When we talk about Amritsar, besides the world-famous Golden Temple, the high point is always “Amritsari food.” Amritsari cuisine is characterized by its generous use of aromatic spices, such as cumin, coriander, turmeric, and garam masala. All of this lends depth and complexity to the dishes.
Tandoor plays a vital role in preparing Amritsari cuisine. It is a traditional clay oven that imparts a unique smoky flavor to many dishes. From succulent kebabs and tikkas to flaky aloo kulcha and indulgent desserts, the tandoor lends the cuisine of Amritsar its distinctive taste and texture.
Whether you’re exploring the bustling streets of Amritsar, Amritsari food promises a culinary experience that is as vibrant and diverse as the culture from which it originates. So, if you want a tantalizing glimpse into the culinary traditions of Punjab, dig into Amritsari food unapologetically. If you are a foodie book our food tour of Amritsar to explore the different tastes of Amritsari cuisine with amazing storytelling and some untold facts about these cuisines.
What is Kulcha?
Now let’s talk about a very popular dish of Amritsar’s Kulcha” It is a delicious bread made from fermented dough typically enriched with yoghurt, baking powder, and sometimes a hint of sugar or honey. This dough is then rolled into flat rounds and cooked in a tandoor.
What distinguishes Amritsari kulcha is its unique stuffing. Amritsari kulcha is stuffed with a flavorful mixture of mashed potatoes seasoned with spices such as cumin, coriander, chili powder, and dried mango powder (amchur). Sometimes, finely chopped onions, green chilies, and fresh cilantro are added to the filling for an extra burst of flavor.
At most of the places, Aloo Kulcha is served hot, often accompanied by a dollop of butter or ghee (clarified butter) on top, along with a side of tangy and spicy chole (chickpea curry) or achar (pickles). This favorite street food snack in Amritsar is the most sought-after part of a traditional Punjabi meal.
How it is prepared?
Making Amritsari Kulcha requires some time and effort, but it’s not overly difficult, especially if you are bolstered with a good recipe and some practice.
Mentioned below is an easy Amritsari Kulcha Recipe:
To prepare authentic Amritsari Kulcha, we first start by making the dough by combining 2 cups of all-purpose flour with 1/2 cup of yoghurt, 1/2 teaspoon of baking powder, 1/4 teaspoon of baking soda, 1 tablespoon of sugar, and salt to taste. We must knead the mixture into a soft dough, adding water as needed. Let the dough rest for about 2 hours. Then, you can prepare the potato stuffing by mixing 4 boiled and mashed potatoes with chopped onions, green chilies, fresh coriander leaves, cumin seeds, dry mango powder, red chili powder, and salt to taste. Divide this dough into equal-sized portions and flatten each portion. After this:
- Put a portion of the potato stuffing in the center.
- Seal the edges.
- Roll it out into a thick, oval, or round shape.
The last step is to cook the stuffed kulchas on a hot tawa or tandoor until golden brown spots appear on both sides. Brush with ghee or butter for added flavor.
Satiate your taste buds by enjoying the irresistible taste of this famous Amritsar food on your next trip to the holy city.
Ingredients Used in Amritsari Kulcha
Let us tell you the ingredients used to prepare the dough.
- 2 cups all-purpose flour (maida)
- ½ cup yogurt (dahi)
- ½ teaspoon baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- Salt to taste
- Water, as needed
Ingredients for potato stuffing
- 4 medium-sized potatoes, boiled and mashed
- 1 onion, finely chopped
- 2 green chillies, finely chopped
- 2 tablespoons fresh coriander leaves, chopped
- 1 teaspoon cumin seeds
- 1 teaspoon dry mango powder
- 1/2 teaspoon red chilli powder
- Salt to taste
- Ghee or butter for serving
Places to eat Amritsari kulcha
In Amritsar, there are several renowned eateries and restaurants where you can find delicious Amritsari Kulcha. Some of the best places to eat kulcha in Amritsar are:
Pehalwan Kulcha
Harbans Lal Kulcha
Kulcha Land
Monu Kulcha Hut
Ram Kulcha Point
Ashok Kumar Kulche Wala
Bhai Kulwant Singh Kulchian Wale
However, you can get some of the best and most authentic kulcha experiences at roadside stalls and food carts that are scattered throughout the city. These vendors make delicious kulchas right in front of you. Enjoy your kuchas with a variety of accompaniments such as chole (chickpea curry), pickles, and chutney. Checkout this amazing video of preparing Amritsari Kulcha at local food point of Amritsar by famous YouTuber Bald and Bankrupt.
Kulchas hold a special place in Punjab’s culinary landscape, cherished for their rich flavors, versatility, and cultural significance. These savory flatbreads are a comfort food favorite across the region. Whether enjoyed as a quick snack from a roadside stall or as part of a festive feast with loved ones, kulchas evoke feelings of warmth and satisfaction. Their accessibility and affordability make them a popular choice for people of all backgrounds, symbolizing Punjab’s culinary heritage and communal traditions. With each bite, kulchas offer a taste of Punjab’s vibrant culture and flavorful cuisine, making them a beloved food choice for locals and visitors alike.
To enjoy the best of Amritsari Food, dig into the mouth-watering Amritsari Kulchas and other Punjabi cuisines, and then log on to the Amritsar Food Tour and book our fantastic food tour of the holy city. With us, you will have your every need catered to perfection. Get in touch with us with any questions regarding the tour.