
The Mahakumbh Mela, the festival of the sacred pitcher, just culminated in February. Millions of devotees thronged to the grand religious affair, and over 66 crore devotees took the holy bath at the Sangam. Apart from the holy city’s religious tour, there are plenty of other places to explore.
But specifically, we are talking about food here. There is so much to explore in Prayagraj that will give you the most authentic flavor of the city, your ultimate culinary delight. And you just cannot miss these local delicacies during your visit to Prayagraj. We have got it done for you here. Come, check this:
Location: Thornhill Road, Colonelganj, George Town, Prayagraj
Opens at: 3:00 - 4:00 pm (Usually gets busy around 6:00 pm)
Speciality: Desi ghee dipped tamatar chaat with lassi
The aloo tikki, dahi vada, papdi chaat, and sweet-sour phulki are the most popular dishes for which the shop is well known [1].
Pani puri and gulab jaamun are other favorites. And the chutney is worth savoring. The chaat here has no match, you just have to try it once while in Prayagraj[1] [2].
There is no comparison with any other when it comes to Pandit ji ki chaat. You will find a massive crowd at the shop during evenings as soon as the shop opens, with a flock of admirers gathering for the ultimate tasty treat. There are plenty of eateries at the square, but the Pandit ji ki chaat simply stands apart. It has been serving the locals since 1945 with quality taste [2].
Before you head to Pandit Ji Ki Chaat (rated 4.2) for savoring your favorite chaat, Google reviews have got you some insights from famous local guides of Prayagraj [3]:
Preetam Gupta shares, “Most delicious chaat, especially tomato and aloo ki tikki. This is must must-try once. Do check the timings before you go to this place. Worth for money and your taste buds. Dahi bada and Pani Puri, also we tried and experienced the best.”
Anupama Bhat says, “Definitely worth visiting this place. I personally liked the Aloo tikki and Lassi the best. Tried the tamatar chaat as well. The preparation was quite elaborate. The price was quite reasonable and the service was fast and efficient in spite of the crowd. There is no place to sit, but the token system ensures that you can get your orders one by one rather than all at once.”
Ask anybody, the desi ghee masala samosa tastes best at the iconic Hari Ram & Sons. The masala samosa is now a tradition of the shop that started back in 1890. It has a timeless flavor, a blend of the finest ingredients and authentic spices [4].
Not only the samosa, there are a variety of Indian snacks, the namkeen which are bestsellers of the place.
These include the traditional dum aloo, khasta kachori, khatta chane, and other namkeen [4].
The samosas are said to last for at least 25 days, offering the finest quality taste [5].
So if you want to indulge in everything masala and namkeen, just head to Hari Ram & Sons for an evergreen taste that has lasted over generations. Here is what happy and satisfied customers have to say about their experience at Hari Ram & Sons [4]:
“Wonderful experience as always…you know they are world famous, the hari samosas and khatta chane are sent up to the USA and Europe, even. PRIDE OF PRAYAGRAJ.”
“Established in 1890, this place serves a variety of snacks made of pure ghee. I had mini samosa and khasta, and it was delicious. Must recommend.”
Not only the locals, but even famous personalities, including Pt. Jawaharlal Nehru, the first Prime Minister of India, and living legend Amitabh Bachchan, have also visited Hari Ram & Sons to munch on the mouthwatering snacks [5].
Location: Mahatma Gandhi Marg, Johnstonganj, Prayagraj
Opens at: 5:30 pm-6:00 pm (Gets busy around 7:00 pm)
Speciality: Aloo tikki and Pani Puri
Chaat? Visit Shiva Chaat Bhandar for the best street food in town. It delivers the most authentic flavored chaat that is wholly flavorsome. They will serve you with all of your favorite chaat, including bhel puri, papdi chaat, dahi vada, and aloo tikki. But the Shiva Chaat Bhandar makes the best Pani Puri, so that’s the dish that you should savor here [6].
Shiva Chaat Bhandar has a 4.2 rating on Google reviews. Here's what the people have to say about the food joint here [7]:
Sangeeta Amod says, “Great taste, fast service, but limited time in the evening. Also, note that they have limited stock, which can get exhausted if more people visit. Parking is available on the road, but the road is very busy with traffic as well as the market. Price is reasonable.”
Krishna Gopal shares, “You must try their tasty aloo tikki. Overall, all things are tasty and served in a very hygienic way, but after you take a token. Enjoy your food.”
Location: Lower ground floor, M.G Marg, George Town, Near Medical Chauraha, Prayagraj
Opens at: 9:00 am to 10:30 pm (Usually busy during morning hours of breakfast till noon)
Speciality: Desi ghee immersed, crunchy and spicy Masala Dosa
Masala dosa, that too immersed in ghee! Yes, that’s the specialty of the Jaiswal Dosa Corner. It is a must-visit and is highly praised among the locals. The menu has a variety of South Indian food that includes: Paneer Onion dosa, Cheese masala dosa, Onion Uttapam, Pepper dosa, Vada sambhar, and much more. The Prayagraj crowd is known for the diverse taste of South India by the rich culinary taste offered at Jaiswal Dosa Corner, and you should too [6][8]!
Of the 5,120 reviews posted on Google reviews, Jaiswal Dosa Corner has a 4.1 rating. Catch up with what visitors have to say about Jaiswal Dosa Corner [9]:
“Till now the best dosa ever. I have travelled across South India, but this taste was totally absent. Here, dosa is cooked in desi ghee, which gives you a flavor that you will never forget. The filling of dosa is extremely delicious, which gives this place an edge over other dosa outlets. This place is almost jam-packed, and you may have to wait for your turn. Do visit and experience one of the great dosas of India.”
Another visitor shares, “Jaiswal Dosa Corner is a must-try place in Prayagraj if you are a true South Indian dish lover. Their dosa is a must-have. Their taste is authentic, and rates are reasonable. It's a family restaurant.”
Location: Shop no 389/329, Mahatma Gandhi Marg, Bairhana, Prayagraj
Opens at: 5:00 pm
Speciality: Rasgullas and Gulab Jamun
The shop has been serving hot and delicious rasgullas to locals and visitors who come from far-off places to get the amazing taste. It was started in 1984, and is close to finishing 40 years in the business now. They usually make 500 rasgullas a day, but at the time of Mahakumbh, the number has soared up to 1000 to 2000 rasgullas. Apart from all the sweets and desserts, the most famous are the desi ghee Gulab Jamuns, which melt in the mouth as you have them. So, for the ultimate desi taste of sweetness, visit the Dehati rasgulla during your stay [10] [11].
And if you get them packed, you will have it in earthen pots. That increases the taste even more [11]!
Here is what the people are saying about the rasgullas on Google Reviews with a 4.2 rating [12]:
“Best gulab jamun in Prayagraj, heavenly taste and totally affordable. From texture to taste, each and everything is perfect about their gulab jamun. Must try.”
“Very tasty Gulab Jamun. Very soft and appropriate sugar level, served sizzling hot. You can’t stop with one. Good value for money!!! Three cheers.”
Location: 259, Old Katra, Near Netram Chauraha, Prayagraj
Opens at: 7:00 am-10:00 pm
Speciality: Desi ghee kachoris and dahi-jalebi
The Netram Moolchand Sweet Shop is one of the most famous sweet and snack shops in Prayagraj. It is well known for the desi ghee kachoris and aloo, gobhi, and chhole sabzis, which have been served for 165 years now at the Old Katra since 1855. The dishes are served along with the tangy chutney and cool boondi raita. It is also a crowd favorite because of the sweets, especially the dahi-jalebi, malpua, and desi ghee ke laddoo. You can also savor the different varieties of pethe, pede, and barfis [13].
Netram Moolchand Sweet Shop is rated 3.8 on Google reviews. Here is what people had to share about their experience [14]:
“It’s a vintage place famous for kachori thali costing Rs 120. Do try Chhena Dahi Vada. Samosa is also very good. Don’t get intimidated by the crowd, it moves swiftly.”
“Iconic, popular, extraordinary, though congested and busy. Very old. No fine dining. But a true treasure for food connoisseurs. Specializes in Indian sweets and savory snacks. You will have to share tables. Worth visiting if you appreciate good food. Very, very deep inside Old Praygraj, in Old Katra.”
With this, you have a complete food guide when you travel to Prayagraj. You can savor the best of food at the most prestigious eateries of the city, and get to know about the local cuisine here. So, for the most authentic style and culinary taste, you've got to rush to these places asap.