Amritsar, often known as the heart and soul of Punjab, is renowned for the Golden Temple. Beyond experiencing the true Punjabi spirit and learning about Sikhism, Amritsar is also renowned for its delectable street food options. The narrow lanes of Amritsar brim with aromatic flavours, spices, and the energy of street vendors offering some of the finest street food options. Be it the iconic Amritsari Kulcha or the delectable Chole Bhature, there are several street foods in Amritsar that you can indulge in. As you are planning your next trip around the city, ensure that you spend time trying out some of the amazing foods.
10 Street Food In Amritsar To Try
The famous street food in Amritsar is quite vibrant where you get to try different types of dishes and the robust flavours of Punjabi cuisine.
1. Amritsari Kulcha
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If there’s one food that is synonymous with Amritsar’s food culture, it is Amritsari Kulcha. It is a stuffed flatbread cooked in a tandoor, this dish is crispy on the outside and soft on the inside. The kulcha is usually stuffed with a mix of mashed potatoes, onions, and spices, it’s typically served with a tangy chole, sliced and spiced onions on the side. However, the most delectable part of the Amritsari kulcha is the butter or ghee that’s added on top. The perfect bite of the kulcha, chole, and a pinch of tangy pickle is an explosion of flavours. You can pretty much find a kulcha shop in every narrow lane in Amritsar.
Where To Try: Kulcha Land, Maqbool Road; Kesar Da Dhaba, Chowk Passian
Cost: ₹50 – 100 per plate
2. Chole Bhature
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Not just in Amritsar, Chole Bhature is a staple street food option across North India. However, the uniqueness is that the taste of Chole Bhature is different in every state that you taste it in. The spicy, hearty chole is undoubtedly the star of the show. Also, given that it’s simmered with so many different whole and ground spices add to the flavour even further. The bhature is slightly crispy on the outside and soft on the inside, perfect for soaking up the flavours of the chole. The dish is served with achar or pickles and cut onions on the side.
Where To Try: Kanha Sweets, Lawrence Road; Giani Tea Stall, Cooper Road
Cost: ₹60 – 120 per plate
3. Aloo Tikki
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Aloo Tikki is one of the most beloved street foods of Amritsar. This spicy and crispy snack that is usually classified as a “chaat” is a popular option that is loved and adored by tourists all around India. In Amritsar, Tikki is often served with a tangy tamarind chutney, spicy mint chutney, and sometimes a generous topping of curd and chole. What’s amazing about trying aloo tikki is the contrasting taste of the crunchy tikki and the creamy taste of the curd. It is a delightful snack. The best part of enjoying aloo tikki is that you get to enjoy this as a snack anytime you feel peckish or are in the mood for something more substantial.
Where To Try: Brijwasi Chat, Hall Bazaar; Chhotiwala, Town Hall
Cost: ₹30 – 60 per plate
4. Paneer Tikka
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If you are on the hunt for the best veg street food in Amritsar, Paneer Tikka is undoubtedly the best option. Not only is it flavourful, but the dish is equally healthy too. The paneer is usually marinated in a blend of yoghurt and spices and then the marinated paneer is grilled over hot coals until it’s cooked and a charred flavour gets into the dish. Paneer tikka is usually served with onions, lemon wedges, and mint chutney, further accentuating the flavour of the dish. Also, if you are in the mood for spicy, you can ask for the marinade to be spicier and it will be customised to your liking.
Where To Try: Bharawan Da Dhaba, Town Hall, Ranjit Avenue
Cost: ₹100 – 150 per plate
5. Amritsari Fish
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If there’s the best street food in Amritsar that you can’t miss out on trying, it is Amritsari Fish. This is a classic staple, one that’s bound to render you speechless. In this dish, freshwater fish is cut into small cubes and then coated in a blend of spices, and gram flour and then deep-fried until the outer coating gets crispy. The freshness of the fish is what makes it stand out. When it’s time to serve the dish, the deep-fried fish is served with lemon wedges and chaat masala, which adds an extra tang to the dish. Despite the fish being fried at a high temperature, the fish remains soft and flaky on the inside, which happens to be the highlight of the dish.
Where To Try: Makhan Fish and Chicken Corner, Majitha Road
Cost: ₹200 – 300 per plate
6. Lassi
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Apart from all the solid savoury dishes, a beverage like Lassi also deserves to be in the spotlight. No street food journey across Amritsar is complete without you sipping on some good, thick, creamy and sugary lassi. It is a yoghurt-based drink, which is further blended with sugar, dry fruits and a few spices too. The cold and sugary taste of the drink poses a perfect complement to Amritsar’s spicy food. The drink is topped with a generous layer of cream or malai, Amritsari Lassi is a lot thicker and heavier than the other versions of lassi that you will find across the country. Also, the best way to enjoy lassi is in the traditional clay cups or “Kulhad.”
Where To Try: Ahuja Milk Bhandar, Near Hindu College; Gian Di Lassi, Lawrence Road
Cost: ₹50 – 100 per glass
7. Puri Chole
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A close cousin of Chole Bhature, Puri Chole is another delightful breakfast option in Amritsar. The puris are a lot smaller, fluffier and slightly crispier than bhature. However, the one common thing is the inclusion of the spicy and delectable chole that is served on the side with these flatbreads. Most of the stalls across Amritsar serve chole puri with a side of tangy pickles and potato curry further adding to the taste of the dish and the overall experience too. If you are a fan of Chef Vikas Khanna, try out the dish at some of the popular spots including Lawrence Road or Kanha Sweets.
Where To Try: Kanha Sweets, Lawrence Road; Munim Di Hatti, Katra Jaimal Singh
Cost: ₹40 – 80 per plate
8. Bun Chole
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Another quintessential street food that you can consider trying in Amritsar is Bun Chole. It is a popular snack that combines soft, buttery buns with spicy chickpea curry. So, if you aren’t a huge fan of the poori or bhature, Bun Chole is a much better alternative. This simple yet incredibly tasty dish is often garnished with onions, coriander, and a squeeze of lemon, offering a delightful contrast between the spiciness of the chole and the softness of the bun. One of the best parts of trying bun chole is that it is a grab-and-go kind of street food that you can grab while you are out exploring the streets of Amritsar.
Where To Try: Beera Chicken House, Majitha Road; Sharma Snacks, Lawrence Road
Cost: ₹20 – 40 per piece
9. Kesar Da Dhaba’s Phirni
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Renowned as “Amritsar’s famous Phirni,” this is one of those street food options that accounts for the perfect end to your meal. This is a popular dessert that’s a traditional North Indian sweet dish made from ground rice, milk, and sugar, often flavoured with cardamom and saffron, depending on where you are eating it. The phirni itself is served in small earthen bowls and has a very creamy texture to it, which is the highlight of this dish. If your palate is looking for a break after all those spicy dishes across Amritsar’s street, this is the perfect option.
Where To Try: Kesar Da Dhaba, Chowk Passian
Cost: ₹30 – 50 per bowl
10. Kulfa
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What is commonly known as Kulfi Falooda in other parts of India is known as Kulfa in Amritsar. The rich and creamy texture of the kulfi, paired with the vermicelli noodles in them add to the taste and texture. Also, depending on where you are eating it, the Kulfa is usually served with phirni, Kulfi, Falooda, and Rabri, further indulging your taste buds. There are numerous local street food carts around Amritsar selling this dish and you can also try it at the established food joints spread across the city.
Where To Try: A One Kulfa
Cost: ₹60 per bowl
There are numerous famous street foods in Amritsar, each catering to the interests of the travellers. From non-vegetarian options to vegetarian ones, the city has something for everyone. There are spicy and lip-smacking dishes to desserts that you can savour for a long time. If you want to get a taste of all the top dishes across Amritsar, make sure to book your next trip with TripXL for the ultimate shebang.
Cover Photo: Manan Dv / Wikimedia Commons