicacy is not just a treat but quintessential to the city’s rich cultural fabric. True to its name which translates to ‘piece of the moon’, this crusty sweet shaped like a half-moon will take your taste buds over the moon! These crescent-shaped sweet dumplings, stuffed with a delightful mix of khoya, dry fruits, and saffron, then drenched in sugar syrup, create a symphony of textures and flavors that is celestial and delightful.

• Recommendation: Chandrakala is a heavenly sweet treat appropriate for people who relish rich, scrumptious desserts. Enjoy it even more during Diwali, the festival of lights, where this dessert becomes a star attraction in most households.

8. Parval Mithai: Unique Sweet Confection

Parval Mithai is a unique sweet confection from the city of Varanasi, an unexpected yet delightful blend of vegetable-origin and sweet indulgence. Made from the pulp of pointed gourds and sometimes mixed with a flavorful flour such as black gram bean flour, blended with khoya and sugar, and further enhanced with assorted nuts, it forms a fudge-like consistency with a distinct taste.

• Recommendation: Best for those who appreciate unique flavors and are ready to experiment with their sweet choices. Next time you’re in Varanasi, you absolutely must try the fascinating Parval Mithai!

9. Lavanglata: Fragrant Spiced Delight

Lavanglata is a beautifully aromatic traditional sweet from Varanasi, renowned for its distinctive shape and tantalizing flavors. Like a seasoned traveller’s bed, it is a fusion of ground cloves and khoya, ingeniously folded and wrapped in a layer of sweet dough. This traveller-esque sweet creates a rich, uniquely spiced experience.

• Recommendation: Lavanglata, the perfect companion for the taste-traveller, brings complex flavors in their desserts right to their palate. The spiciness wrapped in sweetness offers a memorable journey for any food lover.

10. Thandai: Exquisite Blend of Refreshment

Dive into Varanasi’s tradition with a glass of chilled Thandai. This exquisite blend of milk with nuts, spices, and saffron delivers a sweet, refreshing taste – perfect for the hot summers of Varanasi. Additionally, consider indulging in a rich, yogurt-based lassi, a delightful alternate to help you cool down. Whether you’re partaking in the Holi festival, strolling through the narrow streets, or simply exploring the city lanes, Thandai and lassi are perfect pick-me-ups that represent the city’s vibrant cultural mix.

• Recommendation: Whether you’re a culture enthusiast, a gastronomy admirer, or a culinary explorer, lassi and Thandai are a must-try during your Varanasi visit.

Sweet Delights: Exploring Sweets Shops in Varanasi

1. Ksheer Sagar: Ocean of Creamy Delights

Ksheer Sagar is renowned in Varanasi for its exceptional assortment of high-quality sweets. Established in Sigra, Varanasi, this age-old sweet shop has been delighting locals and tourists alike with its delectable confections since 1948. Their Malaiyo, a traditional milk-based dessert, and the creamy Malai Peda are crowd favourites in the bustling Sindhu Nagar Colony Sigra.

• Recommendation: Importantly, Ksheer Sagar in Sigra is best for anyone who loves to indulge in authentic, delicious Indian sweets when in Varanasi! Don’t miss out on their legendary Malaiyo or the delightful Malai Peda.

2. Shri Rajbandhu Sweets: Treasured Sweets Destination

Shri Rajbandhu Sweets is definitely a go-to sweet shop for the dessert enthusiasts visiting Varanasi. Alongside the adored confections, this sweet haven also serves a distinctively refreshing blue lassi, intertwining tradition with innovation. With a rich heritage dating back to 2007, their expertise both in whipping up memorable sweets and unique drinks like blue lassi is well-renowned in the city. The shop particularly excels in making Malai Chena Peda, a unique sweet made from fresh cottage cheese and flavored with cardamom.

• Recommendation: Shri Rajbandhu Sweets is best for dessert lovers who appreciate the fine blend of traditional and innovative sweets.

3. Kashi Chat Bhandar: Varanasi’s Chaat Haven

Kashi Chat Bhandar, located near Girja Ghar Chauraha, Godowlia, is not just a haven for chaat-lovers, but also home to many mouth-watering sweets. Nestled in the culturally rich area of Mahmoorganj, Varanasi, this eatery is a go-to place for food enthusiasts. Undoubtedly, their Tamatar Chaat and Palak Chaat, a unique twist on the traditional chaat, are must-try items. Few strides away, the quaint Ram Bhandar near the Kashi Vishwanath Temple adds onto this sweet and spice journey.

• Recommendation: Perfect for those who love to explore unique food experiences. When at Kashi Chat Bhandar in Mahmoorganj, pairing their spicy Tamatar Chaat with syrupy Jalebis from Ram Bhandar is a must-try!

4. The Ram Bhandar: Home of Authentic Flavors

The Ram Bhandar situated near Thatheri Bazar, Govindpura, is a delightful sweet shop renowned for its traditional Varanasi sweets. Interestingly, it’s located in close proximity to the famous Kashi Vishwanath Temple, a magnificent temple dedicated to Lord Shiva. Among its many offerings, the Maalpua, a sweet pancake infused with saffron and garnished with dry fruits, is an absolute delight.

• Recommendation: Best for those seeking an original taste of Varanasi sweets. Not only will you enjoy the authentic sweets, but you’ll also be near the revered Kashi Vishwanath Temple, creating a holistic experience.

5. Shree Ram Chaat Bhandar: Savory Street Delights

For a delightful burst of local flavors, head to Shree Ram Chaat Bhandar at Chetmani Crossing, Bhelupur. Conveniently located on the vibrant banks of the Ganges, this eatery is a local favorite and a sacred spot for true foodies who are devoted to the exploration of tantalizing Indian cuisine. Their vast array of chaats and sweets, coupled with the serene view of the sacred Ganges river, makes your culinary tour of Varanasi feel truly immersive.

• Recommendation: Perfect for those adventurous in their food journey. Make sure to try their iconic Gulab Jamun Chaat against the calming backdrop of the Ganges, for an unusual taste sensation that will tickle your taste buds and soothe your soul!

Discover Varanasi’s sweet treasures and dive into its culinary marvels. For more on Varanasi’s food scene, explore our Food and Dining tips.

Sweet Delight Stops During Your Walk Through the Ghats

Walking through the Ghats of Varanasi is a journey through the throbbing veins of the ancient city. Adding sweetness to this exploration are the numerous sweet shops dotted along your path. Here’s a tasty itinerary for you:

Start at Godowlia Chowk: Begin your sweet sojourn at the bustling Godowlia Chowk. Your first stop can be the Ksheer Sagar, famed for its creamy Malaiyo and Malai Peda.

Proceed towards Chetganj: As you stroll through the narrow lanes winding towards Chetganj, pay a visit to Shri Rajbandhu Sweets, where you can savor their unique Malai Chena Peda.

Walk towards Mehmoorganj Road: Next, take a turn to Mehmoorganj Road for Kashi Chat Bhandar. Here, enjoy a spicy chaat followed by syrupy jalebis for a complete taste experience.

Head to Girja Ghar Chauraha: Walking further north, visit The Ram Bhandar at Girja Ghar Chauraha. Here, treat yourself with their famous Maalpua.

End at Bhelupur: Your sweet journey can culminate at Shree Ram Chaat Bhandar at Bhelupur, where you can try the unique sweet-savory Gulab Jamun Chaat.

Walking through the Ghats, your sweet-tooth journey in Varanasi will undoubtedly be enriched by these stops, each offering a morsel of the city’s history, culture, and tradition.

FAQs – Intriguing Questions About Varanasi’s Sweets

Conclusion

Varanasi’s Popular Sweets embodies the essence of the city’s sweet culture, offering delights that are as rich in taste as they are in heritage. From the sumptuous Chum Chum to the nutty allure of Anjeer Dry Fruit Ladoo, each sweet carries the mark of tradition and the promise of unmatched flavor. The Cream Tikkia, with its creamy potato base, and the luxurious Malai Roll provide velvety textures, while the Meva Bite and Kaju Patisa Roll indulge the senses with their fusion of nuts and sweetness. Exploring these sweets is not just a culinary journey but a dip into the saccharine soul of Varanasi.