Posted by Amritsar, Punjab is a traveler’s delight. There’s plenty to see, lots to do and loads to eat! My husband’s family has their ancestral haveli in Amritsar, giving us an excuse to visit this historic city often. Over the years we’ve identified our favourite spots, and return to them tirelessly. This is a three-part series on Amritsar. The first post was on must-see places- click here to read. This post is dedicated to places to shop.
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Shopping for juttis!
Amritsar is a shopper’s paradise! Here are my favourite places:
Katra Jaimal Singh, near Hall Bazaar, is best known for fabrics of all kinds, with a special focus on phulkari dupattas. These gorgeous hand-woven cloths are unique to the Punjab. They are usually paired with a kurta and salwar, but can be styled in other ways too. One can find many varieties and price ranges of this and other clothing materials in this vast market.
Katra Jaimal Singh is best for fabric shopping
Raunaq Juttis, outside Hall Gate, opposite Dargah Hazrat Baba Zahrah Peer Ji, sells closed slippers for both men and women. Though there are many jutti shops all across town, Raunaq is known to have the prettiest designs. Do try juttis on before investing, as these shoes can be notoriously uncomfortable!
Chor Bazaar, also called Landa Bazaar, located in the Mall Road area, sells imported fabrics, and techie goods from across the border. The selection is much lesser than that of other markets like Katra Jaimal Singh, but there are some unique and stunning things on offer.
Buy fabrics and other things at Chor Bazaar market
Papar-Warian or poppadums and other fried goods of various kinds are widely sold in Amritsar. They are quite unique with a variety of flavours and make a perfect evening snack. They are usually sold semi-baked and need to be roasted lightly before serving. The most famous shop selling these is located in Lawrence Road, opposite Arya Samaj Mandir, near BBK DAV College, Shastri Nagar, White Avenue.
Papar-warian
Aam papad or Indian fruit leather made from mango pulp mixed with concentrated sugar solution, dried in the sun, is another favourite item. It’s sold at a little stall in front of the Government Medical College, Lawrence Road, Amritsar. The stall is unassuming and might put you off, but the wares are delicious!
Aam papad. Picture courtesy: dishesguru.com
Bansal Sweets in Lawrence Road, Joshi Colony, sells delicious Indian mithai. They generously allow you to try their specialities before you buy. My favourites include their pinnis, moti chur ke laddoo, and patisa.
Motichur ke laddoo. Picture courtesy: bansalsweets.in
As with other Indian tier-2 cities, there has been a proliferation of malls in Amritsar recently. I personally haven’t visited any but according to the Chandigarh Metro, the best known ones are- Alpha One Mall on Sultan Mills Suburban Main GT Road; Trilium Mall on the Circular Road; Celebration Mall in Gagan Colony; Wagah Plaza in Khandwala; and Omaxe Novelty Mall in Joshi Colony.
Packed streets in Amritsar
Stay tuned for the next post in this series- Where to Eat in Amritsar!
City shopping rating: 5/5
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