It all started on a random Friday evening. Four school friends, now trapped in the monotony of corporate life, sat together, drained and exhausted. “Let’s go somewhere,” one of us blurted out. “Where?” another asked. “Anywhere,” she said, “where the heart feels light, the mind feels fresh, and the stomach gets a foodgasm.” That was all it took. A five-minute conversation and some mindless Instagram reel scrolling later, someone shouted, “Let’s go to Amritsar!”
“Now?” I asked, a little skeptical but secretly thrilled. “Why not?” came the reply. After all, corporate slaves like us live for these Saturday-Sunday getaways. No leave approvals. No excuses. Just bags, bikes, and boundless cravings for food.
While my friends worried about where we’d stay, my inner foodie took charge of the trip’s real agenda—food! Here’s my honest review of everything I devoured in Amritsar. Save this for your next trip or risk regretting it forever.
1. Chole Kulche at Pahalwan Ke Kulche
The moment you bite into the crispy, buttery kulcha stuffed with spicy chole, you’ll understand why Amritsar is heaven for food lovers. Pahalwan Ke Kulche serves kulchas so soft, yet so crispy, that each bite feels like a warm hug. The tangy chole, with a perfect balance of spices, will make you reconsider every kulcha you’ve ever eaten elsewhere.
2. Sarson Da Saag & Makki Di Roti at Kesar Da Dhaba
No trip to Punjab is complete without this classic winter delicacy. Some say Kesar Da Dhaba serves the best sarson da saag in town. Others claim they offer 4-5 different varieties! But here’s what I can tell you: when you take a bite of their saag, slathered with homemade white butter, paired with crispy makki di roti, it tastes like Punjab itself—earthy, rich, and comforting.
3. Lassi at Ahuja Milk Bhandar & Gian Di Lassi
If there’s one thing that can make your food coma even better, it’s Amritsar’s legendary lassi. At Ahuja Milk Bhandar, the lassi is so thick and creamy that your spoon will stand upright in the glass. At Gian Di Lassi, the sweetness is just right, with a frothy top that tastes like a cloud of happiness. It’s not just a drink; it’s a dessert, a meal, and a memory all in one.
4. Butter Chicken at Beera Chicken House
Even before stepping inside Beera Chicken House, the aroma of smoky, buttery chicken pulls you in like a magnet. One bite of their butter chicken, and you know you’ve reached nirvana. The chicken is so tender it melts in your mouth, while the rich, creamy, and slightly smoky gravy is pure magic. If you love butter chicken, this place is your temple.
5. Amritsari Fish Fry at Makhan Fish and Chicken Corner
Seafood in Punjab? Absolutely! Amritsar’s fish fry is iconic, and Makhan Fish and Chicken Corner does it best. The fish is crispy outside, juicy inside, and perfectly spiced. Served with mint chutney and onion rings, it’s a plate full of joy. Even if you’re not a seafood person, this dish will change your mind.
6. Jalebis at Gurudas Ram Jalebi Wala
If you have a sweet tooth, missing out on Gurudas Ram Jalebi Wala would be a crime. Their jalebis are fried to crispy perfection and soaked in just the right amount of sugar syrup. Each bite is a warm, crunchy, syrupy delight that melts in your mouth.
7. Langar at the Golden Temple
No food journey in Amritsar is complete without experiencing the langar at the Golden Temple. It’s not just about the food (which, by the way, is soul-satisfyingly delicious), but the experience itself. Sitting on the floor, sharing a meal with thousands of people, served by volunteers with selfless devotion—it’s a moment of pure peace and gratitude.
8. Street Food Near the Golden Temple
From piping hot jalebis to crispy Amritsari kulchas and tangy golgappas, the streets around the Golden Temple are a paradise for food lovers. Walk, eat, repeat—that’s the mantra here.
Final Thoughts:
Amritsar is not just a city; it’s an emotion, a feast, and a celebration on a plate. Every dish here tells a story, every bite feels like home, and every meal leaves you wanting more.
So, next time your corporate life gets suffocating, grab your friends, book a ticket (or don’t), and just go. Because some of the best memories are made over good food in good company. And trust me, in Amritsar, food is not just good—it’s legendary.
Happy eating! 🍽️
