They say, ‘When in Rome, do as the Romans do’, and we say, ‘When in Amritsar, enjoy food like the Punjabis do’. So, whether you’re exploring solo or with loved ones, diving into Amritsar’s food scene is essential. To truly feel the pulse of Punjab and experience the real Amritsari flavour, you’ve got to try these must-try foods to eat in Amritsar.
One of the most iconic dishes of Amritsar, the Amritsari Kulcha is a type of leavened bread stuffed with a variety of fillings like spiced potatoes, paneer, or cauliflower. These kulchas are baked to perfection in a tandoor, resulting in a crispy exterior and a soft, fluffy interior. Traditionally served with spicy chole (chickpea curry) and a dollop of butter, this dish is a staple breakfast option that will leave you craving more.
Just like Gurdas Maan beautifully captures the essence of Punjab in his song, "Sarson de saag vich mai gheo hi gheo payi jawa, makki diya rotia nu bina gine khayi jawa”, you'll find yourself doing the same when you try such a quintessential Punjabi dish, Makki Di Roti and Sarson Da Saag. The rich, buttery saag, with its deep, earthy flavours, paired with crispy Makki Di Roti, is so delicious that you’ll lose track of time—and the number of rotis you’ve eaten. Each bite pulls you deeper into the taste, making it impossible to stop.
Chole Bhature is another popular dish that you’ll find in almost every corner of Amritsar. It consists of spicy chickpea curry (chole) paired with fluffy, deep-fried bread (bhature). This dish is commonly enjoyed as a breakfast or brunch option but is so beloved that it’s eaten at any time of the day. The combination of the tangy, spicy chole with the light, airy bhature is a match made in heaven.
When it comes to Lassi, every Punjabi knows it’s more than just a drink—it’s a way of life. Imagine a hot day in Punjab, and there’s nothing better than a tall glass of chilled, creamy lassi to cool you down. Whether sweet or salty, lassi is like a hug in a glass, refreshing and satisfying. It’s the perfect companion to any meal, adding that extra touch of Punjabi warmth and hospitality.
Rabri is a traditional North Indian dessert that you’ll find in many sweet shops across Amritsar. Made from thickened milk, sugar, and cardamom, this creamy dessert is garnished with nuts and saffron. It’s served chilled and is often paired with jalebis or malpua. The rich, creamy texture and subtle sweetness of Rabri make it a perfect ending to a hearty meal.
Paneer Tikka is a vegetarian delight that’s a staple in Punjabi cuisine. It consists of cubes of paneer (Indian cottage cheese) marinated in a spiced yoghurt mixture, skewered, and grilled to perfection. The paneer is soft and smoky, with a tangy flavour from the yoghurt and spices. Paneer Tikka is often served with a side of mint chutney and onion rings, making it a popular appetiser or snack and one of the best foods to eat in Amritsar.
Gulab Jamun is one of the most beloved Indian sweets, and the ones you find in Amritsar are truly exceptional. These deep-fried dough balls made from khoya (reduced milk) are soaked in sugar syrup flavoured with cardamom and rosewater. The result is a soft, melt-in-your-mouth sweet that’s impossible to resist. Gulab Jamun is often served warm, making it a comforting dessert that’s perfect for any occasion.
Amritsar is one of the best places to enjoy authentic Butter Chicken, a dish that has gained worldwide popularity. Tender chicken pieces are cooked in a rich, creamy tomato-based gravy, infused with butter and a blend of spices. The dish is slightly sweet, tangy, and incredibly flavorful. It’s best paired with naan or rice and is a dish that you’ll want to savour every bite of.
Jalebi is a popular Indian sweet that’s particularly famous in Amritsar. Made from fermented batter, the dough is piped into hot oil in a circular form. Jalebi is often eaten as a dessert or snack, and it’s especially popular during festivals and celebrations.
There's a saying in Punjab, "Dal roti ghar di, Diwali Amritsar di," which highlights how special the flavours of Amritsar truly are. Among these, Dal Makhani stands out as an absolute must-try. This rich, creamy dish, made from slow-cooked black lentils and kidney beans, is simmered with butter and spices to achieve a velvety texture and deep, comforting flavour.
Tandoori Chicken is another dish that’s synonymous with Punjabi cuisine. Chicken is marinated in a mixture of yoghurt, lemon juice, and a blend of spices, then cooked in a tandoor (clay oven). The result is juicy, flavorful chicken with a slightly charred exterior. It’s often served with mint chutney and onion rings, making it a popular choice for appetisers or main courses.
You must have heard the old Punjabi song "Ambarsare de papad ve main khandi na," which highlights the famous Amritsari Papad. Despite the playful tone of the song, once you try these crispy foods to eat in Amritsar, you'll understand why they are so beloved. Made from lentil flour and seasoned with black pepper, cumin, and red chilli powder, these papads are sun-dried and then roasted or fried to perfection.
