Internationally renowned Michelin-starred-chef, Vikas Khanna, pays homage to his roots and the hometown he was raised in, and the fabulous cuisine of Amritsar. Vikas Khanna’s guide to the famous cuisine of Amritsar. Khanna’s Junoon restaurant may make waves in US, but his beautifully produced book, Amritsar, Flavours of the Golden City, has him pay homage to the town, its culture and food. Yes, he’s a man who does not forget the affectionate family women who raised him and shared family culinary secrets. This is a sampler from his book.

Vikas Khanna’s guide to the famous cuisine of Amritsar

Boondi Khanna would not miss the boondi pearls-as-prasad at Bijli Pehelwan Temple at Amritsar as a boy. Bo wale kulche Double-fermented dough makes this kulcha a special soft treat.

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Chenna murgi Khanna wonders why it’s called murgi but forgets everything before the melting taste of sweetened cottage cheese rolls. Kala channa soup Amritsaris swear by the healing qualities of this lentil soup also called ‘lakh dukhon ki ek dava’. Kaleji toast Khanna doffs his hat to his uncle, Babu Chacha, whose creamy liver on crisp toast makes for a filling snack or breakfast option.

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Rasbhari Jam A seasonal preserve, Cape gooseberry makes for a fresh, fruit jam. Sandalwood sherbet From the aroma from the Golden Temple, fresh sandalwood paste turns into a cooling sherbet in the summers. Shashtri market ki chaamp ‘Chaamp’ is from the Irish word meaning ‘to pound’; pounded lamb chops grilled to perfection, the Amritsari way. Images courtesy: Amritsar, Flavours of the Golden City/ Roli Books]]>