A Food Tour of Amritsar: The Best Punjabi Food in The Country
Image Credit: Amritsari kulcha | Instagram - @thefooodstories._

It’s said that Punjabis are real foodies because no one enjoys food better than a Punjabi. Amritsar is the culinary capital of Punjabi food in India. It is the home to the iconic Golden Temple and also to some of the tastiest food in the world. One could be forgiven for thinking that much of what happens in the city involves food in some way, whether it is partying, prayers, or festivals. You will be spoiled for food choices when in Amritsar, from the Amritsari Kulchas to lassi and jalebis.

10 Must-Have Amritsar Foods and Where to Have them

1. Langar Ka Prasad at Golden temple

Start your food tour of Amritsar in the morning with a visit to the Golden Temple where the largest free kitchen in the world exists. Here the volunteers serve dal, roti, sabzi and kheer to lakhs of devotees every day. The Kara Prasad is a delicacy made with ghee which will make your visit totally worth it. 

2. Amritsari Kulcha at All India Famous restaurant

Amritsari kulcha is another famous bread sold here, it is made of maida and cooked in a tandoor. You can visit the All India Famous restaurant located near the Golden Temple and the Wagah border where they serve kulcha with chana masala, sliced onions and tamarind chutney. Make sure you visit it before 2 pm or you will be disappointed!

3. Tasty Kulchas in Kulcha Land

Enjoy different types of kulchas at Kulcha Land which is located at Ranjit Avenue. The crispy kulchas served here are lip-smacking, make sure to drink lassi along with it to wash it down. Kulcha Land is always crowded with visitors because the food is so good. 

4. Kheema kulcha at Friends Dhaba

If you’re a hardcore non-vegetarian then you can have a meaty version of Kulcha at Friends Dhaba located at the Queens Road. Here you will be served Kheema Naan with butter and gravy. The kheema kulcha is crisp and eaten with a spicy keema mix. This place too is flooded with visitors but it's worth the wait.

5. Shammi kabab and Mutton Tikka at Surjit Food Plaza

If you’re on a venture to have the best shammi kebabs and mutton tikka in Amritsar then head straight to Surjit Food Plaza on Lawrende Road. It's been here for over 70 years and has had a recent makeover turning it into a fancy restaurant. Savor the melt-in-your-mouth shammi kabab and mutton tikka here which is made in the tandoor and then fried with ghee on the tawa.

6. Tandoori Chicken at Beera Chicken House

Tandoori chicken | Instagram - @foodtack01

Beera Chicken House on Majitha Road is famous across Amritsar for its Tandoori chicken. This is no red or charred tandoori chicken pieces but a whole chicken, marinated in spices and roasted perfectly. Just across this place is another iconic place- Makhan Fish & Chicken Corner where you can have the tastiest fish tikkas. They are fished from the Beas river and fried lightly in a batter for a crisp taste.

7. Kharode da Shorba at Pal Da Dhaba

Enjoy some tasty kharode da shorba or Lamb Trotter soup at a small shop at Hathi Gate. This yummy paya soup is full of garam masala, chilies and lentil leaves and eaten with kheema paratha, that is soft as cotton. 

8. Maa ki dal at Kesar Da Dhaba

Vegetarians are not left out in Amritsari cuisine as they can gorge on some delectable Maa ki dal at Kesar Da Dhaba located at Chowk Passian which is a 10-minute walk from the Golden Temple. Once here you can also enjoy lachcha paratha, palak paneer and baigan bharta. You cannot leave without tasting the phirni served here which comes in clay pots.

9. Amritsari Lassi at Ahuja Milk Bhandar

How can you miss out on having lassi here in Amritsar? For some memorable lassis you can visit the Ahuja Milk Bhandar, located at Dhab Katikan. The lassi served here comes in a tall glass and is so thick that you will need to have it with a spoon. 

10. Fruit Cream and Kulfa at Hall Bazaar

You must have had kulfi many times but what in the world is kulfa? Well to have some unforgettable fruit cream and kulfa you must head to Hall Bazar. Fruit cream is shaved, ice-like mixture of fruit, cream and dry fruit while Kulfa is an Amritsari version of kulfi. It is basically an ice-cream with stringy semiya like in falooda. They are served Amritsar-style in huge quantities that you will find difficult to finish.