Street Food in Amritsar

What to eat on the street in Amritsar, which neighbourhoods to eat it in, and roughly what it should cost.

What street food in Amritsar is known for

Amritsar food is rich, wheat-based and unapologetically buttery, and the city eats around the clock near the Golden Temple.

Dishes to try

• Amritsari kulcha - stuffed bread baked in a tandoor and served with chole.
• Amritsari fish fry - gram flour batter with ajwain.
• Lassi in a heavy glass, thick enough to need a spoon.
• Kulfa and phirni for dessert.
• The langar meal at the Golden Temple, served free to everyone.

Where locals actually eat

• The lanes around the Golden Temple, open very late.
• Lawrence Road for the fish and chaat stalls.
• Majith Mandi for kulchas at breakfast.

What it costs

Kulcha with chole 60 to 120 rupees, fish fry 200 to 350, a lassi 60 to 100. Langar is free, and donations are voluntary.

Eating safely here

Amritsar stalls have high turnover and cook to order. The main caution is portion size and butter volume rather than hygiene.

Vegetarian and vegan notes

Almost everything except the fish is vegetarian. The Golden Temple langar is entirely vegetarian, and meat, alcohol and tobacco are prohibited in the complex.

Common questions