Varanasi isn’t just a city, it’s a chaos of emotions, a sensory overload that lingers long after you leave. If food is storytelling, Aangan spins a saga of flavours so rich, even nostalgia bows down in respect.
Nestled in the grandeur of BrijRama Palace, a 10-course meal here is more than just a culinary journey, it’s a gateway to understanding the heart of this historic city.
The courtyard, once a stage for royal performances, now flaunts an air of old world charm, the grandeur of a Sanskrit adorned metal chandelier above, walls glittering with traditional ‘thikri’ work, and sitar melodies that could make even your chaotic brain pause for a moment.
The food? Revolutionary! Chef Devansh will sweep you from lip-smacking tradition to dishes that are so creative that you almost (almost) felt like you had attended a Banarasi MasterChef finale. The menu unfolds like a history book, but with snacks instead of chapters. First up? An achappam, its shape inspired by kalachakra patterns, ancient celestial geometry meeting crispy delight. It crunches lightly, with just a whisper of sweetness inside, like a secret shared in a bite.
Later, the ceviche arrives, coconut chunks blending with jasmine oil in a betel leaf broth – its simplicity charms. The main course, a smoky vegetable curry served with breads like sheermal roti, seals the deal. History never tasted this good.
For dessert, their saffron malaiyo is a whisper of winter mornings in an edible form, so airy, you might think you are eating saffron-scented clouds. And the rasmalai tres leches? A poetic marriage of khoya cake, saffron milk and jaggery jelly, soulful, indulgent and utterly unforgettable.
Outside, the Ganges shimmers under the moonlight, while within these centuries-old walls, the soul of Varanasi unfolds on your plate. Visit after the Ganga Aarti. Thank me later.
