Amritsar is a city that explodes with flavor at every corner. While it’s famous for the Golden Temple, the city’s food scene is equally captivating, offering a wide range of bites that reflect Punjab’s rich culinary traditions. Whether you’re interested in sampling street snacks, exploring local markets, or learning about Sikh food culture, Amritsar’s food tours deliver a delicious window into the city’s soul. Our favorite pick is the Amritsar Food Walk With Hidden Gems, which takes you through narrow alleys with centuries-old eateries, accompanied by a guide who ensures you taste the real deal without the hassle of language barriers or wandering aimlessly.
If you prefer a more in-depth experience, the Amritsar Food Tour offers a comprehensive journey through multiple neighborhoods, with dishes like Amritsari Kulcha and Paneer-based specialties, perfect for those wanting to soak in the city’s culinary diversity. For a quick but lively introduction, the Amritsar Food Crawl is a great choice for travelers who want to sample a variety of street foods in a relaxed four-hour walk. Each of these tours paints a different picture of Amritsar’s food scene, helping you decide which aligns best with your tastes and schedule.
1. Amritsar Food Walk With Hidden Gems
This tour is a perfect fit for food lovers eager to uncover Amritsar’s lesser-known culinary spots. For just around $24.50, you’ll spend about two hours walking through the historic Hall Bazaar, a market dating back to the 1500s, where you’ll see a wild mix of shops and street vendors. The guide will lead you through narrow alleys of Katra Ahluwalia, an area filled with traditional eateries that have served locals for generations. What makes this tour stand out is its focus on small, family-run places that travelers often miss, giving you authentic, time-honored flavors.
The tour includes snacks and bottled water, so you can focus on tasting without constantly digging for change or worrying about hydration. Reviews praise Ram and Ravish, who bring 25 years of experience and friendly explanations about the food, history, and culture of Amritsar. One guest raved, “Great food and plenty of it”—a common sentiment. It’s best suited for travelers who want an intimate, off-the-beaten-path experience with a small group of no more than eight people.
Bottom line: For a relaxed, authentic exploration of Amritsar’s food scene in a short time, this walk is a winner.
2. Amritsar Food Tour
At number 2 on our list, the Amritsar Food Tour offers a three-hour explore the city’s culinary culture. Priced at just over $30, it includes visits to vibrant markets and local food joints. The tour kicks off at Katra Ahluwalia, where you’ll try 3-4 vegetarian dishes like Jalebi, Aaloo Tikki, and Amritsari Kulcha, with the guide explaining the significance of each. Then, a tuk-tuk ride takes you to Telephone Exchange, where paneer dishes and Masala Chai await. The journey continues to Queens Road, a bustling street lined with vendors offering Soya-based dishes that mimic meat, and homemade milk ice cream, giving you a true taste of local creativity.
What’s special about this tour is its focus on local markets and street cuisine, giving a broad view of the food culture beyond the Golden Temple. It’s led by a storyteller who helps connect dishes to cultural traditions, making every bite meaningful. Reviewers note the guide’s helpfulness and the quality of the food, with one mentioning, “He was very accommodating, and I learned a lot about local food stories.” It’s ideal for travelers who want a mix of culinary history and tasting in a shorter timeframe.
Bottom line: This tour is great for those interested in diverse flavors and local stories, with plenty of variety packed into a three-hour window.
3. Amritsar Food Crawl
For those who want a longer, more immersive experience, the Amritsar Food Crawl offers about four hours of exploring local street eats. This tour’s focus is on street food, from sweet to savory—think jalebi, chaat, and spicy kebabs. Led by Prince, the guide, you’ll navigate busy streets and discover hidden food stalls that are often missed by visitors. The tour emphasizes the authentic street food culture of Amritsar, with a relaxed pace that allows plenty of time to savor each dish.
Guests love the guide’s local knowledge and the chance to try dosa-style snacks in some of the best spots. One review notes, “He had very good local knowledge and took me to the best tasting places I never would have found on my own.” This experience is suitable for travelers who enjoy walking and tasting and don’t mind a four-hour commitment. It’s perfect for those wanting to sample a broad array of street foods in a single outing.
Bottom line: This is the best choice if you want to really learn about street food and explore Amritsar neighborhoods with a knowledgeable guide.
4. Amritsar Day Tour: Golden Temple and Jallianwala Bagh with Local Food
This comprehensive day tour combines cultural landmarks with local cuisine. For around $124, it offers a full four hours exploring Amritsar’s top sights: The Golden Temple and Jallianwala Bagh, along with a traditional Punjabi breakfast. Your guide will narrate the history behind these icons, sharing stories about Sikh culture, the 1919 massacre, and the significance of the Golden Temple’s architecture.
What sets this tour apart is the inclusion of a traditional meal in the Golden Temple’s langar, where you’ll witness Sikh hospitality firsthand. The guide explains the donation-based kitchen system that feeds over 100,000 people daily. Guests praise the guide’s friendly manner and cultural insights, making this tour valuable for history enthusiasts and those wanting an authentic cultural experience combined with food.
It’s best suited for travelers who want to combine sightseeing with a taste of traditional Punjabi cuisine in a structured format. The tour’s price reflects its all-in-one approach, ideal for visitors with a limited schedule who still want a rundown.
Bottom line: Perfect for those interested in culture, history, and traditional food, with the convenience of guided visits and included meals.
5. Agra: Guided Street Food Tour w/ Private Transportation
While technically outside Amritsar, this Agra street food tour deserves mention for travelers heading to North India’s foodie cities. For just $23, you get private air-conditioned transport and a local guide who shares stories behind iconic dishes like petha, chaat, jalebi, and kachori. It covers popular markets such as Sadar Bazaar and Chaat Gali, making it a stress-free way to sample Agra’s best street snacks.
What makes this tour appealing is the combination of comfort and local flavor, especially valuable if you’re tired of navigating busy streets on your own. The guide’s storytelling enhances the tasting experience, making each dish more meaningful. While not specific to Amritsar, it offers a model for how to balance cultural exploration with culinary discovery.
This tour is best for travelers with limited time who want a guided introduction to North India’s street foods in an efficient manner, especially if they value private transport.
Bottom line: A good option for those crossing regions or wanting a stress-free street food experience outside Amritsar.
$23 per person
6. Food Walk Tour of Amritsar (2 hours guided walking tour)
This 2-hour guided walk packs in plenty of local flavors in a short time. It begins at the Golden Temple, then takes you through the bustling streets of Old Amritsar, revealing hidden culinary corners and iconic street snacks. The guide helps you navigate the lively bazaars and introduces you to lesser-known food stalls that are rarely on tourist maps.
What makes this tour appealing is its focus on local authenticity and discovering hidden culinary gems. Reviewers comment on the guide’s ability to explain food traditions and local stories, enriching the tasting experience. It’s suitable for travelers with limited time but wanting to maximize flavor and cultural insights.
Bottom line: Ideal for a quick, in-depth taste of Amritsar’s street food and local atmosphere, with a knowledgeable guide leading the way.
$28 per person
How to Choose the Best Food Tour in Amritsar
Picking the right tour depends on your interests, time, and budget. If you’re after an intimate, off-the-beaten-path experience, the Amritsar Food Walk With Hidden Gems offers a deep dive into traditional eateries. For those wanting an all-in-one cultural and culinary experience, the Golden Temple and Jallianwala Bagh tour provides a structured day with traditional Punjabi food included.
Travelers with limited time but a desire for street-food immersion should consider the Amritsar Food Crawl, while those interested in local markets and diverse flavors may prefer the Amritsar Food Tour. Budget-conscious visitors might find the Food Walk Tour an excellent value for quick insight.
Booking early is recommended, especially during peak travel seasons. Consider your fitness level and interest in culture vs. street food to choose the best fit. All tours generally include guides with local knowledge, but some emphasize history and culture, while others focus purely on tasting.
Amritsar offers a wide array of food tours suited to every taste and schedule. Whether you prefer a short, focused walk or a full-day exploration, these options ensure you’ll experience the city’s culinary soul firsthand. For a taste of Punjabi hospitality and flavors, booking one of these tours early will make your visit memorable.