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6 Min
18/11/2025
Just like you can’t be a Bollywood fan and not know about Shah Rukh Khan, you can’t be a foodie and not know about Amritsari Kulcha, especially if you’re from India. Amritsar is famous for its kulchas (a type of Indian bread), but that’s not the only food item worth sampling. If you’re a fan of the meats and masalas, then Amritsar is nothing short of a non-vegetarian paradise.
Amritsar has long been known for the piousness and beauty of the Golden Temple, the intricate and charming work of phulkari (a clothing design), stylish juttis (a type of footwear), and, of course, its food. Almost every city in Punjab is known for their food, but few have enjoyed the same level of fame as Amritsar. From dhabas that have existed for decades to forever crowded street food corners, Amritsar is the ultimate foodie paradise. While there’s a lot to sample and savour, this list focuses on the famous non-vegetarian dishes from Amritsar. From spicy appetisers to creamy mains and flaky breads, you’ve got it all here.
Similar to fish fry, fish tikka is made by frying marinated fish. The difference lies in the marination. For fish tikka, also known as fish amritsari, boneless fillets are marinated in a spicy mix made from gram flour (besan), ginger-garlic paste, carom seeds (ajwain), red chilli powder, turmeric, and a squeeze of lemon juice. They’re crispy on the outside, thanks to the gram flour coating, but tender and flaky on the inside.
Makhan Fish & Chicken Corner (Majitha Road), established in 1962, provides authentic Punjabi cuisine and is famous for its fish fry. Surjit Food Plaza (Lawrence Road) is another legendary spot to try this dish.
Tandoor, a traditional clay oven, features heavily in many North Indian dishes. It imparts an incomparable smokiness to dishes, especially roasted meats like this tandoori chicken. Similar to a fish tikka, it’s the marinade that sets it apart from other roasted chicken dishes. The marinade is made from a mix of yoghurt and local spices, but unlike the fiery red variety, where spice dominates, here the roasted chicken retains a smokier texture and mouthfeel.
Beera Chicken House, also on Majitha Road, is a must-visit for its signature tandoori chicken. Beera is also known for its fish fry and butter chicken. The latter may trace its origins to Delhi, but you have to sample the versions available in Amritsar. Apart from Beera, Charming Chicken, also on Majitha Road, also received raving reviews for its dishes, prompt service, and an ever-smiling staff.
It’s not just chickens and tikkas on the menu. A trip to Amritsar is incomplete without mutton chaap! Spiced mutton meats are shaped into circles and flattened into a palm-sized patty before being fried. These are juicy, tender, and melt in your mouth. And like any true foodie will tell you, you have to flock to the streets to find the best ones.
Adarsh Meat Shop is a local favourite, known for the crispy mutton chaap. Type the name on Instagram and you’ll be flooded with users sharing photos of the signature delicacy. It’s also known for its spicy brain curry (magaz). Mohan Singh Meat Shop, Near Gilwali Gate Chowk Chabutra, is another popular joint. But if you’re looking for an underrated spot, try the Shinda Meat Corner. It’s not available on maps but isn’t far from the Golden Temple — situated right next to the “Old Telephone Exchange”.
Keema literally translates to minced meat. And naan is a type of leavened bread popular in North India. Naan, stuffed to the brim with a spiced meat filling, usually lamb, makes the popular keema naan. It can be enjoyed as is or even with meat-loaded curries.
While most users talk about the keema naan at Beera Chicken Corner, Friends Dhaba (Queens Road) is worth visiting too.
If you’re looking for vegetarian options, desserts, or just want to expand your culinary exploration, then be sure to try these dishes:
Kulchas might be more well-known, but there is certainly a lot more on the Amritsari plate than these stuffed breads. And while every location may have its own special spice blend and culinary technique, what remains common across joints is the love with which these dishes are cooked. And the joy of serving them to eager patrons. Visit Amritsar for the dishes, but be warned — you might keep coming back for the hospitality.
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