Perhaps it’s the fertile soil of Punjab, or the food preparation itself, or both, whatever is the reason, there’s no denying the fact that the quality of street food that you get in Amritsar us beyond any comparison. It might be the softness of the kulcha, the richness of its lassi, the dripping sweetness of its jalebis, or the juicy tandoori fish, every food is made with freshness intact, prepared on the spot, is clean and hygienic, and easily digestible. With such high-quality street food in Amritsar, no wonder that it unofficially is the ‘street food capital of India’. Let’s go then on this culinary tour of Amritsar to discover its famous delicacies.
16 Street Food in Amritsar to Satiate the Soul
1. Guru ka Langar & Kara Prasad
The list has to start with the langar food, or Guru ka Langar, at the Golden Temple. This is the largest community kitchens of the world, serving over lakh devotees on a daily basis for many years. Though simple, the food is extremely tasty and nourishing, being prepared and served by volunteers. Even if you miss the langar food, don’t miss the Kara Prasad. This hot sweet, dripping with ghee, is the blessing you get from your visit to the Golden Temple.
- Where to eat: Golden Temple, other gurudwaras
2. Amritsari Kulcha
Amritsar is synonymous with the Kulcha. The maida roti, filled with a spiced mixture of potatoes, cauliflower, paneer, and special masalas, cooked in a tandoor, and served with a generous helping of butter or ghee, is the best food in Amritsar. It’s best to eat it with chole, pickles, sliced onions, or raita.
- Where to eat: The Kulcha Land, All India Famous Amritsari Kulcha, Kesar da Dhaba, Harbans Lal Kulche Wala, Darshan Lal Kulche Waala
3. Sarson Da Saag & Makke Ki Roti
This essential Punjabi food is best to eat in the cold winters, as it gives warmth to your body. The creamy Sarson da Saag, when had with buttery corn roti, gives you a blissful feeling in the streets of Amritsar. The dhabas prepare it with a traditional way, which adds earthen flavors to this dish.
- Where to eat: Kesar da Dhaba, Brother’s Dhaba, Brother’s Amritsari Dhaba, Bharawan da Dhaba
4. Tandoori Chicken & Chicken Tikka
If it’s tandoori chicken you want to eat in Amritsar, you have to go to Beera Chicken House. They marinate the whole chicken with spices and is roasted to bring out the juiciest chicken you have ever tasted. They have a recipe that’s been followed from over 40 years.
- Where to eat: Beera Chicken House, Charming Chicken, Surjit Food Plaza, Makhan Fish and Chicken Corner, Bubby Fish & Chicken Corner, Punjab Dhaba
5. Keema Kulcha
If you want meats, instead of veggies in your Kulcha, then the Keema Kulcha at Friends Dhaba is what you should go for. The juicy and soft keema inside the golden crispy kulcha will tingle your taste buds.
- Where to eat: Friends Dhaba, Beera Chicken Corner, Bubby Fish & Chicken Corner
6. Shammi Kebab & Mutton Tikka
Non-veg food is unthinkable without Shami Kebab and Mutton Tikkas. The deep fried Shami Kebabs, with the spiced chicken inside golden crust outside, is sheer delight. The mutton tikka, marinated with curds and secret spices, are cooked on a tandoor, sautéed in ghee, are the must-have dishes in Amritsar.
- Where to eat: Surjit Food Plaza, Beera Chicken Corner, Makhan Fish & Chicken Corner, Punjab Dhaba, Bubby Fish & Chicken Corner, Sakhis Watz Kukin
7. Paya
This is a special dish, which you get even tastier in Amritsar. Pieces of goat or sheep legs, cooked with special spices, and made into a broth, is best eaten with keema paratha. The key to this soup in Amritsar is the delicate blend of spices, which give this broth its unique flavors.
- Where to eat: Beera Chicken Corner, Pal da Dhaba
8. Mutton Chaap
The secret of this mutton dish is the slow cooking and the marinating of the lamb ribs. The rich spices like cardamom, cinnamon, saffron lend rich flavors and taste to the gravy. As with all non-veg dishes, this mutton gravy dish is a must-have in Amritsar.
- Where to eat: Adarsh Meat Shop, Beera Chicken Corner, Bubby Fish & Chicken Corner
9. Bheja Fry
If you don’t mind eating the brains of a goat, then go ahead and eat this in Amritsar. The traditional approach to cooking in Amritsar lends unique flavors and aromas to any food – veg or non-veg. It is the same with the dish. Mame da Dhaba makes awesome Bheja Fry. Simply put, it’s the chopped pieces of a lamb’s brain, which are fried along with spices and herbs. There is no gravy as such, and the taste remains intact. When had with naan and butter, it tastes amazing.
- Where to eat: Mame da Dhaba, Punjab Dhaba
10. Mutton Curry
Tangy and spicy in taste, the Mutton Curry is a combination of mutton and vegetables. In Amritsar, it is prepared with grounded masalas, curds, and vegetables like onions, baby corn, tomatoes. The slow cooking method is what adds to the taste of the dish.
- Where to eat: Prakash da Dhaba, Surjit Food Plaza, Beera Chicken Corner
11. Amritsari Machli
Punjab is a land of five rivers, so you now know where this fish dish in Amritsar comes from. A favorite local food of Amritsar, Amritsari Machli is made by marinating fish in spices and a batter of besan, and then deep fried to give it a golden crust. It is then served with green chutney. Dhabas and restaurants in Amritsar use freshly ground spices for this preparation, along with other ingredients.
- Where to eat: Makhan Fish And Chicken Corner, Pehelwan Fish Shop, Bubby Fish & Chicken Corner, Sakhis Watz Kukin
12. Amritsari Lassi
Have it with your kulcha or alone, Amritsari Lassi will satisfy you deep within. It is in the tall steel glass of Lassi, filled with churned yogurt, and a creamy layer of cream on top, that Amritsaris have found their nirvana.
- Where to drink: Ahuja Milk Bhandar, Gian Di Lassi, Brothers’ Amritsari Dhaba, Kanha Sweets, The Kulcha Land, Kesar da Dhaba
13. Kulfa
Making this rich and creamy dessert of Amritsar is an art in itself. It is a delicate combination of many ingredients, which must be taken in the right quantities to make the dish taste so awesome. It has a bed of phirni, on which there is a layer of ice-cold kulfi, and on this layer of kulfi, is an assortment of faluda, rabri, crushed ice, along with a mild essence. It’s served in a plate and has the most delicious of tastes.
- Where to eat: A-One Kulfa
14. Jalebi
Of all the sweets, you can’t beat the ever-popular jalebi. In Amritsar, jalebi is an essential dessert, that can be seen everywhere, in shops, dhabas, sweet shops. And the jalebis are freshly made in front of you to add freshness to its taste. They are crunchy and dripping with the taste of ghee and syrups.
- Where to eat: Sharma Sweet Shop, Gurdas Ram Jalebi Wala, Sanjha Chulha, Rajasthani Chat Bhandar
15. Pinni & Besan Laddoos
The rich dairy foods of Amritsar include these two very special sweets. It’s the Pinni and Besan Laddoos. Pinni is even offered in the Golden Temple in the form of ‘prasad’. It is made particularly during celebrations and festivals. Made from Urad dal, it has oodles of ghee and other dry fruits. It remains fresh when properly stored.
- Where to eat: Kanha Sweets
16. Gajar ka Halwa
The piping hot Gajar ka Halwa can be even served cold. But the fresh taste of shredded carrots, dripping with ghee, comes out in all its richness when hot. It is especially delicious in the winter season in Amritsar.
- Where to eat: Novelty Sweets, Ruby’s Restaurant, Ahuja Sweets, Kanha Sweets
The list had the best street food to taste in Amritsar and the best places to have them. If you are a die-hard fan of authentic North Indian cuisine, Amritsar is a treat in store for you. You may have tasted North Indian foods everywhere in India, but the one that is made in Amritsar beats everything in taste and freshness.
If you have been to Amritsar, then do share your memories with us. If you know of some place that we don’t, even then you may tell us through the comments section below. It will help us in reaching out to millions who are constantly searching for great places to eat street food in Amritsar.
