Are you planning to visit Amritsar, where the most revered Golden Temple is situated? If so, you should not miss this culinary germ known as Kesar Da Dhaba. Kesar Da Dhaba is situated in the heart of Amritsar and has been serving the finest Punjabi food to visitors and locals for over 108 years. This iconic restaurant is like a culinary museum where each dish and its style of making tells the story of tradition, passion, and providing good food to their customers.


Video Credits: Veggie Paaji/ YouTub

Kesar Da Dhaba, through its culinary and delicious dishes, defines how it is a part of Punjabi culture, which serves not only delectable dishes but also warm hospitality to their guests, due to which the dhaba has been capturing much media attention and even food vloggers flock to.

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Kesar Da Dhaba's Origin And History

Kesar Da Dhaba was established in 1916 by Lt. Lala Kesar Mal and his wife, Lt Smt. Parvati was a small restaurant selling dal and roti. This small iconic eatery was first set up in Sheikhupura, which is now in Pakistan, and after the partition of India in 1947, the dhaba was shifted to Amritsar. Since then, they have grown up and become popular worldwide for their quality food and taste.

Image Credits: Kesardadhaba/ Instagram

Additionally, Lala Kesar Mal's recipes, which have been carefully passed down through generations, have remained true to their roots, ensuring that each dish served is a slice of Punjab's vibrant food culture.

What Makes Kesar Da Dhaba So Special?

Kesar Da Dhaba’s buttery vegetarian dishes, which are included in the dhaba’s menu, have made it famous. Kesar Da Dhaba is renowned for its dal makhani, also known as dal fry. In the iconic restaurant, it is prepared in a large steel caldron and simmered for 12 hours over a slow flame. Not only this, but their unique way of giving signature tadka to the dal fry is so tempting to look at, which will leave a hungry person craving more.

Image Credit: Kesardadhaba/ Instagram

According to the owner, they do not depend on cooks; they prepare their recipes and pass them down to the chefs, who prepare both comfortable and satisfactory dishes. Furthermore, their famous thali is the most delicious preparation offered by any of the oldest dhabas in India. It consists of two Plain Parantha, Dal Fry, Channa Plain, Raita and Salad. They specialise in Dal Tadka from their main course and Phirni from their dessert corner.

Famous Celebrities Who Visited Kesar Da Dhaba

At Kesar Da Dhaba, Lala Lajpat Rai, Jawaharlal Nehru, Indira Gandhi, Padmini Kolhapuri, Yash Chopra and Rajesh Khanna are said to eat there.

Also, leading actors and singers like Abhishek Bachchan, Shaan, Aditya Roy Kapoor, Taapsee Pannu and many more have been dining at Kesar Da Dhaba.

Today, the legacy of serving authentic, delectable foods is managed by Lt. Lala Kesar Mal's fourth generation, Ramesh Mehra, who is the current leading chairman of Kesar Da Dhaba. Moreover, when you visit Kesar Da Dhaba, you will analyse their desire to provide an unforgettable dining experience that celebrates the rich culinary traditions of Punjab.