Slurrp Reviews Saffron By voco, Amritsar: A Menu That Bridges Modern Punjabi Plates And Thalis

Updated:Jul 13, 2026

Staying true to the roots whilst adding a finesse touch to the Punjabi plates, the menu at Saffron by voco, Amritsar, could easily be every North Indian’s dream meal. From contemporary takes to staples like paneer tikka, dahi ke kebab, naan, and more, here’s everything you need to know about dining at Saffron.

Saffron By voco, Amritsar: Modern Punjabi Plates And Thalis

Image Credit: Instagram @vocoamritsar

Amritsar is one of the most historic cities of Punjab. From the infamous Jallianwala Bagh to the Golden Temple, every nook and corner of Amritsar is steeped in tradition. While Amritsar's culinary scene is often defined by dhabas in narrow lanes, tandoors, and spices passed down through generations, the chefs at voco Amritsar have cracked the code on giving traditional Punjabi staples a modern twist without losing their essence.

Without piling on unnecessary elements, the menu at Saffron reinvents North Indian favourites while keeping their soul intact. At the same time, it hasn't forgotten the traditional Amritsari thali, offering an unapologetically homely feeling. Scroll down to see how my meal at voco, Amritsar, played out, dish by dish.

Also Read: Buzz Around Amritsar’s Lord Elgin: The Inside Scoop From The British-Themed Bar’s Directors

A Glimpse Into voco, Amritsar

voco, Amritsar's all-day dining destination, Saffron, and its in-house bar, The Plum Lounge, both offer a unique take on North Indian cuisine. The menu itself, bookended by phrases like "whether it's everyday eating or a special meal, our menu is full of good food" and "global plates, local warmth, served all day," sets the tone even before the food arrives.

Image Credit: Instagram @vocoamritsar

A hands-on team of chefs, mixologists, bartenders, and the waiting staff, trained by their executive chef, Chef Sumit Kumar, takes care of every little detail. Whether you’re craving homely food, need a customised drink, or a dish tailored to any allergies, you’ll be in good hands. I was welcomed into the space with open arms and an even warmer menu. Here’s everything I ate.

What's On The Menu

The menu reads like two restaurants layered into one. On the one hand, it reads like a contemporary bar-and-grill concept up front, and on the other, you get a deeply rooted Punjabi-Indian kitchen underneath. The overlap is what makes the meal interesting.

Bar Bites & Sharing Plates

As I began my meal, what intrigued me the most were the bar snacks. The Masala Peanut Cones, spicy tempered peanuts served in crunchy papad cones, made for an addictive starting note, while the Aloo Papdi Tapas, crisp papdi topped with tender aloo and a tamarind drizzle, felt like street-food nostalgia dressed up for a hotel setting.

Image Credit: Garima Johar

As for the main course, their Dal Makhani, swirled with desi ghee and butter, was everything I wanted my trip to Amritsar to be like. Served with a kache pyaaz ki roti, my stomach was full, but my heart was longing for some more.

Modern Punjabi Plates

Now, this is where things get interesting. Designed by a boxer turned chef, Sumit Kumar, the fusion menu didn’t feel forced at all and was the highlight of my day. The Smokey Tandoori Paneer Tikka Nanza and Chicken Seekh, Sour Onion & Olive Naanzza, viz, flatbreads built on tandoori bases rather than classic pizza dough, are clever, shareable reinventions that feel true to Amritsar's tandoor culture rather than a borrowed gimmick.

Image Credit: Garima Johar

The Thyme Scented Mushroom Ragout Samosa stood out for its restraint, letting fresh thyme do quiet work against the usual heavy spicing of a samosa filling, and the Jalapeno Infused Crispy Yoghurt Kebab delivered the tang-and-heat combination I was hoping for. On the mains side, the Bhatti Da Chuza (a whole young chicken marinated and cooked in a traditional clay oven) and the Rara Murg were standouts for anyone chasing the city's signature smoky, spice-forward flavours.

Pind Da Swaad: The Traditional Thali Experience

Image Credit: Garima Johar

Since no trip to Amritsar is complete without a Punjabi thali, Saffron has a dedicated thali named “Pind Da Swaad.” Filled with small portions of Dal Makhani, Paneer Masala, Biryani, a thick glass of lassi, Pindi Chana with Amritsari Kulcha, and a crispy Lacha Paratha and Missi Roti, the spread gave a full-on Punjabi feel.

Desserts & Drinks

To close, I had a bowl of Suji Ka Halwa, which was pretty close to how my grandmother makes it. On the International side of desserts, I had a Tiramisu, as timeless as ever. On the beverages side, while I enjoyed my go-to serving of cold coffee, the menu offers an array of fresh juices, smoothies, and a solid roster of cocktails and hot drinks.