Amritsar, the holy city of Punjab, is a cultural center for Sikhs. The literal meaning of Amritsar is a “Pond of Nectar”, and the name is derived from “Amrit Sarovar”. It is the holy tank surrounding the Sanctum Sanctorum inside the premises of Golden Temple. The auriferous shrine in the heart of the city, the Golden Temple, and other religious and political places such as Durgiana Temple, Wagah Border, etc. housing the city definitely drives the excursionists to visit this divine city. One can experience the spiritual history of Sikhs to the martyr of Maharaja Ranjit Singh. Even globetrotters from around the world always place the city in their itinerary.
Apart from these famous destinations located all around the corners of the city, Amritsar offers wide food varieties from rich, creamy, refreshing lassi to delicious fish fry. Punjabis are the true gourmets, and this city is where you can find the best food in the world. So, if you are on a visit in this Golden City, delve into the sweet-salty savories offered by the city and experience the heaven-like experience.
1.
Langar Ka Prasad
Start by offering prayers in the Golden Temple, must have Kara Prasad and then head for langar. There are volunteers over there who cook simple delicacies like dal, roti, sabzi, and kheer for the devotees who visit Harmandir Sahib. It is free of cost, and a single bite will prove that it’s worth it.
2.
Amritsari Kulcha
Kulcha is the leavened, flaky and crisp bread made from maida and baked in tandoor. Chana masala, sliced onion and tamarind Chutney are being served with the kulcha. Most loved kulcha is the one with the potato stuffing and butter coated on the outside.
Where- Kulcha Land
3.
Lassi
Lassi or buttermilk is a traditional yoghurt-based drink. A tall glass of sweet Lassi topped with heavy cream or white butter is a must have refreshment for a tripper in Amritsar.
Where- Ahuja Milk Bhandar
4.
Amritsari Fish
Yummy fish delicacies like Fish Tikkas or Fish Fry should be the must have food items on your list. Carp, rohu, and catfish are the most commonly prepared. The Fish Fry is readily available in many street shops. Fish is battered, fried and sprinkled with spicy-tangy masalas.
Where- Makhan Fish and Chicken Corner
5.
Tawa Chicken And Tandoori Chicken
Tandoori Chicken is a roasted chicken prepared with yoghurt and spices.It is a well-marinated, spicy, and a juicy treat one must try in Amritsar.
Where-Beara Chicken
6.
Lachha Parantha
Also known as Lachedar Parantha. Lachha Parantha is multilayered flat bread which is crisp on the outside and has soft,delicate interiors. It is best savored hot off the griddle and served with dhal makhani and yoghurt.
Where- Inderpuri foods (Cooper Road), Kesar da Dhaba
7.
Fruit Cream And Kulfa
Fruit cream is a blend of fruit, light or heavy cream and with or without dry fruits. Kulfa is similar like Kulfi, but topped with Falooda. Its rich and delicious flavor makes it a must try dessert.
Where- Hall Bazaar
8.
Kharode Ka Shorba
Also called Lamb Trotter Soup. For those who love a good paya, this is a must-try.
Where- Pal da Dhaba(Haathi Gate)
9.
Maa Ki Dhal /dhal Makhni
It is creamy and flavorful staple food of Punjab. It consists of soaked urad dal, chana dal and rajma offering a good protein and mineral-rich diet.
Where-Kesar da Dhaba, Vaishno Kundan Dhaba.
10.
Chole Puri
Chole Puri is a very popular breakfast dish in Punjab and especially Amritsar. It is prepared in ghee and served with pickle and jeera aloo.
Where- Kanha Sweets(White Avenue)
11.
Paneer Bhurji
One can find the most delicious Paneer Bhurji in Amritsar. The mix of spices and the dollops of butter make this simple dish one of the must-try dishes in Amritsar.
Where- Tara Chand Special Paneer Bhurji(popularly known as Telephone Exchange vali Bhurji or Tarey/Tara di Bhurji)
12.
Paneer Pakoda
These delicious Paneer Pakodas are the soft cubes of Paneer which is batter fried and sprinkled with a spice mix. You may not get this type of cooked treat anywhere in the country.
Where-Neelams’
13.
Satpura
Breaking up Satpura into two words-‘sat’ and ‘pura’, where ‘sat’ means seven and ‘pura’ means layer. Satpura is basically a seven layered puff pastry with warm spicy potato filling.
Where- Kanha Sweets
14.
Gur Halwa
Gur Halwa is a must-try dish especially during the winters. It is sweet and velvety in the mouth, and is mainly served with Chole and Puri. It is a popular breakfast dish in Amritsar.
Where- Kanha Sweets
15.
Phirnis
Phirni is a classic Indian sweet pudding and is a must-try sweet dish during the festive seasons.
Where- Kesar da Dhaba, Bhrawan da Dhaba, Ahuja Milk Bhandar
16.
Sarson Da Saagte Makke Di Roti
The soft Makki Rotis and the brilliant Sarson ka Saag is a typical Punjabi delight, and one of the must-have dishes in Amritsar.
Where- Bade Bhai ka Brothers Dhaba
17.
Amritsari Papad And Uradwariyan
However, this is not a dish but small pieces of Warian fried in oil and cooked with any dish makes it very tasty and aromatic. Amritsar has the best Urad Warian and is a must have cooked treat at your home.
Where- Many street vendors near Golden Temple.
18.
Soya Chaap
Enriched with the goodness of soya proteins, it is both appealing and appetizing.
Where- Pindi Soya wah bhai wah
19.
Churan And Aam Papad
Aam Papad is Indian fruit leather and is made out of mango pulp. Mango pulp is mixed with concentrated sugar solution and sun dried afterwards. Amritsar offers the best tangiest Aam Papad.
Where- Ram Lubhaya Aam papad vala.
20.
Mutton Chaap
Mutton chaap is a Mughal delicacy and is usually served as a complimentary dish along with Biryani or Roomali Roti.
Where- Adarsh Meat Shop (Ranjit Avenue)
21.
Mutton Tikka
Mutton Rikka is one of the must have delicacies of Amritsar.
Where- Pal da Dhaba, Adarsh Meat Shop.
22.
Sweets
What is more delicious than sweets after the fully packed typical Punjabi cuisine! Gajar ka Halwa and Jalebi are the all-time favorites of both tourists and locals in the Golden city of Amritsar.
Where-Sharma Sweet Shops, Novelty Shops.
