Banarasi Paan has changed the way I used to look at Paan. There was a day when I used to avoid it mostly, which I still do, but not a Banarasi Paan.

My family has a background of eating paan which came from my grandmother which she got from her mother. My grandmother is about to complete a century now and still has not lost her cravings for a Paan. I personally never liked it that much but I enjoyed it on some occasions like the fairs of Durgapuja or such.

While I was pursuing my graduation from Banaras Hindu University, I got the opportunity to live in Varanasi. Before coming to Varanasi, I had heard so much of Banarasi Paan including that famous song from the movie “DON”.

The song “Khaike Paan Banaras Wala” has a separate fan base. I still remember the day when I tried the first Banarasi paan in Lanka. And I felt nothing, no special taste, no tingling in my mind. I was shocked. How can the famous Banarasi paan not taste good to me? Then one of my friends told me that it was just a normal paan😂.

Then the day came when I got the chance to try the real Banarasi paan which has left a good remark on my taste buds forever. Now, every time I visit Varanasi, I never forget to try at least one of these savouries.

Though trying Banarasi Paan needs no reason I am listing the top 10 reasons for those who can’t find it themselves. I believe you will automatically fall for it as the list continues.

1. It is the best mouth freshener that ever existed

Paan might seem like a sort of addiction to many but that is with everything on earth. You eat anything too much it’s harmful. Paan is not something to keep in your mouth for as long as you want or as many as you want. If used as a mouth freshener, it helps to remove bad breath. In the era of packaged food, Betal leaf is almost the only mouth freshener left.

2. It has many health benefits

Including the properties of a mouth freshener, Betal leaf was also believed to be used for the treatment of many diseases. Diseases like boils, abscesses, constipation, headache, hysteria, itches, etc. could be treated using Betal leaves traditionally.

The above research has included complete details on the medicinal benefits of Beta Leaves. A screenshot from that research has been added here for reference.

3. It works as a Mood Enhancer

paan does not only have health benefits but also works as a mood enhancer. Whenever you feel tired or stressed, instead of chewing rubber chewing gums you can go for a paan to relieve yourself.

What does Paan mean in Banaras?

Paan Is A Savoury Of Benaras. It Is A Symbol Of Love And Happiness. It is said that if you ever come to Banaras and did not eat the Banarasi Paan then there is no point in that visit.

Paan Is Presented As A Gesture Of Greeting almost everywhere, especially in the northern part of India. But What Is Lesser Known Is That Paan Making Is Considered An Auspicious Art In this City. There Are A Few Families Who Have Been Fashioning The Benarasi Paan For Generations.

Types Of Banarasi Paan that you might have never heard of:-

• Sada Paan
• Meetha Paan
• Panchmeva Paan
• Zarda Paan
• Gulab Paan
• Kesar Paan
• Navratan Paan
• Rajratan Paan
• Amavat Paan
• Banarasi Paan Gillori
• Paan Masala
• Chocolate Paan
• Chocolate with Caramel Sweet Paan
• Chocolate with Coffee Sweet Paan
• Chocolate Crunchy Sweet Paan
• Chocolate with Mint Sweet Paan
• Black Forest Sweet Paan
• Choco with Walnut Sweet Paan
• Choco Almond Sweet Paan
• Choco Cashew Sweet Paan
• Choco Groundnut Sweet Paan
• Banarasi Patta Sada Paan
• Desi Patta Sada Paan
• Meetha Patta Sada Paan
• Butterscotch Paan
• Blueberry Paan
• Kesar Paan
• Raisins Paan
• Strawberry Paan

These Are Only A Few Types Of Paan. Without “Paan” You Would Never Know The Real Essence Of Banaras. So, You Must Taste A Few “Paans” On Your Next Trip To Varanasi.

Price Range of Paan in Banaras

Benaras Had A Lot Of Variety Of Paans Whose Prices Starts From Nearly ₹15 To Somewhere Around ₹5,000 Depending On The Ingredients And The Method Of Preparation.

Where to find the best Paan in Banaras?

Although one can easily find the finest Paan in the whole city of Varanasi. Yet, there are a few places where you can actually find the best out of them.

One of those places is near the Ravidas Gate, Lanka Chauraha(crossing). Well, I am not that kind of paan lover, yet I have tried it once and it was delicious. I hope you will like it too. Do not forget to write in the comments if you have already tried paan in Varanasi already.

Origin of Paan

The History Of Paan Can Be Traced Back To The Mughal Period Where The Queens Have Been Said To Chew Paan For Its Taste And Appearance. However, Hindus have been using the very paan leaves in festivals and ceremonies for ages.