Watch: Why Varanasi's 100-year-old Chachi Ki Kachori and Pahalwan Lassi were demolished | - Times of India
Varanasi, a flavourful city, witnessed demolition of 35 shops. This included iconic Pahalwan Lassi Shop and Chachi ki Kachori. The demolition is part of a road widening project. The project aims to ease traffic congestion. Compensation will be provided to affected shop owners. Varanasi is also known for Deena Chat Bhandaar and Shri Madhur Jalpaan.
Varanasi is considered a land of flavours. From the iconic Tamatar ki Chaat to Lassi, the popular tourist destination has given some of the best flavours to the country. According to a tweet by Piyush Rai, who runs the page @Benarasiyaa, unfortunately, 35 shops were demolished recently, which also included the 75-year-old Pahalwan Lassi Shop and the 108-year-old Chachi ki Kachori.
Scroll down to find out why.According to Piyush's X post, the said 35 shops were demolished as a part of a road widening project. As per local media reports quoted by The Economic Times, the move is part of a Rs 241.80 cr plan to build a 9.512 km four-lane road from Lahartara to Vijaya Mall. It is also reported that compensation will be given to those affected. As per reports, the Public Works Department had marked the shops and houses for demolition a month ago after carrying out land measurements.
The stretch, which runs through Bhelupur and Lanka is frequently congested, hence the government decided to expand the road to reduce the traffic jams in the area.
It was established 75 years ago and used to cater not just Indian but international tourists from countries like the US, Australia, and Japan. It served eight types of lassi priced between ₹30 and ₹180, and served in traditional clay cups with a mix of curd, cream, and rabri.
The shop was located slightly ahead of the Lanka crossing towards Assi. It was visited by political leaders and celebrities in past. The 108-year-old Chachi ki Kachori was also demolished in the drive and was known for its double-layered asafoetida, and lentil-filled kachoris served with pumpkin curry and matka jalebi on leaf plates. This eatery also attracted celebs, chefs, and politicians.
Apart from these two, Varanasi is known for other street food joints as well, which have been running for decades.
Deena Chat Bhandaar is known for its Tamatar Chaat and Chuda Matar, which they have been selling for the last 200 years.
Shri Madhur Jalpaan, located in Sarafa Gali is known for its Samosa, Malpua, and Gulab Jamun. The 80-year-old Goverdhan Das Malai Wala is known for its dairy products made from buffalo milk. And last but not least, is Laxmi Chai Wala, which has been running successfully for more than 50 years and is famous for its chai, toasted bread butter and malai.Thumb Image Courtesy: istockDisclaimer: This story is drafted on the basis of the tweet and information sourced online. The Times of India has not verified the statements or the authenticity of the video.