15 famous food of Amritsar you have got to try

When you think of Amritsar, the first thing that comes to mind is The Golden Temple. Right after, the delectable Amritsar Food steals the show; rightly claiming the title unofficial 'Culinary capital of India'. In this city, the love for food goes beyond. Usually, people eat to live, but here people live to eat. Every aspect of life, from social events to spiritual gatherings and celebrations, revolves around the joy of eating. As the saying goes, ‘Jab Punjab aaye, toh Punjabi wangu khao.’ This sentiment rings true in every way.

From the renowned langar of Amritsar Golden Temple to the mouth-watering street food, we will guide you through the famous food and the best places to eat in Amritsar.

It's going to be a tasty read!

Making of Punjabi famous sweets jalebis

1. Langar and Kada Prasad

Going to Amritsar means you have to see the Amritsar Golden Temple, and if you go to the Golden Temple, you should try the langar they serve there. Golden Temple has the largest kitchen in the world that's open 24*7 throughout the year and feeds more than 100,000 people every day for free. It is considered the best place to eat in Amritsar. The food might seem simple with flatbread, rice, lentils, and vegetables, but it tastes great and fills you up. Eating there is fun too because you sit cross-legged with so many strangers. Also, remember to eat the Kada Prasad while you're there, as it is the world's tastiest halwa (sweet dish) made with lots of pure ghee, and once you have it, you will probably want more.

Eating food at Amritsar Golden Temple langar hall

2. Amritsari Kulcha

When it comes to Amritsar's food, it is not possible that we forget about its famous Amritsari Kulcha, which is the most preferred breakfast option for many. This Kulcha is filled with potatoes, cauliflower, paneer, and special spices and cooked in a tandoor (clay oven) with a lot of butter and ghee. People usually eat it with spicy Chole (chickpeas) and sliced onions. It's so delicious that you might not want to eat anything else so that you can savour the flavour in your mouth all day long.

The best place to eat in Amritsar is at Maqbool Kulcha shop, which is very popular in Amritsar, and another good place is Basant Avenue Boo Wale Kulchas. Chef Vikas Khanna recommends both these locations.

Amritsari Kulche served with spicy chole masala

3. Lassi

How is it possible to visit Amritsar and miss out on Lassi? In Amritsar, food is only complete with Lassi! A glass of chilled Lassi isn't just a drink; it's an experience that hits you immediately. Made with curd, khoya, and nuts, this refreshing drink will make you forget everything around you. It's so buttery that you will need clarification about whether to scoop it or drink it. The best place to have it is Lassi Ahuja Milk Bhandar in Amritsar, famous for its simple Kesar Lassi. And if you're up for something different, try the Peda lassi, which is not well-known in other cities than Amritsar. You can find the best Peda Lassi served with makhan (butter) near Golden Temple at Gian Peda Lassi's shop.

Lassi garnished with crushed nuts

4. Puri Chole

You know it is a sin if you talk about the famous food of Amritsar and not mention the Puri Chole. This dish is a real crowd-pleaser, with Puri - crispy, deep-fried bread made from whole wheat flour, and Chole - a curry packed with spicy chickpeas full of flavour. Served with a side of raita, tangy chutney, and fresh salad, each bite takes you deeper into the heart of Amritsar's culinary traditions. When you find yourself wandering the streets of Amritsar, make it a point to try this famous food of Amritsar. It's not just about the food; it's the whole experience of enjoying Puri Chole, especially the popular Kanha Sweet, Lawrence Road, a shop even the renowned Chef Vikas Khanna suggests visiting.

Enjoy lip-smacking crispy Puri and spicy Chole in Amritsar

5. Amritsari Pinni

Amritsari Pinni is a famous sweet treat and an excellent choice for anyone with a sweet tooth. It's a traditional sweet made with clarified butter (desi ghee), wheat flour, sugar, and lots of dry fruits like almonds, pistachios, and cashews. What makes Amritsari Pinni special are its rich, thick texture and the sweet smell of cardamom and sometimes saffron. Pinnis are not just a treat for the taste buds; they're also packed with energy. People often eat them in winter to stay warm and get a quick energy boost. They also last long, so you can take great gifts to return home. If you're looking for the best place to eat in Amritsar, go to Bansal Sweets, which started in 1981 and is known for making delicious Pinnis.

Traditional Amritsari Pinni 

6. Butter Chicken

If you're fond of chicken, this city is a must-visit, especially for its iconic chicken speciality known as butter chicken or murgh makhani. This famous food of Amritsar is popular in Amritsar and internationally. It was ranked 43rd on the TasteAtlas list of the 100 Best Dishes in the World 23/24, with a rating of 4.54. The combination of creamy sauce, butter, and spices offers a unique taste, making it a famous food of Amritsar that should definitely be on your list to try. From the roadside to restaurants, each place has its secret recipes, and one of the famous places to eat in Amritsar is Beera Chicken House.

7. Kulfa

You might know about Kulfi, but have you heard of Kulfa? It's an Amritsari version of Kulfi. This street food of Amritsar is popular because of its rich and creamy texture. It is made with ingredients like phirni, Kulfi, Falooda, and Rabri, which indulge your taste buds. The dessert pick is a huge hit, with chefs like Saransh Goila and Vikas Khanna who sampled it in A One Kulfa. This shop serves the incredibly delicious Kulfa, and the quantity is so good you might need help finishing it! So, when exploring Amritsar's street food and looking for the best dessert, try Kulfa at A One Kulfa.

Creamy frozen Kulfa dessert (Source - Zomato) 

8. Makke di roti and Sarson ka Saag

Who doesn't know about "Makki Di Roti Te Sarson Da Saag"? It's an emotion. It's a famous food of Amritsar that people enjoy during the winter months for its warmth and nutrition. Initially, it was a staple for rural people in Punjab, but now it has become one of the iconic dishes of India. If you ever visit Amritsar in winter, trying this Amritsar food is a must. Sarson da saag, paired with crispy makki roti and topped with butter, is a true desi delight, and one of the best places to eat in Amritsar is Kesar da dhaba. This place has been serving delicious food for around 100 years, and Makki Di Roti Te Sarson Da Saag is its speciality. Despite its simple appearance, the food taste here beats many fancy restaurants. Located near the Golden Temple, Kesar da Dhaba is a must-visit spot on Amritsar's food street list.

Traditional Amritsar food sarson ka saag with makki ki roti served with jaggery and salad

9. Dal Makhani

When we mention butter chicken, how can we forget to mention Dal Makhani, the vegetarian version? This velvety, creamy and buttery dal is one of the primary dishes in Punjabi cuisine. In Punjab, it is often said that no lunch or dinner is truly complete without Dal Makhani. It's mostly eaten with butter naan or lachha paratha after it. You'll find Dal Makhani everywhere in Amritsar, from small food stalls to fancy restaurants. Two famous places to eat in Amritsar are Bharawan Da Dhaba and Kesar da Dhaba. If your travel mantra is to go where the locals go, the 100-year-old Bharawan Da Dhaba and Kesar da Dhaba should be on your itinerary.

Dal makhani topped with fresh cream and coriander

10. Phirni

Phirni is a dessert that's a must-try in Amritsar! This creamy, nutty delight has been winning hearts in Punjab for ages. Made with rice, milk, and loads of dry fruits and topped with silver warq (silver foil), each spoon feels like a little piece of heaven in every bite. Served in cute clay pots, it's perfect for enjoying whenever you crave something sweet. In Amritsar, you'll find many places to try this dessert, but the best place to eat in Amritsar is Ahuja Milk Bhandar, known for its saffron-infused Phirni and Kesar da Dhaba is another hotspot for this dessert. If you're hunting for the best Amritsar food, make sure to try Phirni at these famous places.

Phirni served in a traditional clay pots 

11. Aam Papad

Have you ever tried Aam Papad? It's a unique street food of Amritsar made from ripe mangoes, sugar, and a bit of sunshine and is considered one of India's most interesting food discoveries. The best place to have it is in Amritsar, where you can find Ram Lubhaya Aampapper Wala, serving Aam Papad for over a century. The ripe mangoes are blended into a smooth pulp and mixed with sugar to make Aam Papad. The mixture is then dried under the sun until it becomes a chewy, sweet, tangy delight. The best part about Aam Papad is that it comes in various flavours and textures - some are sweet, some have a sour kick, and others are spicy. So, if you ever find yourself in Amritsar, take advantage of this unique street food of Amritsar!

Mouthwatering flavors of Amritsari aam papad (Source - The Goan Girl)
 

12. Amritsari Fish

If you're a fish lover, you can't miss out on trying the famous street food of Amritsar, which is Amritsari fish. This city is known for its rich culinary heritage, and its delicious fish dishes are no exception. One of the main reasons behind the popularity of fish in Amritsar is that the city is located near five rivers, which provide a constant supply of fresh fish throughout the year. To prepare this dish, the fish is marinated in a tangy masala infused with garlic, ginger, and turmeric flavours. The fish is then coated in a mixture of rice and besan (gram) flour, which gives it a crispy texture when deep-fried until golden brown. If you're looking for the best places to eat in Amritsar, look no further than Makhan Fish & Chicken Corner. This iconic eatery is renowned for its delicious Amritsari fish and other seafood delicacies that will leave your taste buds craving more.

Crispy Amritsari fish

13. Mutton Chaap

Chaaps, a popular street food of Amritsar, have a distinct preparation style. The dish consists of minced meat patties coated with Amritsari flavours, creating a unique taste that is loved by many. This city's non-vegetarian cuisine, influenced by Peshawar and Lahore, owes its rich flavours to the cultural blend following the 1947 partition. Migrants introduced their culinary traditions, giving birth to Amritsar's iconic Mutton Chaap (deep-fried minced meat patties). Since then, the dish has become a must-try for anyone visiting the city, and the best place to eat in Amritsar is Mohan Singh Meat Shop.

Fried battered spicy mutton chaap
 

14. Gulab Jamun and Jalebis

Gulab Jamun and Jalebis are two of the most common Indian sweets that are enjoyed by millions of people all over the world. So, what makes these sweets so special in Amritsar? The reason is the sweet shops in Amritsar are the oldest and have unique recipes passed down from their generations. One of the most famous sweet shops in Amritsar is Ramesh Sharma Sweets, is well known for its Gulab Jamun and Jalebis. One of the secrets behind the mouth-watering taste of these sweets is the use of pure ghee. Some shops serve sweets in unique ways, like Jalebis with Rabri or warm Gulab Jamun topped with nuts. All in all, the combination of traditional recipes, high-quality ingredients, and innovative serving styles make Gulab Jamun and Jalebis some of the most popular and beloved sweets in Amritsar. 

Sugary jalebis leaving their syrupy bath

15. Aloo Paratha

Among the famous foods of Amritsar, aloo parathas hold a special place in the hearts of locals and visitors. When you think of this famous flatbread stuffed with spicy mashed potatoes with a chunk of butter that melts into the bread and sides with tangy pickles and creamy yoghurt, your mind jumps straight to the bustling Amritsar food streets. Here, the aloo paratha isn't just a dish; it's a celebration on a plate. These thick, golden-brown breads, synonymous with the essence of the street food of Amritsar, are more than just a meal; they're an experience. Prepared with skill and passion, the aloo paratha at Kesar da Dhaba stands out as a culinary landmark, making it one of the best places to eat in Amritsar. Eating an aloo paratha in Amritsar is not just about filling your stomach; it's about feeling the warmth and joy of this special place.

Buttery aloo paratha served with chutney and pickle

Amritsar's food is full of history, love, and warmth that reflects the true essence of Punjab. It is not just about the taste; it's about connecting with the people and their culture. So, to truly get to know Amritsar and its people, try their food.
 

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