Food of Amritsar is as important as this world-famous destination itself. Amritsar isn’t just the land of the Golden Temple and Wagah Border; it’s the undisputed kingdom of food. If calories had a passport, they’d book a one-way ticket here. From buttery kulchas to decadent lassis, Amritsar’s culinary scene is a grand feast that can make even the most serious dieters break their vows. So loosen your belts and let’s get eating!
But before you dive into this gastronomic adventure, why not head over to our blog with the BEST itinerary for exploring Amritsar! Let’s go!
Food of Amritsar: The Appetizers… Because Every Good Story Starts with a Bite
1. Kulcha Land – The Breakfast of Kings
💰 Budget: ₹150 per person
🥄 Must-Try: Aloo Kulcha, Chur Chur Naan with Chole, and Lassi
Kulchas aren’t just quintessential items of food of Amritsar; they are an emotion. At Kulcha Land, they arrive hot, crispy, and generously buttered, making your soul (and arteries) sing. The accompanying chole has just the right amount of spice, and the chutney is a zesty revelation. Pair it with a tall glass of creamy lassi and you’ve officially entered food heaven.
👶 Kid-Friendly Tip: Order a plain kulcha without spice and let your little one enjoy a bite of Punjab.
2. Giani Tea Stall – Chai and Samosas, Amritsari Style
💰 Budget: ₹100 per person
🥄 Must-Try: Masala Chai, Paneer Pakoras, Samosas
No trip to Amritsar is complete without a stop at Giani Tea Stall. The masala chai here is what poets write odes about—strong, aromatic, and best enjoyed with crispy paneer pakoras. Locals swear by the best food of Amritsar, the samosas. They are stuffed to perfection and served with a tangy chutney that deserves its own fan club.
👶 Kid-Friendly Tip: Ask for the malai lassi for the kids to enjoy with the paneer pakoras.
Food of Amritsar: The Entrees… The Hearty Punjabi Feast Begins
3. Guru Ka Langar – The Meal That Feeds the Soul
💰 Budget: Free (Donations Welcome)
🥄 Must-Try: Langar Dal, Roti, Kheer
A meal at the Golden Temple’s Langar isn’t just about the most iconic food of Amritsar; it’s an experience in selflessness and community. The simple yet delicious meal of dal, roti, sabzi, and kheer is cooked by volunteers and served with immense love. Eating here is a humbling experience and a must-do in Amritsar.
👶 Kid-Friendly Tip: Kids will love the mild and wholesome flavors, plus the communal eating experience is a great learning moment.
4. Kesar Da Dhaba – The Grandfather of All Dhabas
💰 Budget: ₹300 per person
🥄 Must-Try: Dal Makhani, Lachha Paratha, Phirni
Stepping into Kesar Da Dhaba is like walking into a Punjabi grandmother’s kitchen—full of warmth, love, and an ungodly amount of ghee. The Dal Makhani, slow-cooked for hours, is the stuff of legends. It pairs perfectly with their flaky lachha paratha. And don’t even think about leaving without trying their phirni, served in earthen bowls for that extra touch of nostalgia.
👶 Kid-Friendly Tip: Order a less spicy version of the dal and some plain tandoori roti for tiny hands to nibble on.
5. Bharawan Da Dhaba – Where Parathas Get a Personality
💰 Budget: ₹300 per person
🥄 Must-Try: Amritsari Thali, Stuffed Parathas, Chole Bhature
Think you’ve had good chole bhature? Bharawan Da Dhaba will make you rethink everything. Their stuffed parathas come in an overwhelming variety—aloo, gobi, paneer, mixed, and even exotic ones like dry fruit paratha! The Amritsari Thali, loaded with dal, sabzi, roti, and desserts, is perfect for those who can’t decide (which is basically everyone).
👶 Kid-Friendly Tip: Stick to a simple paratha with curd for an easy meal.
6. Makhan Fish and Chicken Corner – A Sea Lover’s Paradise
💰 Budget: ₹400 per person
🥄 Must-Try: Amritsari Fish Tikka, Butter Chicken, Tandoori Chicken
If you think Punjab is all about ghee-laden vegetarian delights, Makhan Fish and Chicken Corner is here to prove you deliciously wrong. This legendary eatery has been serving up the crispiest, most flavorful Amritsari Fish Tikka for decades—batter-fried, spiced to perfection, and absolutely addictive. It truly is an emblem of the food of Amritsar. Their Butter Chicken is another crowd favorite, packed with creamy, smoky goodness that will make you question every butter chicken you’ve ever had before. Pair it with crisp naan and a side of their famous mint chutney, and you have a meal fit for royalty.
👶 Kid-Friendly Tip: The fish tikka is mild and easy for kids to chew—just ask them to go easy on the masala.
7. Beera Chicken House – The Tandoori Treasure
💰 Budget: ₹400 per person
🥄 Must-Try: Tandoori Chicken, Keema Naan, Butter Chicken
If Amritsar had a shrine for chicken lovers, Beera Chicken Corner would be it. This iconic eatery is known for its Tandoori Chicken, marinated to perfection and grilled over charcoal until it achieves that heavenly smoky flavor. The Keema Naan, stuffed with spiced minced meat and slathered with butter, is a sinful delight. Their Butter Chicken is also a crowd favorite, boasting the perfect balance of creamy, tangy, and smoky flavors.
👶 Kid-Friendly Tip: The tandoori chicken is tender and mild enough for kids—just skip the chutney if they’re not fans of spice.
8. Adarsh Meat Shop – The Ultimate Meaty Indulgence
💰 Budget: ₹400 per person
🥄 Must-Try: Mutton Chaap, Keema Kulcha, Tandoori Chicken
For carnivores looking for the juiciest, most flavorful bites in Amritsar, Adarsh Meat Shop is an absolute must. This no-frills joint serves some of the best food of Amritsar, and is famous for its Mutton Chaap, slow-cooked to tender perfection and packed with bold, spicy flavors. Their Keema Kulcha, stuffed with spiced minced meat and cooked in a tandoor, is buttery, crispy, and a game-changer for your taste buds. The Tandoori Chicken, grilled over charcoal, is another star dish that you simply can’t skip.
👶 Kid-Friendly Tip: The keema kulcha is a great option for kids—just ask for a milder version of the spice!
Food of Amritsar: The Desserts… Because There’s Always Room for Sweetness
9. Gyan di Lassi – The Creamy Dream
💰 Budget: ₹100 per person
🥄 Must-Try: Sweet Lassi with Malai
Lassi in Amritsar isn’t just a drink; it’s a commitment. Gyani di Lassi arrives in a massive glass, thick enough to be mistaken for yogurt, and topped with an indulgent layer of malai. This is dessert disguised as a beverage, and we are here for it.
👶 Kid-Friendly Tip: Order a half-glass for kids—it’s filling!
10. Kanha Sweets – The Final Sweet Goodbye
💰 Budget: ₹150 per person
🥄 Must-Try: Pinni, Besan Ladoo, Jalebi
Kanha Sweets is where you go to grab those last-minute sweet souvenirs (or eat them before you even leave). Their pinni and besan ladoos are legendary, while their fresh, piping-hot jalebis are pure indulgence.
👶 Kid-Friendly Tip: The ladoos make for a great energy-packed travel snack for kids.
Heritage Street Food Walks: Walk, Eat, Repeat!
If you want to experience Amritsar’s food culture in its full glory, a heritage food walk is the way to go. These guided tours take you through bustling streets, hidden food gems, and iconic stalls, with local experts ensuring you don’t miss a bite. From tasting legendary Amritsari fish to learning the history behind that perfect kulcha, these walks are a feast for both the mind and the stomach.
We recommend Amritsar Food Trail Walk for this activity!
💰 Estimated Cost: ₹1000-₹1500 per person
⏳ Duration: 2.5 – 3 hours
👶 Kid-Friendly Tip: Evening walks are better for kids, as the sun isn’t too harsh, and they get to try new things in small portions.
Come Hungry, Leave Happier
Amritsar’s food isn’t just about eating—it’s about experiencing Punjab in every bite. Whether you’re devouring a buttery kulcha, sipping on a lassi that could double as a meal, or watching piping hot jalebis take a dip in syrupy goodness, you’ll realize that Amritsar doesn’t just feed you—it spoils you.
So pack light (because you’ll leave heavier), bring an appetite, and get ready for a food adventure that will stay with you long after your trip ends!
