Kesar Da Dhaba
40 people recommend, 24 warn against itvia r/amritsar, r/indiafood, r/punjab·30 comments quoted below
The comments quoted below are a sample of the full tally across 43 threads.
What people say, in short
Kesar Da Dhaba divides opinion despite its large following. Supporters recommend vegetarian thalis, dal and phirni, with some particularly enjoying the generous ghee. Critics describe the cooking as too oily or disappointing for the hype, and several report queues. It is a stronger fit for someone seeking rich dhaba food than for someone wanting a light meal.
Address
Kesar Da Dhaba, Chowk Passian, gali rajpura, near Telephone Exchange, Amritsar, Punjab 143006, India
At a glance
- Signature dishes
- Dal, Phirni, Palak paneer
- Best for
- Vegetarian
- Opinions divided
- Yes
The evidence
Every point below is paraphrased from a real public comment, ordered by how much the community engaged with it. Caveats and negatives are kept in — follow any link to read the original for yourself.
Describes it as an evergreen dhaba serving robust, flavourful North Indian dishes.
Food looks better than it actually tastes.
Hour-long queue and taste not worth it; crowded, uncomfortable dining experience.
Disagrees with recommending it and considers it overrated.
Strongly advises against recommending Kesar.
Advises skipping it as it feels overhyped.
Includes it among the good food spots in Amritsar, especially for the famous kulcha.
Says it is nice.
Calls the food mediocre.
Recommends it for dal tadka.
Says you can go there for good food, though dhaba food is oily.
Says it is not as good as tourists hype it up to be.
Says to avoid it because it has lost its authentic taste over time.
Says it is good.
Did not like the food but their friend enjoyed it.
Calls it a must-go, very famous for its original dal makhani.
Suggests trying food from this dhaba when visiting the city
Says the food is far too oily and inedible
Agrees it is overrated now.
Recommends it for desi food made with proper desi ghee.
Says food at dhabas like Kesar was better than Sadda Pind.
Recommends it specifically to those who enjoy food cooked generously with ghee.
Says both places have amazing food.
Lists it among places to eat, praising its phirni.
Despite criticism, still found the visit worth it.
Always eats there when visiting Amritsar; urges trying it.
Listed as a must-visit place in Amritsar.
The only classic dhaba the commenter would actually recommend.
Feels the place now offers mainly heavy ghee and crowds, unlike its earlier appeal.
Recommended for paratha thali.
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Freshness
Last verified 21/10/2026. Recommendations reflect what people said at the time; confirm current details before you go.