Amritsari Fish Pakoda

Amritsari Fish Pakoda is a legendary Punjabi street food from the city of Amritsar — home of the Golden Temple and one of India's most revered culinary destinations. The dish was born in the 1940s along the streets surrounding the Harmandir Sahib, where vendors fried fresh river fish in a spiced chickpea-flour batter to serve to pilgrims and travelers. The batter — enriched with carom seeds (*ajwain*), ginger-garlic paste, and a squeeze of lemon — was specifically designed to complement the delicate flavor of freshwater fish while keeping it moist inside its crisp shell. At Raunak, we use catfish fillets marinated in Punjabi spices, then dipped in a seasoned besan batter and deep-fried until golden and shatteringly crisp.

Catfish is a lean protein source rich in omega-3 fatty acids, vitamin D, and vitamin B12. Chickpea-flour batter is gluten-free and adds protein. Carom seeds aid digestion.