From legendary dhabas serving since the British era to sizzling street food stalls - Amritsar is India's undisputed food capital. Here's everything you need to eat.
The undisputed king of Amritsar's food scene: crispy, buttery stuffed flatbread filled with spiced potato, paneer, or mixed vegetables. Best enjoyed with chana masala and a dollop of butter.
📍 Kulcha Land, Maqbool Road | Peeru's Café
Thick, creamy, topped with malai (cream) - Amritsari Lassi is served in large steel glasses. The sweet variety is the classic choice, though salted and mango versions are also popular.
📍 Ahuja Lassi, Giani di Lassi, A-One Lassi
Crispy fried freshwater fish marinated in a spiced gram flour batter with carom seeds (ajwain). A must-try starter that defines the city's culinary identity.
📍 Makhan Fish Corner, Lawrence Road
Fluffy deep-fried bread paired with rich, spiced chickpea curry. A breakfast staple across Punjab, but Amritsar's version - with its signature masala: is unmatched.
📍 Bharawan Da Dhaba, Kesar Da Dhaba
The world's largest free community kitchen serves over 100,000 meals daily. Simple dal (lentils), roti, rice and kheer - cooked with devotion by volunteers. An experience, not just a meal.
📍 Sri Harmandir Sahib (Golden Temple)
Crispy, syrup-soaked spirals served piping hot. Amritsar's jalebis are thicker and crunchier than elsewhere. Best paired with rabri (condensed milk).
📍 Gurdas Ram Jalebi Wala, near Town Hall
Dark, intensely flavoured chickpea curry made with tea-soaked chickpeas and a complex spice blend. The signature dish of many heritage dhabas.
📍 Kesar Da Dhaba (since 1916)
Marinated overnight in yoghurt and spices, cooked in a clay tandoor until charred and smoky. Amritsar's non-vegetarian food scene starts here.
📍 Beera Chicken House, Charming Chicken
A delicate rice pudding set in earthen bowls (kulhads), flavoured with cardamom and saffron, topped with crushed pistachios. The perfect dessert.
📍 Available at most heritage dhabas
Cubes of fresh cottage cheese marinated in spiced yoghurt, grilled in a tandoor. Amritsar's version uses locally-made paneer that's richer and creamier.
📍 Brothers Dhaba, Sarhad
Over a century old, this legendary dhaba has served everyone from freedom fighters to Bollywood stars. The dal makhani slow-cooked overnight is iconic.
One of Amritsar's oldest eateries. The chole bhature here set the standard for the entire city. Always packed, always worth the wait.
The go-to spot for Amritsari fish fry. Freshwater fish in a perfectly spiced ajwain batter, fried until golden and served with mint chutney.
A tiny shop with a massive reputation. Their kulchas are hand-rolled, stuffed, and baked in a traditional tandoor. The chana masala is the perfect accompaniment.
The heart of Amritsar's street food scene. Fish fry stalls, chaat vendors, kulcha shops, and sweet shops line both sides of this bustling road.
Home to heritage dhabas like Kesar Da Dhaba (1916) and Bharawan Da Dhaba (1912). The oldest food quarter in the city.
Experience the world's largest free Langar, plus nearby shops selling Amritsar's famous Petha, Pinni, and Papad.
The kulcha corridor of Amritsar. Multiple iconic kulcha shops compete for the title of the best Amritsari Kulcha.
Amritsari Kulcha is the most famous dish, a stuffed flatbread baked in a traditional tandoor, served with chana masala and butter. Other iconic dishes include Amritsari Fish, Lassi, and Chole Bhature.
The best places include Kesar Da Dhaba (since 1916) for Pindi Chole, Bharawan Da Dhaba for Chole Bhature, Kulcha Land for Amritsari Kulcha, and Makhan Fish Corner for Amritsari Fish. Lawrence Road and Hall Gate area have the highest concentration of legendary food spots.
Yes, the Langar (community kitchen) at Sri Harmandir Sahib serves free meals 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, to anyone regardless of religion, caste, or social status. Over 100,000 meals are served daily by volunteers.
Amritsar's street food scene starts early. Try Chole Bhature for breakfast (7-10 AM), Kulcha for lunch (11 AM-3 PM), and the full street food experience at Lawrence Road in the evening (5-10 PM). Many dhabas also serve late into the night.
The holiest shrine in Sikhism
Historic memorial of the 1919 massacre
Famous Beating Retreat ceremony
43-acre heritage fortress on the Grand Trunk Road