Kesar Da Dhaba
ਕੇਸਰ ਦਾ ਢਾਬਾ
A historic Old Town vegetarian dhaba founded in 1916, famous for its slow-cooked dal makhani, specialty thalis, and phirni served in clay bowls.
Founded in 1916, this dhaba is tucked away in an alley at Chowk Passian near the Golden Temple, about a ten-minute walk away. Dishes are cooked in brass vessels and diners sit at communal long tables. Signatures include dal makhani slow-cooked overnight, chana masala, parathas slathered in ghee, and their specialty thali. For dessert, they serve phirni (rice pudding) in traditional clay bowls (shakoras). Portions are large and heavy on ghee; staff often remind diners that one thali is enough for two to share. Reservations are not accepted, and queues are common in the evenings and on weekends; some diners suggest arriving before 20:00. Vehicles cannot easily enter the narrow alley, so walking from the Town Hall area is the most convenient option.
Opening hours
Daily approx. 12:00-23:00 (some sources state 12:30-22:45)
Nearby sights
- Kesar Da Dhaba
- Akal Takht
- Heritage Street
- Bharawan Da Dhaba
- Central Sikh Museum
- Golden Temple (Harmandir Sahib)
- Partition Museum
- Guru Ram Das Langar