Amritsar, a city rich in history, culture, and spirituality, holds a special place in the hearts of many, not just for its iconic Golden Temple but also for its vibrant culinary heritage. Known for its diverse and flavourful cuisine, the Golden City offers an authentic taste of Punjab, where food is not just sustenance but an art form passed down through generations.
What makes Amritsari curries stand out is the harmonious blend of spices, ghee, and local ingredients. The traditional cooking techniques, including slow-cooking over low heat, ensure that the flavours marry well, allowing the spices to penetrate deep into the meat or vegetables.
Amritsari Chhole
This classic dish features chickpeas with an array of spices like cumin, coriander, turmeric, and amchur, giving it a perfect balance of tangy, spicy, and savoury flavours. The addition of ginger, garlic, and onions enhances its rich taste, while a dash of garam masala adds warmth. Cooked to perfection, the chhole is usually served with fluffy bhature or rice, making it a fulfilling meal. Its robust flavour profile and satisfying texture make the delicacy a must-try curry
Amritsari Chicken Masala
Amritsari chicken masala is a rich, flavourful dish that brings the vibrant taste of the Golden City to your table. The tender chicken is blended with aromatic spices like cumin, coriander, garam masala, and turmeric. The addition of onions, tomatoes, and a hint of ginger-garlic paste creates a thick, hearty gravy. The smoky, spicy flavour is balanced with a touch of cream and yoghurt, giving it a creamy, tangy finish.
Amritsari Machhi
Amritsari machhi is a flavourful fish curry rich in spices and a savoury taste. Fresh fish is marinated in a blend of yoghurt, ginger-garlic paste, turmeric, and garam masala, creating a robust flavour profile. The curry’s base, made with onions, tomatoes, and a variety of spices, offers a perfect balance of heat and tanginess. The fish absorbs the aromatic spices, resulting in tender, flavourful pieces that melt in your mouth.
Amritsari Murgh Makhani
This dish features tender chicken cooked in a smooth, buttery gravy made from tomatoes, cream, and aromatic spices like garam masala, cumin, and coriander. The flavours blend harmoniously, offering a perfect balance of richness and tanginess. The subtle smokiness from the grilled chicken adds depth, making each bite unforgettable. Served with naan or rice, it enhances the meal with its creamy texture and warm, comforting taste. This curry is a must-try if you are craving the authentic taste of Punjabi cuisine.
Amritsari Magaz Masala
The star ingredient of this delicacy is goat brains cooked in a blend of traditional spices, including cumin, coriander, garam masala, and red chilli powder. The curry's deep, earthy flavours are complemented by a touch of ginger, garlic, and onion, creating a rich, savoury base. The slow cooking process ensures the meat absorbs the spices, offering a melt-in-the-mouth experience. Served with roti or rice, Amritsari magaz masala delivers a unique experience to your everyday meals.
Amritsari Paneer Bhurji
Made with crumbled paneer, this dish combines onions, tomatoes, and a variety of aromatic spices like cumin, garam masala, and turmeric. The addition of green chillies adds a spicy kick, while fresh coriander leaves enhance the taste with a burst of freshness. The curry's texture is hearty and flavourful, perfect when paired with naan or rice. Each bite delivers a savoury combination of creaminess and spice, making it a satisfying and indulgent meal that reflects the essence of local cuisine.
Amritsari Aloo Wadi
The curry features soft, spiced potatoes cooked with deep-fried lentil dumplings, known as wadi, creating a hearty and satisfying dish. Key ingredients include potatoes, gram flour, aromatic spices like cumin, coriander, and garam masala, which blend together for a rich, flavourful base. The wadi soaks up the spices, offering a unique texture, while the tangy and slightly spicy gravy balances the dish perfectly. This Amritsari curry pairs wonderfully with chapati or rice, making it a comfort meal.