Food History of Sarnath, Uttar Pradesh, India
Sarnath, located near the holy city of Varanasi, is a significant site in Buddhism as it is where Gautama Buddha first taught the Dharma after his enlightenment. The food history in Sarnath is deeply intertwined with the vegetarian diet that many Buddhists adhere to, with emphasis on simplicity and mindfulness in eating. The region has been influenced by Buddhist principles, as well as the rich culinary tapestry of North India, predominantly the Awadhi and Bhojpuri cuisines, which include a variety of vegetarian dishes profuse with spices and flavors.
Must-Try Top 10 Food Dishes in Sarnath, Uttar Pradesh, India
- Kachori Sabzi - This local breakfast favorite consists of a spicy potato curry served with deep-fried bread called kachori. (Vegetarian)
- Baati Chokha - A traditional Bihari dish featuring roasted wheat balls (baati) and a mashed vegetable mix often including eggplant and potatoes (chokha). (Vegetarian)
- Chole Bhature - A hearty meal of spicy chickpeas (chole) paired with fluffy, fried bread (bhature). (Vegetarian)
- Litti Chokha - Similar to baati chokha, litti is made with sattu (roasted gram flour) and is served with chokha. (Vegetarian)
- Samosa - A ubiquitous Indian snack, these are crispy pastries filled with spicy potatoes and peas. (Vegetarian)
- Aloo Tikki - Fried potato patties often served with various chutneys and chickpea curry. (Vegetarian)
- Thali - A platter with a variety of dishes including dal (lentils), sabzi (vegetable curry), rice, roti, pickles, and salad. (Vegetarian)
- Matar Paneer - A curry made with peas and paneer (Indian cottage cheese) in a tomato-based sauce. (Vegetarian)
- Rabri - A sweet dish made from reduced milk, sugar, and flavored with cardamom and nuts. (Vegetarian)
- Jalebi - Swirls of fermented batter deep-fried and soaked in syrup, often enjoyed warm. (Vegetarian)
Top Famous Restaurants in Sarnath, Uttar Pradesh, India
-
Blue Lassi
Address: Shop No. CK 12/4, Kachauri Gali Chowk, Near Rajbandhu, Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh 221001
Famous Food: Lassi (a creamy, frothy yogurt-based drink often flavored with fruit or nuts) (Vegetarian)
-
Ashoka Restaurant
Address: Sarnath Rd, Sarnath, Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh 221007
Famous Food: Thali and Paneer dishes (Vegetarian)
-
Vaishali Restaurant
Address: Sarnath Rd, Sarnath, Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh 221007
Famous Food: North Indian vegetarian cuisine including Chole Bhature and Baati Chokha (Vegetarian)
-
Tibetan Kitchen
Address: Sarnath Rd, Sarnath, Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh 221007
Famous Food: Momos and Thukpa (Vegetarian options available)
-
Garden Restaurant
Address: Near Sarnath Museum, Sarnath, Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh 221007
Famous Food: Indian, Chinese, and Continental vegetarian dishes (Vegetarian)