The Varanasi Chefs is named after a city of Northern India called Varanasi, also known as Banaras. The city of Banaras is situated on the west bank of the holiest of all Indian rivers, the Ganga or Ganges. The relationship between the sacred river and the city is the essence of Varanasi - 'the land of sacred light'. It is one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities in the world. Mark Twain, the American author and literature, who was enthralled by the legend and sanctity of Banaras, once wrote: "Banaras is older than history, older than tradition, older even than legend and looks twice as old as all of them put together."

The Varanasi Chefs endeavours to bring the cooking tradition of Banaras and other parts of India to Battersea. They offer the varied delicious tastes and cuisines of India, from homes, wayside stalls and palaces presented in style, retaining its authentic nature. Real Indian cuisine – which is the specialty of the Varanasi Chefs – is distinctive. It is exotic, aromatic and flavourful, relying on a subtle blend of herbs and spices, and provides an interesting contrast with Curries – the sauce based foods, Chats - the Indian street foods and with Tandoori- the clay oven foods. Not to be forgotten the Mo Mo – the local delicacy of Darjeeling.