Amritsar is synonymous with lassi—the refreshing drink can be found in every nook and cranny of the city. There are two main types of lassis you will find here: sweet lassis are crafted from yoghurt, water and sugar with infusions like mango, rose or saffron added to give it a sugary taste, while salty lassis are made with yoghurt, water and a pinch of salt for those who prefer a tangy flavour. Sometimes spices like cumin or black salt are added, too.
If you plan to eat your way through Amritsar, then check out these five best places to visit in Amritsar for lassi.
This famous shop in Dhab Khatikan is a popular choice for lassi lovers because of the drink's rich and creamy texture. They offer different flavours of sweet lassi such as mango lassi and rose lassi. The most popular item though is the kesar lassi. The high-quality yoghurt used by Ahuja Lassi has provided a consistent taste since their establishment. The lassi is served in large glasses with a scoop of white butter and is not overly sweet or thick.
This place in Chowk Passian is part of Punjab’s culinary heritage. Founded by Lala Kesar Mal and his spouse Parvati in 1916 in Sheikhupura, Pakistan, Kesar da Dhaba was a favourite haunt for people like Lala Lajpat Rai, Jawaharlal Nehru and Indira Gandhi. After partition, the dhaba shifted to Amritsar. While they make the full range of traditional Punjabi cuisine, their lassi is a particular favourite among customers. It is rich and flavourful with a thick texture and freshly squeezed homemade butter.
Kanha Sweets on Lawrence Road is one of the most popular sweet shops in Amritsar and has been in business for over 100 years. Don’t discount their lassi, however, which is refreshing and delicious. Despite the limited variety of flavours, the lassi's freshness and quality will have you smacking your lips. Buy their sweets, order a plate of chole puri or puri sabzi and wash it down with a glass of lassi.
One of the best places to visit in Amritsar for a glass of lassi is Gian di Lassi on Gagar Mal Road. One of the oldest lassi places in the city, it is often visited by locals and tourists alike. The modest joint serves lassi that has the right amount of sweetness, is thick in consistency and contains a good amount of malai. Buy a round of their famous milk sweets before you leave.
Situated near Ambedkar Chowk is Brother's Amritsari Dhaba, one of the top places to visit in Amritsar for wholesome Punjabi food and lassi. Indulge in a relaxed dining experience featuring traditional North Indian cuisine and order their sweet and salty lassis to accompany the dishes. The lassis are made with two cups of yoghurt, three cups of water, half a cup of sugar, half a teaspoon of rosewater (optional), two tablespoons of fresh malai and four to five ice cubes.