Established in 1577 by Guru Ram Das, the city of Amritsar has remained an important cultural and historical epicentre in the imagination of India. Apart from the magnificent Golden Temple, the city boasts a rich handicrafts and textile scene, its Wagah Border ceremony, museums and numerous festivals. One other thing that the city has made a reputation for is its cuisine. Recently, Bollywood director Imtiaz Ali toured the city and shared photos from a shop he savoured Amritsari kulcha at. The post received a lot of attention with people sharing their personal gems in the city for cuisine. Let us take a deep dive into the city and find out what places are the best choices to enjoy authentic Amritsari kulcha.
The veteran 'Rockstar' director, Imtiaz Ali, made Pehalwan Kulcha Shop a pitstop where he indulged his foodie side with some delicious kulcha. The stuffed flatbread is the second thing that follows the invocation of Amritsar. In his post, Ali highlighted that “Chef with attitude is a recipe for great food!!! They know what they are serving!! Presenting my favourite from a city known for food — Harish Pehalwan's Dhaba in Amritsar.” Both food enthusiasts and Ali enthusiasts alike can head over to this shop and savour the delight that so impressed the director.
Address: Lakshmanser road, inside Chatiwind Gate Roundabout, near Isckon Temple, Nimak Mandi, Amritsar
Timings: Sunday to Monday, 8am to 2pm
Phone: 098142 51814
A small restaurant situated close to the main market area, Kulcha Land of Amritsar is primarily famous for its delicious aloo and paneer kulchas. These kulchas are famed for their crispy, thin texture and rich flavour, which is enhanced by the liberal amount of butter that is spread on them. With a kick of tart chutney on the side, a portion of spicy chole, the dish turns into a piping hot, palate-pleasing combination of flavours. In the city, both tourists and locals equally cherish the taste of Kulcha Land for its prompt service and authentic taste.
Address: DISTT Shopping Complex, opposite M K Hotel Center, B - Block, Ranjit Avenue, Amritsar, Punjab 143001
Timings: 9 am to 6 pm
Phone: 098143 20652
Kesar Da Dhaba is a well-known vegetarian restaurant that has endured since its founding in the early 20th century. Even though it serves a wide range of Punjabi cuisine, its Amritsari kulcha is a favourite among customers. Their keynote touch is the balance between the crispy crust and the flavourful stuffing is ensured by the careful preparation of the kulchas here. Eating at Kesar Da Dhaba is like taking a culinary tour through Amritsar's rich past, complete with their famous chole and a dollop of homemade butter.
Address: Chowk Passian, gali rajpura, near Telephone Exchange, Amritsar, Punjab 143001
Timings: 12:30 pm to 10:45 pm
Phone: 0183 255 2103
As the name implies, this place is well-known throughout the country for its superb kulchas. It draws a constant flow of patrons eager to enjoy its offerings because of its location in a busy part of the city. With a rush of flavours with every bite, the kulchas here are characterised by their ample stuffing and the ideal balance of spices. The accompanying chole, which is made with a special blend of spices, goes well with the kulcha. Its reputation as a must-visit location for kulcha fans has been cemented by the mix of premium ingredients and traditional cooking techniques.
Address: JVX9+VQG, Maqbool Road, near Race Course Road, crossing, Amritsar, Punjab 143104
Timings: 9 am to 4 pm
Located near the Golden Temple, Kulwant Kulcha is a renowned café that has been providing authentic Amritsari kulchas for decades. As a tribute to its traditional origins, the restaurant’s special preparation entails baking the kulchas in a tandoor located on a mezzanine level, with the freshly baked bread being lowered down in a bucket to the servers below. Ghee is sprinkled over the kulchas, giving them a flaky texture that complements the sour chutney and spicy chole well. Kulwant Kulcha is a beloved site for both residents and visitors because of its commitment to maintaining traditional culinary techniques and flavours.
Address: Bazar Bikaneria, Near Golden Temple, Katra Ahluwalia, Amritsar, Punjab 143001
Timings: 8 am to 4 pm