Review: Lakshmi Chai Wale (Varanasi) – 70+ Years Old Shop

Review: Lakshmi Chai Wale (Varanasi) – 70+ Years Old Shop

4.0-Star Rating and 6,000+ Google reviews — I visited Lakshmi Chai Wale at Govindpura (Varanasi) opposite Chandraghanta Mata Mandir lane in the early morning hours.

It is not too far — only 3-4 minutes’ walk from Gate No. 4 of the Kashi Vishwanath Mandir, inside a narrow lane on the left-hand side. There is a board indicating the shop’s location. It is one of the oldest legendary tea shops in Varanasi and India.

Lakshmi Chai Wale is a hidden culinary gem of Varanasi.

Lakshmi Chai Wale was started by Sonu’s grandfather – Laxmi Narayan Chaurasiya, 70+ years ago.

Lakshmi Chai Wale serves piping hot kulhad chai, coffee, and different varieties of smoky toast (roasted on koyla bhatti) like Malai Toast, Caesarean Toast, White Butter Toast, Amul Butter Toast, Single Butter Toast.

Malai toast is available for a limited period in the morning hours.

The combination of toast and chai is delightful. The chai taste is excellent, and super delicious in an earthen cup (kulhad), and the unique baking process (roasted on charcoal heat) of the toast makes it crispy, and crunchy with an earthy flavor.

It’s a good place to enjoy morning tea & toast. It was drool-worthy. It gave me a foodgasm.

Yes, they have seating arrangements but always full.

Lakshmi Chai Wale starts at 4 am and is open till midnight. Sunday they close at noon.

Lakshmi Chai Wale only accepts cash.

The best chai toast in Varanasi. A must-visit place. The ambiance is cozy and rustic with a vintage charm. It’s a memorable experience. It’s a good eatery spot.

If you are in Varanasi even for a day, do visit.

I thoroughly enjoyed it. I had a wonderful experience. Service is quick and the staff is friendly & welcoming. I highly recommend it.

Remember, for toast, you have to be in the queue, and for tea, you have to wait till the tea server serves.

Enjoy your visit to Lakshmi Chai Wale!

Parking is an issue. The best way to reach Lakshmi Chai Wale is via foot or rickshaw.