Food is a major attraction for travelers, so make sure you don't miss out on the local culinary delights.
When dining out, the average daily cost for food in Amritsar is around $32 (₨2706) per person, with previous travelers spending from $14 to $59. Generally, breakfast and lunch cost less than dinner, but this will depend on the type of restaurant and what you order.
Typical meal prices in Amritsar are as follows:
- Breakfast: $3 to $10
- Lunch: $5 to $13
- Dinner: $10 to $22
- Coffee: $3
- Fast Food or Street Food: $5
Cuisine in Amritsar follows the Punjabi tradition, which largely consists of both vegetarian and meat dishes full of rich, buttery flavors with a minimal use of spices. Due to Hindu religious beliefs, beef is a banned item which is neither consumed nor sold in Punjab, so most meat dishes consist of lamb or chicken. Many of these are served with rice, basmati rice being the indigenous variety of Punjab. Breads like naan, chapatti, and paratha are also commonly served with meals. As far as regional specialties go, some popular items include things like sarson da saag, tandoori chicken, shami kebab, and makki di roti. Sarson ka saag is a popular vegetable dish in the Punjab regions of India and made from mustard leaves (sarson) and spices. Tandoori chicken is usually prepared roasted with yogurt and spices, taking its name from the cylindrical clay over called a tandoor in which it is traditionally cooked. Shami kebab is composed of a small patty of minced or ground meat with ground chickpeas, egg, and spices, while makki di roti is a kind of unleavened corn bread. There is also a popular yogurt drink called lassi.
Several hotels include breakfast with your stay, while others charge separately for it. The cost and quality can vary significantly depending on the hotel. Knowing this in advance can guide your budget decisions. It could be worth it for the tasty buffet available at the hotel, or you may wish to find a cheaper option at a local bakery or cafe.
Keep a water bottle with you to cut down on drink purchases. It's also better for the environment.
If you're considering a tour, double-check which meals are included in the package. There may be instances where you'll have to pay for your own meals, potentially stretching your budget.
If you're looking to experience the culinary culture in Amritsar, taking a food tour or cooking class is a terrific way to do it. After all, cuisine is one of the reasons why so many people visit. Some of the best food-related activities here include:
- Amritsar Food Tour for $30 details
- Wagah Border Retreat Ceremony With Traditional Dinner for $45 details
- Sadda Pind With Lunch Or Dinner From Amritsar for $164 details