When you think of Amritsar, you first think of The Golden Temple. After that, Amritsar food takes over. The city is often called the ‘Culinary Capital of India.’
Here, food is loved deeply. People don’t just eat to live; they live to eat. Food is a big part of everything, social events, celebrations, and even spiritual gatherings.
The saying, “Jab Punjab aaye, toh Punjabi wangu khao,” means you must eat like a true Punjabi when in Punjab.
From the Golden Temple’s famous langar to the tasty street food, we’ll show you the best places to eat in Amritsar.
Get ready for a delicious journey!
1. Langar and Kada Prasad:
- The Golden Temple in Amritsar has the largest kitchen in the world.
- It serves free food 24/7 to over 100,000 people every day.
- The food includes simple dishes like flatbread, rice, lentils, and vegetables.
- Despite being simple, the food tastes amazing and fills you up.
- You eat sitting cross-legged with many other people, making it a fun experience.
- Don’t forget to try the Kada Prasad, a sweet dish made with ghee (clarified butter).
- Kada Prasad is considered the tastiest halwa in the world, and you’ll probably want more after trying it!
2. Amritsari Kulcha:
- Amritsari Kulcha is a famous food from Amritsar, often eaten for breakfast.
- It’s made from a soft bread stuffed with potatoes, cauliflower, paneer, and special spices.
- The kulcha is cooked in a tandoor (a clay oven) with lots of butter and ghee.
- It’s typically served with spicy chickpeas (Chole) and sliced onions.
- The taste is so good that you might want to eat it all day!
- The best places to try Amritsari Kulcha are Maqbool Kulcha shop and Basant Avenue Boo Wale Kulchas.
- Chef Vikas Khanna recommends both popular spots in Amritsar.
3. Lassi:
- In Amritsar, you can’t visit without trying Lassi.
- Lassi is more than just a drink – it’s an experience!
- It’s made with curd, khoya (a type of milk product), and nuts.
- The drink is so refreshing and creamy, it will make you forget everything around you.
- It’s so thick and buttery, you might not know whether to drink it or scoop it with a spoon.
- The best place to try Lassi is at Lassi Ahuja Milk Bhandar, known for its Kesar Lassi (saffron-flavored).
- If you want something unique, try Peda Lassi, which you can’t find in other cities.
- The best Peda Lassi is served with butter at Gian Peda Lassi, near the Golden Temple.
4. Puri Chole:
- Puri Chole is a must-try food when in Amritsar.
- Puri is a crispy, deep-fried bread made from whole wheat flour.
- Chole is a spicy curry made with chickpeas, full of flavor.
- The dish is served with raita (a cool yogurt side), chutney (a tangy sauce), and a fresh salad.
- Eating Puri Chole is a tasty way to experience Amritsar’s food culture.
- A popular place to try it is Kanha Sweets on Lawrence Road, which is recommended by famous chef Vikas Khanna.
- It’s not just about the food, but the whole experience of enjoying it in Amritsar.
5. Amritsari Pinni:
- Amritsari Pinni is a popular sweet, perfect for people who love sweets.
- It’s made from clarified butter (ghee), wheat flour, sugar, and dry fruits like almonds, pistachios, and cashews.
- The special part of Pinni is its thick texture and the sweet smell of cardamom, and sometimes saffron.
- Pinnis are full of energy, so they are great for a quick boost, especially in winter.
- They stay fresh for a long time, making them perfect gifts to take home.
- For the best Amritsari Pinnis, visit Bansal Sweets in Amritsar, known for their delicious Pinnis since 1981.
6. Butter Chicken:
- Butter chicken is a famous dish in Amritsar, made with chicken in a creamy, buttery, and spicy sauce.
- It’s a must-try for chicken lovers visiting Amritsar.
- The dish is not only popular in Amritsar but also around the world.
- It was ranked 43rd on the list of the 100 Best Dishes in the World for 2023/24.
- The combination of creamy sauce, butter, and spices gives it a unique and delicious flavor.
- You can find butter chicken everywhere in Amritsar, from street vendors to restaurants.
- Each place has its own special recipe for butter chicken.
- One popular spot to enjoy it is Beera Chicken House in Amritsar.
7. Kulfa:
- Kulfa is a special dessert from Amritsar, similar to Kulfi.
- It has a rich, creamy texture that makes it very popular.
- The dessert is made with ingredients like phirni, Kulfi, Falooda, and Rabri.
- These ingredients make the taste very indulgent and delicious.
- Famous chefs like Saransh Goila and Vikas Khanna have tried it at A One Kulfa.
- A One Kulfa is a well-known shop in Amritsar that serves this amazing dessert.
- The portion size is so big that you might need help finishing it.
- If you’re visiting Amritsar and want to try the best dessert, don’t miss Kulfa from A One Kulfa!
8. Makki Di Roti and Sarson Ka Saag:
- “Makki Di Roti Te Sarson Da Saag” is a traditional food from Amritsar.
- It’s a popular dish during the winter months because it’s warm and nutritious.
- The dish was originally eaten by rural people in Punjab, but now it’s famous all over India.
- The food consists of sarson da saag (mustard greens) and makki di roti (corn flatbread), usually served with butter on top.
- If you visit Amritsar in winter, this dish is a must-try.
- A well-known place to eat this dish is Kesar Da Dhaba, which has been serving it for almost 100 years.
- Despite looking simple, the taste of the food at Kesar Da Dhaba is amazing and better than many fancy restaurants.
- Located near the Golden Temple, Kesar Da Dhaba is a must-visit for food lovers in Amritsar.
9. Dal Makhani:
- Dal Makhani is a creamy and buttery vegetarian dish from Punjab.
- It is an important part of Punjabi cuisine, often eaten with butter naan or lachha paratha.
- In Punjab, people say a meal isn’t complete without Dal Makhani.
- You can find it everywhere in Amritsar, from small stalls to fancy restaurants.
- Two popular places to try Dal Makhani in Amritsar are Bharawan Da Dhaba and Kesar Da Dhaba.
- These two dhabas (restaurants) have been around for over 100 years.
- If you want to eat like the locals, these places should be on your list!
10. Phirni:
- Phirni is a creamy, sweet dessert from Amritsar.
- It’s made with rice, milk, and dry fruits like nuts.
- Topped with silver foil (called “warq”), making it special.
- Phirni is served in small clay pots, which adds to its charm.
- It’s a popular dessert in Punjab and has been loved for many years.
- It’s smooth and nutty, with every spoonful feeling like a treat.
- Ahuja Milk Bhandar is famous for its saffron-flavored Phirni.
- Another great place to try Phirni is Kesar da Dhaba.
- If you’re in Amritsar, make sure to try Phirni at these spots!
11. Aam Papad:
- Aam Papad is a street food from Amritsar made with ripe mangoes, sugar, and sunshine.
- To make it, mango pulp is blended with sugar and dried in the sun until it becomes chewy.
- The best Aam Papad is found at Ram Lubhaya Aampapper Wala in Amritsar, a place serving it for over 100 years.
- Aam Papad comes in different flavors, including sweet, sour, and spicy.
- It’s a unique, tangy treat that mixes sweetness and sometimes spice.
- If you visit Amritsar, Aam Papad is a must-try street food you won’t want to miss!
12. Amritsari Fish:
- Amritsari fish is a must-try dish if you love fish.
- Amritsar is famous for its tasty fish dishes because it’s near five rivers, which provide fresh fish all year.
- The fish is marinated with a tangy mix of garlic, ginger, and turmeric.
- It’s coated with rice and gram flour, which makes it crispy when deep-fried.
- The fish is fried until golden brown and crunchy on the outside.
- A great place to try this dish is at Makhan Fish & Chicken Corner in Amritsar.
- This restaurant is famous for its Amritsari fish and other seafood dishes.
13. Mutton Chaap:
- Mutton Chaap is a popular street food from Amritsar.
- It’s made of minced meat shaped into patties and deep-fried.
- The patties are coated with special Amritsari spices, giving them a unique taste.
- The dish is influenced by the food traditions of Peshawar and Lahore.
- These flavors became part of Amritsar’s cuisine after the 1947 partition, when migrants brought their cooking styles.
- Mutton Chaap is now a famous dish that everyone should try when visiting Amritsar.
- The best place to try it is Mohan Singh Meat Shop in Amritsar.
14. Gulab Jamun and Jalebis:
- Gulab Jamun and Jalebis are popular Indian sweets loved worldwide.
- In Amritsar, these sweets are special because of old, traditional recipes passed down through generations.
- Ramesh Sharma Sweets is a famous shop in Amritsar known for its delicious Gulab Jamun and Jalebis.
- The sweets taste amazing because they are made with pure ghee (clarified butter).
- Some shops serve Jalebis with Rabri (a creamy dessert) or warm Gulab Jamun with nuts on top.
- The combination of old recipes, quality ingredients, and creative serving makes these sweets so loved in Amritsar.
15. Aloo Paratha:
- Aloo paratha is a popular dish in Amritsar.
- It’s a flatbread stuffed with spicy mashed potatoes.
- The paratha is served with butter that melts into it, making it delicious.
- Tangy pickles and creamy yoghurt are served on the side.
- It’s a very popular street food in Amritsar, loved by locals and visitors.
- The aloo paratha is thick, golden-brown, and full of flavor.
- Eating it is more than just having a meal; it’s an experience.
- Kesar da Dhaba is one of the best places to try it in Amritsar.
- Eating aloo paratha in Amritsar makes you feel the warmth and joy of the city.