Amritsar Food Tour
Amritsari Kulcha, giant Lassi glasses, Chole Bhature, hot Jalebi, and crispy Fish Fry. Taste Punjab's food capital through the eyes of locals.
Amritsar Food Tour — Punjab's Culinary Capital
Amritsar is not just home to the Golden Temple — it is the undisputed food capital of Punjab and arguably the best food city in all of North India. Punjabi cuisine here is authentic, generous, and unapologetically rich — cooked with desi ghee, fresh cream, and love. From the legendary Amritsari Kulcha baked in clay tandoors to steel glasses overflowing with thick lassi, every meal in Amritsar is a celebration.
Our Amritsar food tour by car begins with the spiritual Langar at the Golden Temple, followed by a curated food crawl through the city's most legendary establishments — Kesar Da Dhaba (since 1916), Bharawan Da Dhaba (since 1912), Gurdas Ram's century-old jalebi shop, and the famous fish fry joints on Lawrence Road. Your Triveni Cabs driver doubles as your local food guide.
The best time for an Amritsar food tour is during winter (November to February) when Sarson Da Saag with Makki Di Roti is in season and the weather is perfect for outdoor eating. But Amritsar's food scene is incredible year-round — this is a city where breakfast alone can take three hours and multiple stops, and every Punjabi grandma has a recipe that will make you weep with joy.
Famous Foods of Amritsar
A culinary journey through Amritsar
Amritsari Kulcha
MUST TRYAmritsar's crown jewel. Stuffed flatbread (aloo, paneer, or mixed) baked in a clay tandoor until golden and crispy. Served with chole (chickpea curry), imli chutney, and raw onion. Kesar Da Dhaba and Bharawan Da Dhaba are the undisputed kings.
Amritsari Lassi
MUST TRYThick, creamy, ice-cold lassi served in giant steel glasses topped with a thick layer of malai (cream). Amritsar's lassi is thicker and richer than anywhere else in Punjab. Ahuja Lassi and Gian Di Lassi near Hall Bazaar are legendary.
Chole Bhature
MUST TRYFluffy, puffed fried bread (bhature) with spicy chickpea curry (chole). Amritsar's version uses extra-large bhature and a tangier, spicier chole masala than Delhi. Best as a hearty breakfast or lunch.
Jalebi
MUST TRYCrispy, hot jalebi spirals soaked in sugar syrup — Amritsar makes them thicker and crunchier than anywhere else. Best from Gurdas Ram Jalebi Wale in Katra Ahluwalia, a shop that has been frying jalebis for over 100 years.
Amritsari Fish Fry
Crispy battered and fried fish (usually sole or singhara) marinated in ajwain (carom seeds), red chilli, and besan. Crunchy outside, tender inside. Makhan Fish and Beera Chicken House on Lawrence Road are the top spots.
Sarson Da Saag & Makki Di Roti
Winter-only Punjabi classic — mustard greens slow-cooked with spices, served with corn flour flatbread and a generous dollop of white butter. Available November to February. Every dhaba serves it during season.
Golden Temple Langar
The world's largest free community kitchen. Simple, soul-nourishing dal, roti, and kheer served to 50,000-100,000 people daily by volunteers. Not just food — it's a spiritual experience of equality and service.
Tandoori Chicken & Butter Chicken
Amritsar does tandoori chicken with a Punjabi punch — more spice, more char, more flavour. Beera Chicken House and Surjit Food Plaza on Lawrence Road are the go-to spots for non-veg lovers.
Street Food Tour Itinerary
Follow this route for the ultimate Amritsar food crawl (our drivers know every stop)
Golden Temple
Langar & Karah Prasad
Begin with the spiritual food experience — the Golden Temple Langar. Simple dal, roti, and the divine Karah Prasad (sweet semolina offering). Feed your soul first.
Kesar Da Dhaba, near Golden Temple
Amritsari Kulcha & Chole
The legendary Kesar Da Dhaba since 1916. Their stuffed kulcha with chole and imli chutney is what put Amritsar on the food map. Arrive early to beat the crowd.
Gurdas Ram Jalebi Wale, Katra Ahluwalia
Hot Jalebi
Watch thick jalebi spirals being fried in massive kadhais and soaked in syrup. Eat them piping hot — the crunch is unmatched. This shop has been frying for over 100 years.
Hall Bazaar Area
Lassi & Chole Bhature
Giant steel glasses of thick, creamy Amritsari Lassi. Then walk down to a Chole Bhature stall for the second breakfast that Amritsar demands. This city eats big.
Bharawan Da Dhaba
Kulcha Thali & Dal Makhani
The other legendary kulcha institution (since 1912). Their dal makhani is equally famous — slow-cooked overnight with generous butter. Full Punjabi thali experience.
Lawrence Road
Amritsari Fish Fry
Head to Beera Chicken House or Makhan Fish for the famous Amritsari Fish Fry — crispy, ajwain-scented battered fish that Amritsar invented. Pair with mint chutney.
Town Hall Area
Kulfi & Evening Snacks
End with creamy kulfi and evening chaat. If time permits, catch the Wagah Border ceremony first (our driver will time it perfectly) and return for dinner.
Full food tour with sedan cab: ₹1,500 (local Amritsar) or ₹7,500 (from Delhi round trip)
Best Restaurants in Amritsar
Kesar Da Dhaba
Near Golden Temple
Since 1916. The most famous kulcha in India. Also legendary dal makhani and paneer dishes. No-frills, pure Punjabi hospitality.
Bharawan Da Dhaba
Near Golden Temple
Since 1912. Kesar's eternal rival. Equally incredible kulcha and dal makhani. Some locals swear by Bharawan over Kesar. Try both and decide.
Beera Chicken House
Lawrence Road
The best Amritsari Fish Fry and tandoori chicken. Crunchy, spicy, and perfectly cooked. A Lawrence Road institution for non-veg lovers.
Surjit Food Plaza
Lawrence Road
Famous for tandoori chicken, fish tikka, and butter chicken. Air-conditioned comfort with authentic Amritsari flavours. Popular with families.
Gurdas Ram Jalebi Wale
Katra Ahluwalia
Over 100 years of jalebi perfection. Thick, crunchy, syrup-soaked spirals that define Amritsar's sweet tooth. Buy by weight and eat hot.
Brothers Dhaba
Near Golden Temple
Popular tourist-friendly restaurant with excellent Punjabi thalis, butter chicken, and naan. Clean, comfortable, and reliable for all tastes.
Food Markets to Visit
Hall Bazaar
Amritsar's main market street leading to the Golden Temple. Lined with lassi shops, sweet stores, dry fruit vendors, and Punjabi jutti (shoe) shops. The best area for combining food and shopping in one walk.
Lassi, sweets, dry fruits, Punjabi juttis
Lawrence Road
The non-veg food capital of Amritsar. Beera Chicken House, Makhan Fish, Surjit Food Plaza, and numerous tandoori joints line this road. Best visited in the evening when the grills fire up.
Fish fry, tandoori chicken, non-veg food
Katra Ahluwalia
The old city area near Golden Temple. Home to Gurdas Ram Jalebi Wale and traditional sweet shops. Narrow lanes with authentic Amritsari food heritage. Less touristy, more local.
Jalebi, traditional sweets, old city food
Town Hall / Company Bagh Area
Central Amritsar with a mix of modern and traditional food options. Evening chaat stalls, kulfi vendors, and restaurants. More organized and spacious than the old city market areas.
Evening chaat, kulfi, restaurants
Combine Food Tour with Sightseeing
Our recommended full-day recipe for the perfect Amritsar experience
Sedan cab for full day with Wagah Border: ₹2,500 (local) or ₹7,500 (from Delhi round trip)
Frequently Asked Questions
What food is Amritsar famous for?
Amritsar is famous for Amritsari Kulcha (stuffed flatbread baked in tandoor), thick Lassi, Chole Bhature, Jalebi (crispy syrup-soaked spirals), Amritsari Fish Fry (crispy battered fish), Sarson Da Saag with Makki Di Roti (winter special), and Langar (free community kitchen at Golden Temple).
Where can I find the best Kulcha in Amritsar?
Kesar Da Dhaba (since 1916) and Bharawan Da Dhaba (since 1912) are the two most legendary kulcha spots. Both are near the Golden Temple. Kulcha Land on Lawrence Road is another excellent option. The stuffed aloo-paneer kulcha with chole and imli chutney is the classic combination.
Is the Langar at Golden Temple worth visiting?
Absolutely! The Golden Temple Langar is the world's largest free community kitchen, feeding 50,000-100,000 people daily. The simple dal, roti, and kheer are made with devotion. It is a humbling, spiritual food experience that every visitor should try regardless of religion.
Is street food safe to eat in Amritsar?
Amritsar's street food stalls are generally very clean and safe — Punjabi food culture emphasizes freshness and generous use of ghee. Stick to busy stalls, and our recommended spots in this guide are all decades-old institutions with impeccable reputations.
Can I combine a food tour with Golden Temple visit?
Yes! Morning Golden Temple visit and Langar experience, then breakfast at Kesar Da Dhaba, Jallianwala Bagh visit, lunch at Bharawan Da Dhaba, Partition Museum, evening Wagah Border ceremony, and dinner with Amritsari Fish Fry. We plan it all.
What is the best time for an Amritsar food tour?
Morning (7-9 AM) for Chole Bhature and fresh Kulcha. Lunch (12-2 PM) for thali meals and Lassi. Evening (5-8 PM) for fish fry, chaat, and Jalebi. Winter (November-February) brings Sarson Da Saag with Makki Di Roti — a must-try seasonal special.
Are vegetarian options available in Amritsar?
Absolutely! Amritsar has outstanding vegetarian food. Kulcha with Chole, Chole Bhature, Lassi, Jalebi, Paneer dishes, Dal Makhani, Sarson Da Saag, and the Golden Temple Langar are all vegetarian. Kesar Da Dhaba is a pure vegetarian restaurant.
How much does an Amritsar food tour cost?
Street food budget: ₹200-500 per person for a full tour. Restaurant meals: ₹300-600 per person. Our food tour with cab: ₹1,500 (sedan) for half-day covering 5-6 stops. Full day with Wagah Border: ₹2,500. Golden Temple Langar is free.
Book Your Amritsar Food Tour
Let our drivers take you to the best Punjabi food spots. We know every dhaba and every legendary stall in the holy city.