The Amritsari dal makhani holds a special place in Punjabi cuisine, known for its deep, rich flavours and comforting texture. The city's legendary dhabas, such as Kesar Da Dhaba, Bharawan Da Dhaba, and Brothers Dhaba, have perfected the art of making Dal Makhani over decades, making it a must-try dish for anyone visiting the city.
What sets Amritsar’s Dal Makhani apart is the traditional cooking method. The dish is prepared by slow-cooking black lentils (urad dal) and kidney beans (rajma) for hours, sometimes overnight, allowing the lentils to break down and absorb the flavours of the spices and ingredients.
This extended cooking time imparts a unique smoky flavour, often enhanced by the use of wood-fired stoves in some iconic dhabas. The liberal use of butter (makhan) and cream adds to its creamy texture, giving the dish its signature richness.
The classic dish is not overly spicy, allowing the natural, earthy flavour of the lentils to shine through, while still delivering a robust, satisfying taste. It is typically paired with buttery naan or tandoori roti, making it an indulgent, filling meal. Dal Makhani in Amritsar is more than just a meal—it's a cultural experience steeped in tradition and culinary excellence and we just asked some local foodies to share their top picks
Kesar ka Dhaba, Chowk Russian, Recommended by @veggiepaaji
The most dal makhani in Amritsar, the one at Kesar ka Dhaba draws in people from different parts of the country. Established in 1916, this legendary dhaba has perfected its recipe over the decades. The Dal Makhani here is slow-cooked overnight, allowing the black lentils and kidney beans to absorb the deep, smoky flavours that come from the traditional wood-fired stove.
What sets Kesar Da Dhaba's Dal Makhani apart is its creamy texture, achieved with a generous amount of butter and cream, balanced with spices that are flavorful yet not overpowering. The subtle smokiness, combined with the velvety richness of the dal, makes it a must-try dish for anyone visiting Amritsar. Often served with hot tandoori roti or naan, the dal at Kesar Da Dhaba is a perfect representation of the city’s vibrant culinary heritage.
Address: Chowk Passian, gali rajpura, near Telephone Exchange, Amritsar, Punjab 143001
Timing: 12:30 pm - 10:45 pm
Phone: 0183 255 2103
Bharawan ka Dhaba, Subhash Park by @GolgappaGirl
Dal Makhani at Bharawan Da Dhaba in Amritsar is a crowd favourite, celebrated for its rich, flavorful, and hearty preparation. This iconic dish, made from slow-cooked black lentils and kidney beans, is simmered to perfection with a blend of aromatic spices, butter, and cream, giving it a velvety texture and deep, satisfying taste.
What makes Bharawan Da Dhaba’s Dal Makhani special is its homestyle preparation, which strikes the perfect balance between creamy richness and spice.
Address: near Town Hall, Subhash Park, Katra Ahluwalia, Amritsar, Punjab 143001
Timing: 7 am - 12 am
Phone: 098031 46469
Beera Chicken House, Basant Nagar by @anujbucket
While Beera Chicken House in Amritsar is best known for its signature tandoori chicken, its Dal Makhani is a hidden gem and it’s perfect for vegetarians and those looking for a hearty side. Prepared using traditional methods, the black lentils and kidney beans are slow-cooked until they achieve a melt-in-the-mouth consistency. A generous use of butter, cream, and carefully blended spices gives the dal a velvety texture and a deep, satisfying flavour. The smoky undertones, likely influenced by the tandoor, make this Dal Makhani uniquely flavorful. Paired with naan or paratha, it offers a contrast to the meat-heavy menu
Address: Shop - 100, Majitha Rd, opposite Bhandari Hospital, Bhawani Nagar, Amritsar, Punjab 143001
Timing: 12:30 pm - 11 pm
Phone: 085669 14747
Kake Da Hotel, Ranjeet Avenue by @arorashoaib
Known for its simple yet flavorful approach, Kake Da Hotel prepares its Dal Makhani by slow-cooking black lentils and kidney beans over several hours. The dish is enriched with butter, cream, and a blend of mild spices, resulting in a creamy, luscious texture that is both comforting and delicious.
What sets their Dal Makhani apart is the balanced seasoning, which enhances the natural flavours of the lentils without overpowering them. Served with hot tandoori roti or naan, this dish is a must-try for anyone visiting Amritsar and seeking authentic, homestyle Punjabi flavours.
Address: First Floor, SCO 38, above KFC, Gumtala Sub Urban, D - Block, Ranjit Avenue, Amritsar, Punjab 143001
Timing: 10 am to 11 pm
Phone: 098148 79741
Brothers Dhaba, Chowk Phawara by @DilsefoodieOfficial
Dal Makhani at Brothers Dhaba in Amritsar is a popular dish that reflects the rich and authentic flavours of Punjabi cuisine. This iconic dhaba, known for serving hearty, traditional fare, prepares its Dal Makhani with slow-cooked black lentils and kidney beans, simmered for hours to achieve a creamy, velvety texture. A generous amount of butter and cream is added, which blends seamlessly with the earthy lentils, creating a rich, indulgent dish. The dish is mildly smoky, with a depth of flavour that comes from the slow-cooking process.
Address: JVGH+92W, Opp,Marwari Mandir,Chowk Phawara, Amritsar, Punjab 143001
Timing: 7 am to 12 am
Haveli, Grand Trunk Road, by @Justflowwithjuhi
Dal Makhani at Haveli in Amritsar is a luxurious take on this classic Punjabi dish, celebrated for its rich flavours and elegant presentation. Haveli, known for its traditional ambience and fine dining experience, prepares its Dal Makhani by slow-cooking black lentils and kidney beans with a perfect blend of spices over several hours, allowing the flavours to develop deeply.
The addition of butter and cream gives the dal a smooth, creamy texture that melts in your mouth, while the spices provide just the right amount of warmth and depth without being overpowering. The dish is finished with a subtle smoky flavour, which adds a unique touch to the overall taste.
Address: 11, District Shopping Complex, Ranjit Avenue, Amritsar, Punjab 143001
Timing: 8:30 am to 11 pm
Phone: 077172 99000
Firangi Dhaba, Gumtala Sub Urban, by @Ganesh Kapoor
Ever craved spicy dal makhani on a night out? Then Amritsar’s Firangi Dhaba should have you covered. Their menu offers a flavorful fusion of traditional and modern dining. Known for blending Punjabi classics with a contemporary twist, Firangi Dhaba’s Dal Makhani retains the rich essence of the original dish while adding a signature flair. The black lentils and kidney beans are slow-cooked to perfection, allowing the flavours to meld beautifully with a generous mix of butter and cream. It has a balanced seasoning and velvety texture, enhanced by a mild smokiness that adds depth to the dish.
Address: SCO 117, Gumtala Sub Urban, B - Block, Ranjit Avenue, Amritsar, Punjab 143001
Timing: 11 am to 11:30 pm
Kesav Da Dhaba, Ranjeet Avenue by @DilsefoodieOfficial
If you want a home-style maa ki dal, try this old-school Amritsar dhaba that is known for its authentic, homestyle cooking, and reflects that approach with rich, earthy flavours. The black lentils and kidney beans are slow-cooked for hours, allowing the natural flavours to develop and intensify.
Kesav Da Dhaba’s Dal Makhani is generously prepared with butter and cream, giving it a smooth, creamy texture that pairs beautifully with the smoky undertones of the dish. The spices are perfectly balanced, ensuring that the flavour is robust but not overwhelming.
Address: JVW5+2VR, A - Block, Ranjit Avenue, Amritsar, Punjab 143001
Timing: 10 am to 11 pm