Amritsar in Northern India is synonymous with the Golden Temple. And the city has so much more to offer, culturally and gastronomically. We were fortunate to travel to this city with Michelin starred Indian chef Vikas Khanna who took us through a food trail explored in his new book, Amritsar: Flavours of the Golden City.
Before we embarked on the food trail, we explored the city. Of course, we visited the Attari border, the first line of defense, sharing soil with our neighbouring country, Pakistan. Patriotic songs were played in full swing and our soldiers put up a glorious parade. Incidentally, Sonam Kapoor, Fawad Khan and Kirron Kher were visiting too and revelling in the celebration. At sunset, flags of both countries are pulled down in unison. It’s quite an experience and this event occurs everyday. You must visit when you’re in the city.
Microsoft India was hosting us and we were given Nokia Lumia devices to shoot pictures. Most of the pictures in this post have been shot on the Lumia 1520 and Lumia 1020. To further explore our photographing opportunities, we headed to the Pulkanjri close by.
All that exploring and photographing had us tired and hungry. Which is exactly why we headed to one of Chef Vikas Khanna’s favourite restaurants, Sarhad. The restaurant boasts of fancy trucks with pop art and delicious food. We were treated to a variety entertainment programme while we dined.
The food trail began the next morning with a visit to the Golden Temple. With tens of thousands of visitors flocking the temple every day, I have never felt more at peace at a place. Not only is the place beautiful and expansive, there’s a certain calm and one can spend hours sitting by the water. Of course, the langar food is delectable and must be enjoyed.
After the langar food, you can try a variety of specialities Amritsar has to offer, ranging from kulchas and dudh jalebis to flat gulab jamuns.
The book provides amazing details on the history of the city and everything you must eat and try at home thereafter. I can’t wait to go back.
Pix: Dhruvi Shah for MissMalini (shot on Nokia Lumia 1020 and 1520)