Food (Kashmir)

The food of Kashmir is as vibrant and delightful as the its landscapes. You can have a variety of food here. Although it may seem that Kashmir is a non vegetarian’s paradise, but, it is not just for the non vegetarians. As a matter of fact, some of the authentic Kashmiri dishes are vegetarian. From street food to fine dining, the options are there to spoil you.

Kahwa

Kashmiri tea flavoured with the saffron and plenty of dry fruits added into it. It offers great warmth in the chilling cold of Kashmir. You may also bring back different flavoured kahwa tea ready made packs available in the shops there.

Khambir

Khambir is Kashmiri local bread. You won’t find many places selling it except some small tandoor nooks or tea stalls. It accompanies tea specially in the breakfast.

Chestnut

Chestnut is available in Kashmir (majorly in Srinagar) like a street food. You will find vendors roasting or dry frying the peeled chestnuts. They do not have strong flavour whatsoever other than a little sweet or mostly bland. Good to be consumed hot. They can serve as a healthy snack to keep you warm. But over eating might cause digestion issues. It is fairly costly, but must try!

Paratha

Some places specially in mosque areas sell big sized parathas. Kept on the counter, one paratha could serve 4 people easily. They are different from our regular parathas and are quite luring.

Kebabs

The best kebabs are available in the downtown area. Tender, juicy and full of flavours. You can chose from many options available. Just ask for the type of meat before ordering anything.

Non Vegetarians

The famous Kashmiri Wazwan is a traditional feast. It is a multicourse meal (includes 36 dishes in the original version) of non vegetarian in nature prepared from lamb (not goat) and chicken. The full meal serves 4 people at the least. If you want to have the wazwan in a restaurant you will have to order half meal. Even that is more than enough for two people. The dishes served in the wazwan include – Seekh Kebab, Tabaq Maaz– Ribs, Rista– Meat balls in fiery gravy, Rogan Josh, Goshtaba– meat balls in curd based gravy all served one by one on a plate of rice. There is a traditional way to prepare, cook, serve and eat the wazwan. But the restaurants offer you a shorter 4-5 course meal.

You may individually try all the dishes served in the Wazwan. The Rogan Josh is one famous Kashmiri dish available all over India. Then there are other non vegetarian items like the Yakhni mutton, Shab Deg, Aab Gosh, Gaad etc.

Vegetarians

All you vegetarians out there, do not be disheartened, Kashmir caters to all food preferences! You may enjoy a number of authentic Kashmiri vegetarian dishes like Kashmiri Pulao, Kashmiri Baigan, Dum Aloo, Rajma Chawal or Lyodur Tschaman (Paneer in rich yellow gravy). Nadir Monji– is a special item of Kashmir. It is a pakoda dish made from the lotus stem and is a must try.