Backpacking Northern India 40/45: Breakfast at a Hotel in Varanasi Varanasi hotel

Backpacking Northern India 40/45: Breakfast at a Hotel in Varanasi Varanasi hotel

Varanasi, the sacred city on the Ganges River, is one of the destinations that mr.hotsia must visit at least once in a lifetime. Traveling to this ancient city is not easy, but once you experience it, every step is filled with memories and the authentic Indian cultural atmosphere that cannot be found elsewhere.

One morning in Varanasi, I started with breakfast at a small hotel in the old part of the city. This is not a luxury hotel but it gives a warm, homely feeling. The breakfast served is simple yet very impressive.

Breakfast here usually begins with Indian spiced tea, known as Masala Chai. The aroma of cinnamon and cardamom fills the air, truly refreshing in the morning. This is followed by freshly baked hot naan bread served with spicy chickpea curry (Chole), perfect for energizing yourself to face the lively atmosphere of this city.

I also got to taste Varanasi’s signature snacks like freshly fried Kachori and Samosa, crispy on the outside and soft inside, drizzled with a sweet and sour sauce called Tamarind Chutney. The perfect balance of flavors and freshness of ingredients made this breakfast a precious memory of this trip.

What impressed mr.hotsia was not just the taste of the food but the atmosphere around the hotel filled with diverse people, both tourists and locals meeting each other. You might see Hindu monks walking by or children playing in the alleys. All of this reflects the simple yet warm daily life that continues in Varanasi.

For those interested in experiencing this atmosphere, mr.hotsia recommends staying in the old zone of Varanasi, where you will find bustling morning markets and many local eateries that still firmly preserve authentic flavors and traditional lifestyles.

Varanasi is not only famous for the Ganges River and religious rituals but also a city full of flavors and aromas of authentic North Indian cuisine, which you can experience from early morning at this small hotel.

Connect your experience with traveling in Northern India

If you enjoy this kind of breakfast atmosphere, mr.hotsia recommends following the journeyto Darjeelingwhich is part of the Northern India trip I have shared before. The early morning charm of this hill town is equally captivating. For those who want to explore Indian food in a bigger city setting, check outBackpacking Bengaluruwhich interestingly blends local cuisine with technology.

While Varanasi is a city full of ancient heritage and religious rituals, Bengaluru and Mumbai showcase the modernity and diversity of contemporary India. Comparing breakfast experiences in these cities gives a clearer overall picture of Indian cuisine and adds more dimensions to my Northern India trip.

Experience and Tips from mr.hotsia

Breakfast in Northern India, like in Varanasi, is not just about food but about experiencing the culture and lifestyle that still persist. This is evident from the fresh ingredients chosen and the cooking methods that firmly preserve tradition.

mr.hotsia suggests exploring the morning markets around the hotel before breakfast to see and buy local ingredients and chat with cheerful vendors or locals. Sometimes you might even get to taste snacks not on the hotel menu.

Don’t forget to bring an open heart and a smile because traveling in Northern India, especially in Varanasi, is full of surprises and warmth from the locals. Talking and exchanging experiences with them will make your trip more complete.

Finally, if you like the feeling of “having breakfast at a small hotel in Varanasi” as mr.hotsia described, don’t forget to watch the videoBackpacking Northern India 40/45: Breakfast at a Hotel in Varanasi Varanasi hotelthat I filmed capturing the real atmosphere in full. The feelings and sounds will help you visualize Northern India more clearly.

mr.hotsia’s Northern India trip still has many stories to tell. Stay tuned for the next episode.