Food Walking Tour of Varanasi

Exploring the Food Walking Tour of Varanasi: An Honest Look

We recently looked into a popular Food Walking Tour of Varanasi offered by Nine Tours, aimed at those eager to taste the city’s culinary delights. While the experience promises over six traditional dishes and a chance to uncover lesser-known street food spots, reviews suggest it’s a mixed bag. For travelers passionate about discovering authentic flavors and local eateries, this tour could be appealing—but it’s worth weighing the pros and cons carefully.

What draws us to this experience is the opportunity to sample local flavors directly in the streets of Varanasi—an essential part of the city’s soul. We love the idea of exploring hidden food gems often missed by mainstream travelers, plus the inclusion of bottled water and flexible booking options. Conversely, some might be wary of the short duration and limited food portions, which don’t satisfy everyone equally. This tour could suit foodies eager for a quick, authentic taste of Varanasi, but those seeking a more comprehensive culinary immersion might want to look elsewhere.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Key Points

• Authentic local dishes served at vetted eateries ensure genuine flavors.
• Short, one-hour experience may not satisfy all appetites or expectations.
• Limited dish variety—around 4 dishes and a tea—might feel basic for some.
• Affordable price of $23 provides a quick introduction to Varanasi’s street food.
• Small group setting and safety measures make it an intimate, worry-free experience.
• Advance booking and deposit protect your spot but are non-refundable.

What to Expect on the Tour

This walking tour kicks off at a designated meeting point in Varanasi, where your guide, identifiable by their Nine Tours ID, will greet you. From there, you’ll stroll through the bustling streets, pausing at several small eateries to taste a variety of local dishes. Expect to see traditional food being prepared right in front of you, offering a glimpse into everyday life and cooking methods.

Although the tour is designed to give you a taste of authentic, lesser-known delicacies, reviews indicate the actual tasting experience is quite fleeting. One traveler noted it was “too quick,” with only four dishes and a cup of tea packed into an hour. The focus seems to be on quality rather than quantity, and all venues are vetted to ensure food safety and quality standards.

The stops encompass local street food stalls, where you’ll sample delicious bites that highlight Varanasi’s culinary influences. Expect to satisfy your palate with mouth-watering delicacies, though some reviewers felt the portions were small and the variety limited. The guide will provide explanations about each dish’s background and preparation, enriching your understanding of the local food culture.

The Food Highlights

While the specific dishes aren’t detailed in the description, reviewers have pointed out that the tour involves over six authentic Indian delicacies, prepared in small eateries that sometimes look a bit dated. The focus on traditional street food means you’ll likely encounter familiar local favorites, but perhaps in a simplified, accessible form suited for travelers.

The inclusion of bottled water ensures you stay hydrated amidst the busy streets, and the adequate time at each stop allows for some quick photos—an important perk for those wanting to document their culinary adventure. One reviewer emphasized that the tour provides thorough vetting of each venue, which is reassuring when eating in unfamiliar environments.

The Realities Behind the Reviews

While a highly positive review from Mohammad Reza praised the tour as “very informative and knowledgeable,” describing the food as delicious, other experiences have been far less glowing. Lesley’s review calls it “an absolute joke,” citing a host who lacked interest, a limited menu, and a short duration—just one hour for four dishes and a tea. Lesley also mentions that the tour was supposed to last twice as long, hinting at a significant mismatch between expectation and reality.

Similarly, Christelle found the experience “too quick” and felt the portions were “not enough” for the price, especially since she had to pay extra for additional tastings. Her comment about the tour being “too basic” suggests it might not satisfy those with more developed palates or higher expectations.

These contrasting reviews highlight the importance of setting realistic expectations—this tour offers a quick, curated introduction to Varanasi street food rather than a comprehensive gastronomic journey.

More Great Tours Nearby

Practical Details and Considerations

The tour is priced at $23 per person, which is quite affordable for a guided experience that includes tasting portions. However, since it doesn’t include hotel pickup or alcoholic drinks, travelers should be prepared to meet at the designated spot and possibly explore other dining options afterwards.

Timing-wise, the tour appears to be brief—around one hour—and is best suited for those with limited time or looking for a taste rather than a feast. The meeting point is straightforward, and the tour ends back at the start location, making it convenient for those with flexible schedules.

Booking in advance is necessary, as spots are limited and require a non-refundable deposit. The flexibility to reserve and pay later can make planning easier, but keep in mind that cancellations are only possible up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

Who Should Consider This Tour?

This experience is ideal for food lovers who want a quick peek into Varanasi’s street food scene without a hefty price tag. It’s perfect if you’re curious about local flavors and enjoy seeing food being prepared in traditional settings.

However, travelers expecting a large variety of dishes or a longer, more immersive experience may find this tour somewhat disappointing. It suits those who prefer a light, guided snack tour rather than a full-blown culinary exploration. Solo travelers or small groups wanting a snapshot of the city’s flavors will likely appreciate the intimacy and safety measures.

Final Thoughts: Is It Worth It?

This food walking tour offers an accessible, budget-friendly way to dip your toes into Varanasi’s street food culture. The quality of food and the chance to see local eateries in action are definite highlights, especially if you’re a foodie eager to try a handful of authentic dishes.

That said, the short duration and limited menu may leave those with bigger appetites or more time feeling underwhelmed. The mixed reviews reflect a divide between expectations and reality—some travelers find it highly informative and delicious, while others see it as too rushed or basic.

For travelers with a keen interest in local flavors, a flexible schedule, and an open mind, this tour could serve as a delightful introduction to the vibrant street food of Varanasi. If you’re after a more comprehensive culinary adventure, exploring other tours or combining this experience with additional tastings might be a better approach.

FAQs

Is this tour suitable for vegetarians?
Most likely, yes. Since it’s focused on local street food, many dishes in Varanasi are vegetarian, and the tour includes options to accommodate dietary needs.

Are alcohol beverages included?
No, alcoholic drinks are not part of this tour and are not included in the price.

Can I book this tour last minute?
It’s best to book in advance since the experience requires a reservation and a non-refundable deposit to secure your spot.

What if I have dietary restrictions?
The tour includes flexibility for dietary needs, but it’s advisable to mention any restrictions when booking to ensure accommodations.

How long does the tour last?
The tour is approximately one hour long, with some reviews suggesting it might be shorter or too quick for certain participants.

Where does the tour end?
The tour concludes back at the initial meeting point, making it convenient to continue exploring or return to your hotel.

Overall, if you’re after a quick, authentic taste of Varanasi’s street food and don’t mind the brevity, this tour offers a budget-friendly peek into the city’s culinary heart. However, manage expectations—it’s more of an appetizer than a full meal.

You can check availability for your dates here: