Kashmir is a region with many facets. A haven for nature lovers and adventure seekers, its cuisine is high in value as well. Being such a versatile territory in terms of all the things the place has to offer, it shouldn’t come as a surprise that the food in Kashmir is just as amazing and worth trying on your trip to the area. The mouthwatering Kashmiri cuisine will leave your stomach full but your tongue still craving for more. One taste of this food and you’ll be sure to want more for the rest of your life.
Here at Yatrigann, we believe that sampling local food is an important part of experiencing any culture. Kashmiri culture is no different because a lot of ingredients used in Kashmiri cuisine are native to the area and have stories closely intertwined with its people and culture. Nadru, for instance, which is a lotus stem, is found in abundance in the lakes of the region, or haaq – unique leafy greens that are found only in Kashmir.
While all of Kashmiri cuisine is delicious, here we have a list of famous Kashmiri dishes to kickstart your culinary experience in Kashmir!
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15 Authentic Kashmiri Food to try when in Kashmir
1. Rogan Josh
Delicious, aromatic lamb curry, packed with a variety of flavourful spices and yoghurt which adds the slightest bit of gravy. The delicacy is made with tender meat and has a Mughal connection to it.
2. Goshtaba
Kashmiris love meat, so it’s no surprise that you’ll find a lot of non-vegetarian dishes on their menu. Goshtaba was traditionally a royal delicacy for the kings, made with minced balled mutton cooked in yoghurt and spices.
3. Matschgand
This meat dish is cooked in red spicy gravy often mixed with nuts and dry fruits to add flavour. If you’re looking for a taste bud explosion, be sure to try Matschgand when you’re in Kashmir.
4. Kashmiri Muji Gaad
You’ll find this dish pop up during most Kashmiri festivals. Generally served on special occasions, this dish indulges your craving for seafood, with a perfect blend of hot spices, herbs and nadru.
5. Tabak Maaz
Kashmiri-style lamb ribs, marinated with local spices, milk, and fried mutton. Another gem of the traditional food of Kashmir, this indulgent delicacy is extremely popular with locals.
6. Dum Olav
Kashmiri cuisine isn’t just non-vegetarian food, it includes scrumptious vegetarian dishes as well. One of them is Dum Olav, popularly known as Dum Aloo, with a taste of Kashmir wrapped up in layers of spices and aromatic herbs.
7. Lyodur Tschaman
Another one of Kashmir’s vegetarian dishes, rich and creamy with gravy, this one is for paneer lovers. One bite of this and you will find yourself in the quaint mountains.
8. Kashmiri Baingan
Ranked among the ten top Kashmiri dishes, Kashmiri Dahi baingan is a dramatic side dish that can be prepared in a variety of palatable ways and is a perfect food fusion equally loved by the people of Kashmir.
9. Modur Pulav
Centred on saffron, this rice-based dish is adorned with dry fruits, servings of ghee and some milk. It’s not a regular dish, definitely not a regular rice dish, as it provides a hint of sweetness to your meal. One of the many unique things about Kashmiri cuisine is that it doesn’t shy away from sweet spices, which in turn, enhance the flavours.
10. Thukpa
Thukpa is thick noodles immersed in a delicious vegetable soup. It’s a dish that appeals to every foodie and is every Kashmiri local’s favourite meal.
11. Tuji
Tuji isn’t just a dish, it’s an entire experience in itself. Moreish morsels of BBQ’d meats are served with steaming hot chai (a novel pink coloured flavourful tea) and traditional bread by the shores of the iconic Dal Lake.
12. Nadru Yakhni
Kashmiris have got down the perfect lotus stem recipe with Nadru Yakhni. While you sip the rich yoghurt that is interspersed with bay leaves and a dash of ginger, you also get a bite into the crunchy stems. Almost every Asian country has its own recipe for cooking lotus stems, and Kashmiri cuisine might just have created the best one!
13. Sheermal
Often an accompaniment to curry or side dish, Sheermal is a flatbread flavoured with saffron that can be considered a meal in itself. This crispy yet sweet delight will melt in your mouth at the first taste and leave you amazed at its wonderfulness.
14. Shufta
Said to induce warmth on cold days, Shufta is a creamy dessert made with generous amounts of sugar, dried fruits, and nuts alongside a dash of pepper and cardamom. This Kashmiri recipe increases your immunity with the help of all the good fats in the dry fruits.
15. Kahwa
Kahwa is not a dish but it sure is an important part of Kashmiri cuisine. This herbal tea is brewed with saffron and other spices and helps you relax when you’re tired.
Wrapping Up
There you go. Now you know all the popular food of Kashmir, varied, vibrant, and delectable, it should definitely satiate the foodie in you. For an authentic gourmet experience, maybe get yourself invited to a Kashmiri local’s household. Alternatively, you can visit the Kashmiri food festival where you’ll find all these dishes for your enjoyment.
Related: Top 7 Things To Do In Kashmir That You Can’t Miss
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FAQs
What is the famous food of Kashmir?
Kashmir has several famous dishes, among them Mutton Rogan Josh, Nadru Yakhni, Dum Olav, etc.
Which fruit is famous in Kashmir?
Apples, locally known as Sebh or Tsoonth, are the most famous in Kashmir.
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