Is it even a trip to kashmir if you haven’t savored a plate of Rogan Josh, or let the warmth of Kahwa melt your worries away? Kashmir is known for its flavorful and rich cuisine which is heavily influenced by various cultures and ethnic groups significantly from Central Asia, Persia, and the Indian subcontinent. You can try the best food in Kashmir by planning your trip this winter season.
Kashmiri food is deeply connected to local ingredients. The focus on slow cooking and layering of flavors, combined with the extensive use of meat, yogurt, and spices such as Kashmiri red chilly, cardamom and many more, gives Kashmiri cuisine its distinctive, rich taste. We have curated a list of Kashmiri food dishes you must try while you visit Kashmir.
Flavors of Paradise: The Best Food In Kashmir
Kashmir is a hub for lip smacking dishes, Kashmiri Wazwan is the first name that comes to our mind when we think of food in Kashmir. Kashmir valley, just like its beauty, has its traditions, customs and culinary culture which is quintessential for Kashmir’s rich heritage. It has been influenced by various ethnic groups, civilizations and cultures over a period of time. From non- vegetarian’s Kashmiri wazwan to vegetarian’s Dum Aloo, Kashmiri cuisine has something to offer for each of us. Kashmiri cuisine gives a myriad of options for vegetarians and non-vegetarians.
Kashmiri Wazwan, the royal dish in kashmir is something you cannot miss during your visit to Kashmir. Wazwan is the traditional food of Kashmir and it consists of 7-36 dishes served in one platter with rice. It is one of the sought-after Kashmiri Cuisines.
Vegetarian food in Kashmir is equally important among the Kashmiri Pandits cuisines, Haakh, Dum aloo, Nadru Yakhni are cooked from freshly sourced ingredients. Other vegetarian dishes include Tangy Brinjal, Nadur Monji, Modur pulao, Kashmiri Rajma. Rice is the staple Kashmiri meal that compliments both vegetarian and non-vegetarian dishes, No Kashmiri’s lunch or dinner is complete without rice. The Kashmiri cuisine has a wide variety of breads or naans namely Lavasa, Shirmal, kulcha, Girda, Tchot, Tilwur and more which could be eaten with dishes or tea. These breads could be savored in breakfast and as evening snacks. Kashmiri cuisine offers a delicate balance of meat and vegetable dishes and each embodies the rich flavors and traditions of Kashmir.
History of Kashmiri cuisines
Kashmiri Cuisine holds deep cultural significance and it is a symbol of heritage and identity. People in Kashmir are predominantly non vegetarian and the multi course dish Kashmiri Wazwan holds great importance when it comes to Kashmiri cuisine.
The origin of Kashmir’s ethnic cuisine dates back to the 14th century influenced by Persian and central Asian culinary traditions brought by the muslim rulers under Mughal rule. This period saw a development of Wazwan, which is synonymous with Kashmiri culture.
Kashmiri food is known for its generous use of spices like fennel, ginger, cinnamon, cardamom, turmeric and saffron. The dishes are seasoned with spices like saffron, cloves, cardamom, dry fruits reflecting its Persian influence. Kashmiri chillies is the speciality of Kashmiri cuisine.
Other Kashmiri condiments that are used : Baadyan (Fennel powder), Zavyul masala (Kashmiri Garam Masala, a blend of many spices), Lidar (turmeric powder), Shonth (Dry Ginger Powder), Yenga (Asafoetida powder), Ver (a spice cake that mixes many other spices including chili and fenugreek seeds among others). These spices could be found in every household in Kashmir, be it vegetarian or non-vegetarian, Kashmiri cuisines holds special importance because of its uniqueness.
Kashmiri Non-Vegetarian Dishes
Kashmiri Wazwan
Kashmiri Cuisine holds deep cultural significance and it is a symbol of heritage and identity. People in Kashmir are predominantly non-vegetarian and the multi course dish Kashmiri wazwan holds great importance when it comes to Kashmiri cuisine. .
Kashmiri wazwan is a multi-course dish which consists of a number of dishes ranging from 7 to 36 or more. The richness of wazwan lies in its variety and flavors. It could be made of mutton, beef, fruits and vegetables. The most prominent ones are Rogan Josh, Gushtaba, Yakhni, Rista, Tabak Maaz, and Kebab. Kashmiri Wazwan is a formal meal in kashmiri tradition. Wazwan is cooked in copper vessels and it takes 2 days to prepare and it holds special importance and is mainly cooked in special occasions such as weddings.
The following dishes graces the Kashmiri wazwan , the royal feast. Don’t miss out any of these dishes on your next trip to Kashmir.
Mutton Rogan Josh
Mutton Rogan Josh is an iconic dish from Kashmir, it is a blend of various spices, yogurt, and caramelized onions. The use of dried Kashmiri chillies is the key ingredient which imparts the fiery-red color to the gravy. Rogan Josh derived its name from the Persian language. The dish is well-known for the aromatic gravy and tender meat. Rogan itself means oil or fat which rises up to the surface and essential in giving the flavor to the dish. You can try the authentic mutton Rogan josh at Mughal Darbar in Srinagar. It offers the best Rogan josh in the town.
Gushtaba
Kashmiri Gushtaba is made up of meatballs dipped in yogurt, tangy gravy. The meat is pounded until it changes its color into pink and the texture of the meat gets soft. The gravy is usually light and soupy which is known as Yakhni.
Tabakh Maaz
Tabak Maz is a important part of wazwan, it is made of fried lamb limbs. The rib of lamb or mutton is cut into small pieces and cooked with subtle flavors of spices. The crispy texture and subtle flavors makes the dish that everyone wants to try, it is the embodiment of Kashmir’s rich culture and tradition.
Kabab
The kabab is an important part of wazwan and once you eat it you wanna have it more and more. These mutton seekh kabab are soft, fluffy. These are yummy in taste, these kebabs are made with the help of small sticks especially known as seekh kabab.
Aab Gosht or Kashmiri Lamb curry
Ab Gosht is milk-based lamb curry with light flavors of cardamom, ginger, and fennel. Ab gosht has a very light curry with low spice count. The presence of milk makes the curry less spicy, making it exotic and flavorful in taste.
Nate Yakhni
Nate Yakhni is made from meat chunks which are later added in yakhni. Yakhni is made from boiling curd and spices are added to it then boiled at high temperature and stirred until a desired consistency is obtained. It gives aromatic curry which will enhance your taste buds.
Rista
Rista is made up of minced meatballs in the red chilly curry which is made up of spices saffron, turmeric, Kashmiri chilli powder, black pepper, cardamom and cloves. It is simply flavored and delicious at the same time. It is similar to Gushtaba but more spicy.
Kashmiri Biryani
Kashmiri biryani is an aromatic meal which could be made of tender pieces of lamb, chicken or mutton along with basmati rice and a blend of Kashmiri spices. It is the wholesome meal, it can be accompanied by the raita or a tangy salad, try out this mouth watering dish steeped in tradition of Kashmir.
Read about best places to visit in Kashmir during winter.
Kashmiri Vegetarian Dishes
Kashmiri Rajma
Kashmiri Rajma is a famous vegetarian food in Kashmir. It is very economical and the best option for vegetarians. This dish is simple yet delicious, kidney beans are simmered with yoghurt, tomatoes, and spices like cloves, cardamom, and bay leaves. It is very commonly cooked in Kashmiri household.
Lyader Tschaman
This dish will make you crave for more once you eat it. “Lyodur” means “yellow” and “Tschaman” means ‘cottage cheese”. It Is a paneer dipped in creamy gravy. It is bright yellow in color and somewhat looks like ‘shahi paneer’ or ‘kadhai paneer’. It is one of the delightful dishes of kashmir.
Dum Aloo
One of the most popular vegetarian dishes, it is prepared with tender and baby potatoes that are first deep-fried dipped in rich creamy onion tomato gravy. The gravy is slightly tangy. You can pair it with rice or roti.It is flavored with spices like fennel and ginger powder.
Where to try : Ahdoos Restaurant in Srinagar, Jammu and Kashmir
Kashmiri Baingan
This dish is one of the best dishes for vegetarians. Kashmiri Khatte Baingan are made with a fried onion paste, tamarind for sourness and spices. The dish is known for its “Khatta” flavor that comes from the tamarind, along with ginger and fennel which are the key ingredient in Kashmiri cuisines. The onions are used which gives consistency and richness while adding a touch of sweetness and you can devour the curry and enjoy the richness of the dish.
Kashmiri Muji Gaad
Kashmiri Muji Gaad is a blend of vegetarian and non-vegetarian items. It is authentic Kashmiri food. It is popular among Hindu kashmiri Pandits. It is a unique Kashmiri style fish curry cooked with diced radish. You can serve it with rice and enjoy the scrumptious meal.
Kashmiri Tahari Biryani
Kashmiri biryani or Tahari biryani was first brought up by Kashmiri Pandits. It is prepared by adding potatoes in place of meat. It is purely a vegetarian biryani. Fennel powder, dry ginger powder and garam masala adds up to the delectable aroma of the dish. Kashmiri veg biryani is garnished with fried cashews and raisins, giving it the sweet flavor to the dish. It is a must try for all the vegetarians. You will surely be mesmerized by its taste.
Nadru Monje
Looking for Kashmiri snacks to be eaten with hi tea? Then you can try these crispy fritters made from lotus stem and satiate your evening cravings.
Modur Pulao
It is Kashmiri sweet pulao made from fragrant rice, milk and spices like cinnamon and cardamom. This dish is loaded with dry fruits and saffron to add to its richness. It is perfect for festivals and other special occasions.
Kashmir Roti
Kashmir bread is an intergral part of Kashmiri cuisine. Kashmir is a hub for wide variety of breads. There are bakers in every nook and corner known as Kandur. These shops are the hub for social gatherings. Some of the breads of Kashmir are: Gyev Chyot, Bagherkhani, Girda, Sheermal, kulcha bread, Katlam. You can have it with Kahwa or Pink tea.
Read about Best things to do in Kashmir during winter.
Beverages
Kahwa
This is a traditional Kashmiri green tea infused with saffron, cardamom, cinnamon, and sometimes garnished with almonds. It’s especially popular during cold winters.
Pink Tea
Pink tea also known as noon chai originated from Kashmir, noon translates to salt so the tea is called noon tea. The adding of baking soda imparts pink color to the tea as it reacts with the tea leaves while brewing. Noon chai can be accompanied by naan or other Kashmiri. The tea can be topped with rose petals and nuts.
Where to try the Best Kashmiri Food
Here are the top restaurants where you can find best vegetarian and non-vegetarian food in Kashmir : Try out the best food in Kashmir at Mughal Darbar in Srinagar, Krishna Vaishno Dhaba, Mughal Darbar, Lhasa restaurant, Cafe Tulip, Stream Restaurant, Shamyana Restaurant, Ahdoos Restaurant are some of the best picked restaurants in Srinagar and Pahalgam.
Embark on a jouney to heavenly Kashmir with Justwravel and taste the best Kashmiri cuisines.
