Amritsar, a city of Punjabis always reminds us of Golden Temple. But the food of Amritsar has its own fanbase in India. It’s a perfect city for a true gourmet like us. Here everything revolves around food – be it socialising, prayers or festivals. Therefore, it’s also called the ‘Culinary Capital of India’. Let’s take you on a food tour today and tell you about the top 10 foods that you must try on your next visit in Amritsar. Also, check out the 10 Best Cities In Punjab You Must Visit Atleast Once In Your Lifetime
1. Guru Ka Langar & Kada Prasad
The food tour cannot begin without the mention of the heavenly langar at Sri Harmandir Sahib i.e. Golden Temple. Golden Temple has the largest community kitchen in the world which serves langar 24×7, and feeds over 1 lakh people daily. Though, the guru ka langar is very simple but extremely tasty andd nourishing too. And sitting in the queue with so many people and having it has its own charm. Also, when you’re in Golden Temple, never miss the Kada prasad which has the tastiest halwa prepared with desi ghee. Probably, the best one you’ve ever tasted.
Also read: This Is How The Sikh Community Have Globally Been Offering Services To The Needy Amid The Pandemic
2. Amritsari Kulcha
Amritsar is synonymous with the Kulcha. The Amritsari Kulcha of Amritsar is famous all over India. And when in Amritsar, there can’t be a better breakfast option than this. The kulcha is stuffed with potatoes, cauliflower, paneer, and number of special masalas, and then it’s cooked in a tandoor, and topped with loads of butter or ghee. It’s served with spicy chole and sliced onions and at some places, with raita or lassi too. This is so tasty and satisfying meal that you won’t get enough of it. There are many good restaurants and shops in the city that are known to make the crispy Amritsari Kulcha.
3. Lassi
Amritsar ich aake, tussi lassi ni pitti? Ae kiwe ho sakda hai? Yes, if you are visiting Amritsar, then a glass of chilled white Lassi is a must. The refreshing lassi made with butter milk, khoya, nuts will make you forget everything around. This is so buttery that you’ll get confused whether to scoop it or drink it. And Amritsar has too many places that serves this sweet and chilled delight. On that note, if you’re in Delhi, Beat The Heat At Shyam Lassi Wala In Karkardooma, Delhi
4. Puri Chole & Pinni
Another punjabi breakfast staple of Amritsar is Puri Chole. One simply can’t resist the puri frying in pure ghee and also the fragrance of chhole. The plate of Puri Chole usually has spicy chole, puris, raita, tangy chutney and salad. If you feel like having something sweet after a hearty meal, you can have Pinni to satiate your sweet cravings. Prepared with lentil and jaggery, pinnis are rich and delectable, and make for great gifts to take back home.
5. Butter Chicken
If you’re thinking that Amritsar has only vegetarian dishes in its kitty, then your’e wrong. There are endless options for non vegetarians too. If you’re a chicken-lover, you can expect the flavorful Butter Chicken, Tandoori Chicken and a lot more dishes in this city. Many famous shops here marinate the whole chicken with special spices and then roast it to bring out the juiciest chicken you have ever tasted. Some of the shops are more than 100 years old here which have their own secret recipes. Many foodies believe that no other city can beat the taste of non vegetarian dishes that Amritsar offers.
Also read: 12 Places In Delhi That Serve The Oh So Perfect Butter Chicken
6. Kulfa
Now let’s talk about Kulfa. You must be thinking that we’re writing it wrong, it’s kulfi, right? But in Amritsar, it’s called Kulfa. It’s like a brother to the kulfi that we have. This rich and creamy dessert is an art in itself as it’s prepared with phirni, kulfi, falooda, edible gum, syrup, rose water and some rabri slathered on it. It’s served in a plate and tastes delicious. The quantity of it is so much that it’s difficult to finish it off all by yourself. So when in Amritsar, make sure to have this dreamy treat as you may not get it anywhere else. Also, check out 29 Must-Have Desserts From Across The World
7. Makki Di Roti & Sarson Da Saag
Makki di Roti te Sarson da Saag.. who haven’t tried this yummy combination yet? Whether it’s Punjab or Delhi, at least every punjabi family have it in cold winters. Originally, sarson ka saag was a staple of rural people of Punjab. It’s beneficial to eat it in the winters as it provides nutrition and keeps your body warm. Many famous restaurants and dhabas in Amritsar still make this dish in traditional style and thus, its taste will give you a blissful feeling.
8. Gulab Jamun & Jalebi
There’s a reason why this city is called the ‘Culinary Capital’. It has got everything from spicy to sweet to even chatpata street food. When we talk about the sweets of Amritsar, Gulab Jamun and Jalebi come first to everyone’s mind. Obviously, the city that’s known for its desi ghee would serve the tastiest jalebi too. These are two desserts that you can get in almost every food and sweets shop and even at dhabas. And their sugar syrup (chashni) is something to die for!
Also read: Delhi Desserts We Are Missing Right Now
9. Dal Makhani
The best foods list of Amritsar cannot be completed without Dal Makhani in it. It’s like a mandatory thing to have in your lunch or dinner there. This velvety, creamy and buttery Dal Makhani is a primary dish at every dhaba and restaurant in Amritsar which is usually topped with lots of cream and yogurt. It’s best served with Butter Naan and Lachchha Parantha and also some salad. The whole meal is so filling and scrumptious that you will forget about your regular chapati. For Homesick Punjabis in Delhi, Head To Chawla’s For Amritsari Chole-Kulche
10. Phirni
At last, let’s give the deserving highlight to Punjab, Amritsar’s special dessert called Phirni. This white colored tempting dessert is cooked with ground rice, milk and hell lots of dry fruit chunks. This delight is mostly eaten around festivals. The most attractive part of phirni is that it’s served in traditional earthen pots. Just imagine who can say no to a chilled dessert garnished with rose petals on it? Many popular and old shops in Amritsar are known to make this delectable sweet dessert which you must have on your next visit there.
Well, that was our culinary list from Amritsar. We’re sure that by now, you must have fallen in love with the food of this city than its culture. Let us know which one are you craving to try first?