Amritsar is known for its rich culinary heritage and is considered by many to be the culinary capital of India. The region is renowned for its authentic Punjabi cuisine, characterized by its rich flavour and use of spices. The fact that Punjabi food is enjoyed so widely proves that the region’s spices are popular among foodies worldwide.
Thus, if you are also considering a trip to Amritsar, take a food tour to try some of the world-famous Punjabi dishes.
Table of Contents
Must-try Dishes at the Best Food Places in Amritsar
Starters
Amritsar is renowned for its mouthwatering starters that are ideal for a quick snack or to begin a meal. Here are some must-try starters in Amritsar:
Amritsari Fish
The fish dishes of Punjab are known for their unique blend of spices and flavours, and they are often cooked in a tandoor which gives a smoky flavour to the fish.
Some popular fish dishes in Amritsar include Fish Curry, Fish Fry, Fish Pakora, and Fish Tikka. These dishes are made using a variety of fish such as Singhara, Rohu, Catfish, and Sole.
Famous Place to Eat
- Makhan Fish and Chicken Corner – 21A, near Madaan Hospital, Makhan Chowk, Majitha Road
Hara Bhara Kabab
Hara Bhara Kabab is a popular vegetarian patty made using a combination of green leafy vegetables, peas, potatoes and Punjabi spices. It is quite a popular veg starter among tourists.
This dish is often served with mint or tamarind chutney and can be enjoyed as breakfast or an evening snack.
Famous Place to Eat
- Elgin Cafe – On the left of Ivy Hospital, Ajnala Rd, Inside 2nd Lane, D R Enclave, Bal Schander
Chicken Tikka
It is a popular non-veg starter that’s the first choice of the natives of Amritsar. Chicken tikka consists of juicy, marinated and grilled chicken pieces. This dish is popularly served as a starter or appetizer with mint chutney and sweet & sour red onions.
Famous Place to Eat
- Bubby Fish & Chicken Corner – Cooper Road, Near Crystal Chowk
Paneer Tikka
Paneer tikka is one of the most loved stater options among vegetarians. It is made by marinating cubes of paneer in a blend of spices and then grilling or baking them until golden brown.
Most restaurants serve it on a stick with mint or tomato ketchup sides. You can also add a few drops of lemon on top of the tikka to enhance the flavour of the dish.
Famous Place to Eat
- Firangi Dhaba – SCO 117, B – Block, Ranjit Avenue
Soya Chaap
The dish is made from soya chunks soaked in water to make them soft and then shaped into cylindrical rolls, which often resemble chicken drumsticks. The rolls are then cut and mixed with yoghurt, spices, and herbs, which gives them a tangy and spicy taste.
Soya chaap is easily available throughout the town and served with mint or tamarind chutney.
Famous Place to Eat
- Lovish Street Stall, Ranjit Avenue, A – Block Market
- Sardar Ji Malai Chaap Vale, Ranjit Avenue, C – Block Market
Main Course
Amritsari Kulcha
Amritsari Kulcha is a favourite meal option for food lovers and a must-try dish in Amritsar. Kulchas are typically prepared as flatbread stuffed with a spicy mixture of mashed potatoes and onions.
These are often served with a side of chole and lots of butter on top, sure to fill your mouth with water.
Famous Place to Eat
- Ashok Kulcha – Shop No. 68, 69, Near Park, A – Block Market, Ranjit Avenue
- Monu Kulcha Hut – Loharka Road, Opposite Love Dale School, NRI Colony.
Butter Chicken
Butter Chicken, also known as Murgh Makhani, is another popular Amritsari dish that originated in Punjab. It is a creamy and flavourful chicken curry made with boneless chicken pieces, butter, cream, tomatoes, and some Punjabi spices.
The dish is usually served with rice and naan or roti on the sides.
Famous Place to Eat
- Charming Chicken – Majitha Rd, Sehaj Avenue
- Pal Da Dhaba – Katra Moti Ram, I/S, Hathi Gate, Katra Ahluwalia.
Dal Makhani
You can easily find dal makhani at every other Dhaba and restaurant in Amritsar. It is a creamy and flavourful dish made with black lentils and kidney beans, later fried with Punjabi spices.
Dal Makhani has a unique flavour and is often considered one of the must-try dishes in Punjab.
Famous Place to Eat
- Kesar Da Dhaba – Chowk Passian, Gali Rajpura, Near Telephone Exchange
Nutri Kulcha
Nutri Kulcha’s unique taste and texture sets it apart from other types of kulchas in Amritsar. It is often served with a side of chutney or raita and is enjoyed as a main course. It is a nutritious and filling dish high in protein and fibre, making it a popular choice among health-conscious foodies.
Famous Place to Eat
- Ashok Nutri Kulcha – Katra Sher Singh, Katra Ahluwalia
- Sabri Bhatura Shop – Queens Rd, near OBC Bank, Crystal Chowk, INA Colony
Sarson Ka Saag and Makki Ki Roti
Sarson Ka Saag and Makki Ki Roti are hearty and wholesome items, rich in nutrients and flavours. They are often served together as a meal, typically enjoyed with jaggery and a dab of homemade butter.
It is a popular choice among locals and tourists in Punjab. It is often considered a must-try dish in the region.
Famous Place to Eat
- Bharawan da Dhaba – Near Town Hall, Katra Ahluwalia
Desserts
Lassi
The ideal drink for soothing thirst in Amritsar. Lassi is well-known for its sweet flavour throughout the town. This refreshing beverage is made by blending yoghurt, water, and sugar.
You can enjoy lassi in tall earthenware glasses, known as Kulhads, which keep the drink cool and add an earthy flavour.
Famous Place to Eat
- Ahuja Lassi – B.K. Dutt Gate, Dhab Khatikan
- Giaan Di Lassi – Golden Temple Out Rd, Chowk Regent Cinema, Katra Sher Singh, Katra Ahluwalia
Pinni
Pinni is a delicious sweet that is perfect for satisfying your sweet tooth during the colder months. Ingredients used in the making, such as desi ghee, wheat flour, jaggery, and almonds, are very much needed in the Amritsar’s winter season to warm people.
It is a famous dish handed down through families as a renowned traditional dessert in Punjab for many years. It is widely available in sweet shops and markets throughout Amritsar and is popular among locals and tourists.
Famous Place to Eat
- Shree Lakshmi Narayan Bhog Bhandar – Near Durgiana Mandir, Goal Bagh
- Bansal Sweets Shop – Lawrence Road, Dayanand Nagar
Phirni
Phirni is a traditional dessert that has been enjoyed in Amritsar and other states of Punjab for generations. It is a delicious and satisfying dessert perfect for wrapping up a spicy meal. The cool, creamy milky texture of Phirni makes it a popular choice during the hot summer months.
Amritsar has a wide variety of different flavours of Phirni, which are easily available at the shops in the town.
Famous Place to Eat
- Kanhaiya Sweets – Fullan Wala Bazar, Shakti Nagar
- Ahuja Sweets – The local brand has multiple outlets, the addresses for all of them are listed below.
- Inside B.K. Dutt Gate, Dhab Khatikan, Katra Ahluwalia
- Tarn Taran Road, Near Bhilai
- Shop No.12, Basant Avenue Market, Shastri Nagar, White Avenue
- 7-B, opp. District Library, New Majitha House Colony, Rani Ka Bagh
Kulfa
The subtle and creamy Kulfas in Amritsar is an incredible substitute for ice cream. It is made using pistachios and condensed milk which gives it a distinctively creamy and nutty flavour.
There are numerous Kulfa variations, but the more well-known one is Kulfa Falooda, which is eaten with vermicelli noodles and rose syrup.
Famous Place to Eat
- A1 Kulfa – 3, Queens Rd, Crystal Chowk, INA Colony
The Bottom Line
Amritsar offers a variety of foods that appeal to various tastes and preferences. In addition to satisfying one’s taste senses, the city’s cuisine provides a window into Punjab’s thriving culture and traditions. Thus, the next time you are in Amritsar, consider exploring some best food places in Amritsar and enjoy these cuisines with an array of authentic Punjabi flavours.
