Varanasi has a long tradition of vegetarian street food. The lanes around the ghats and the Vishwanath Temple area are densely packed with stalls and small restaurants, and the quality is generally high.
Kashi Chat Bhandar (Godaulia Chowk) — Varanasi's most famous chaat stall, packed from morning to night. The dahi puri and tamatar chaat (tomato-based) are the things to order. Standing room only at peak hours.
Deena Chat Bhandar (Vishwanath Lane) — A strong rival for best chaat in the city. Try the papdi chaat and the litti chokha (a Bihari specialty of roasted wheat balls with spiced vegetable mash).
Blue Lassi Shop (near Manikarnika Ghat) — Famous for its thick lassis in dozens of flavors, topped with cream and dried fruit. Iconic, touristy, and genuinely excellent.
Keshari Restaurant (Dashashwamedh Road) — Reliable thali restaurant popular with pilgrims and travellers. The Banarasi thali comes with dal, sabzi, rice, roti, and kheer.