Varanasi is famous for its silk weaving and Banarasi silks are a part of every girl’s wedding trousseau. Varanasi brocades are prized the world over. Brassware, copperware, wooden and clay toys and exquisite gold jewellery are some of the other craft the city is famous for.
The hand – knotted carpets of Mirzapur and musical instruments are among the other shopping attractions. Varanasi is also famous for its ‘Langda Aam’, a variety of mangoes available in the summer. Paan or the betel leaf is also a specialty. The main shopping areas are Chowk, Vishwanath Lane, Thatheri Bazaar, Lahurabir, Godowlia, Dashswamedh Lane and Golghar.
The narrow lanes of Varanasi are always bustling with visitors and locals thronging the shops of all kinds. Shopping in Varanasi is worth seeking for the city’s rich silk weaving and brasswork. The best areas to browse are the Thatheri Bazaar (for brass), Jnana Vapi and the Vishwanatha lane with its Temple Bazaar (for silk brocade and jewellery). State run emporia in Godowlia, Lahurabir and the Chowk – the three Handlooms outlets at Lahurabir, Nadesar and Neechi Bag and Mahatex in Godowlia – of fixed prices and assured quality. Housed in a former palace opposite the Taj Hotel, Cantt, the CIE has a large and impressive selection.
Upica, emporium run by government has the advantage of fixed prices and has outlets at Godowlia opposite to Taj Hotel, Cantt. Handloom House in Sigra is the place to buy silk with a modern showroom.
Keeping the preferences of tourists in mind the city has developed an Urban Haat where artisans (State and National Awarded) from various states are brought together to showcase the handicrafts of India daily (15 days roster basis) so that the excitement of upcoming crafts remains the same. The compound of Haat is provided with all basic public amenities. Visitors enjoy Indian Music, Art, Craft and Culture spiced with exclusive food plazas.
Urban Haat, Sanskritik Sankul, Maqbool Alam Road, Chowka Ghat, Varanasi.
Besides above various restaurants in Varanasi serve a variety of cuisines like Continental, Chinese, Indian and of course, the traditional Mughlai.
Some of the prominent restaurants in Varanasi are: