For a true traveller, a visit to Amritsar is a food pilgrimage. The Golden Temple offers spiritual tranquility. Beyond it lies a city brimming with culinary passion, where food expresses history, heart, and unbridled flavour. The adventure cuts across the crowded lanes and wide streets, culminating in historic eateries that have been the taste makers for several decades. If you need the full experience of this gastronomic tour then staying in any of the numerous comfortable hotels in Amritsar is the ideal base. Here is a guide to six legendary eateries, which are must-sees on your gastronomic map.
The Essential List of Amritsar’s Iconic Eateries
- Kesar Da Dhaba
It is in a small by-lane of Chowk Passian which is not merely a restaurant but a historical place. With its origins dating back to 1916 near Lahore before shifting to Amritsar, stepping inside feels as if you are taking a step back in time. The air is filled with the fragrance of its famous dal makhani and parathas, which has been cooked over hours making it immensely rich and creamy. It is a paragon of classic Punjabi comfort food, and every dish tells the tale of tradition and forbearance.
- Crystal Restaurant
When you’re ready for a taste of fine dining, amidst the city’s heady dhabas, hit this fine restaurant on Queen’s Road. Offering a more elevated setting with white tablecloth service, it serves a large range of Punjabi and North Indian classics with finesse. Perfect for a family meal or relaxed evening out, it shows how adaptable and sophisticated local food can be.
- Bharawan Da Dhaba
Another pillar of the pure vegetarian side of Amritsar, this dhaba has been serving soul-satisfying food since 1912. Famous for its hearty chole kulche, rajma chawal and a mammoth variety of stuffed parathas, it offers a quintessential dhaba experience. The bright and down-to-earth atmosphere and spontaneous service are all part of its enduring charm.
- Mukhan Fish And Chicken Corner
No culinary tour of Amritsar is complete without tasting the city’s famous Amritsari fried fish as this is one of its most celebrated dishes. The fish is marinated with a secret mix of spices and gram flour and then fried until crisp and golden. The first bite, a symphony of crunch giving way to tender, flavour-filled fish, is an unforgettable experience and is the reason why people flock here from all over.
- Beera Chicken Corner
For those who are hungry for legendary non vegetarian fare, this iconic corner is a rite of passage. It has acquired a cult-like following for its perfectly executed chicken dishes. The focus here is on smoky and charred tandoori classics and buttery chicken preparations that are juicy, flavourful and utterly moreish. It’s a busy, lively place in which the simple pleasure of expertly-cooked chicken takes centre stage.
- Kanha Sweets
This beloved establishment is the sweet sanctuary of the city and the haven for vegetarian snacks. Famous for its melt-in-the-mouth gulab jamuns, fresh jalebis and a stunning variety of namkeen, it’s the perfect place to have a light breakfast, a mid-day snack or pick up some boxes of sweets to take home with you. The constant queue of locals is a testament to the consistency of its quality and loved place in daily life.
Your Flavour-Filled Journey Begins
With recipes as old as centuries to the contemporary classics, these six restaurants are a culmination of the long-standing tradition of Amritsar on a dish. The best plan is to make a reservation at one of the convenient hotels in Amritsar and wear the most comfortable clothes to take this delicious expedition with an eager heart and an empty stomach. Each eatery offers a unique chapter in the city’s rich food story, creating memories as satisfying as the meals themselves.
