Kashmiri cuisine reflects a rich influence of Persian, Central Asian, and Afghani food. The delicious flavors, unique ingredients, and a mix of aromatic spices such as fennel, cloves, cardamom, and cinnamon make Kashmiri cuisine appetizing and spicy.
Influenced by climate and cultural heritage, Kashmiri food offers multiple varieties of dishes which are unique and mouth-watering. While planning for a holiday in Kashmir, trying local cuisine must be on the top of your bucket list.
Being renowned for its beauty, Kashmir also offers you delicious cuisine to taste which will make your trip wholesome. the local Kashmiri food provides different varieties for both vegetarians and non-vegetarians.
If you are a foodie but a vegetarian, then there are various Kashmiri dishes that will add new flavors to your taste buds.
Wazwan is a traditional Kashmiri delicacy with over 32 vegetarian and non-vegetarian dishes. Kashmir’s wazwan is world-famous for its rich flavors and vibrant colors. Food lovers from all over the world visit Kashmir once in their life to get the taste of traditional Kashmiri Wazwan.
There are many other popular dishes in Kashmir such as Kahwa, Noon chai, Rogan Josh, Yakhni, Tabak Maaz, Nadru, Kashmiri saag, and Muji glad. Besides dishes, Kashmir is also known for its bakery customs which offer you a variety of breads such as Tsot and Tsochwor, Sheermal,Lavas, kulcha, and bakirkhayn.
Top 9 traditional Kashmir local cuisine
Kashmiri Kahwa
Kashmiri Kahwa is a mild green tea that is prepared by boiling various spices such as cardamom, saffron, and some nuts like almonds making it pleasant smelling. Using aromatic spices with saffron, Kahwa is a perfect tea in the cold climate of Kashmir valley keeping the body warm. Kahwa has been locally known as ‘Mogul Chai’ as it was introduced in the valley late back by the Mughal emperors.
This herbal green tea is prepared in a traditional copper kettle known as Samawar, in which coals are placed to keep the tea warm
Noon chai
Noon chai also called Kashmiri tea or pink tea is a local beverage that has its origins in Kashmir. The word Noon means salt and chai refers to tea, so noon chai is a traditional salty tea.
It is made by boiling green tea leaves, salt, milk, and baking soda in a samovar. No sugar is added in noon chai as this tea is mostly famous for its unique salty flavor. It is widely consumed among the locals mostly as breakfast tea and evening tea. You can enjoy noon chai with local bread like kulcha and Lavasa.
Rogan josh
While talking about the delicacies of Kashmir, rogan josh is the most appetizing and signature dish of a multicourse meal of the valley called Wazwan. Rogan Josh is a traditional lamb curry made with red meat, aromatic spices, and Kashmiri chilies. The gravy of Rogan Josh is enriched with tastes of ginger, garlic, bay leaves, cloves, cardamom, and cinnamon. If you want to experience the rich and authentic taste of Kashmiri rogan josh, then you must definitely try this dish while your trip to Kashmir.
Yakhni
Yakhni is a classic Kashmiri lamb curry that is mainly prepared by yogurt. It is a white gravy that is typically made by adding tender pieces of meat with aromatic spices such as cloves, cardamom, bay leaves, and cinnamon along with onions, ginger, and garlic.
Yoghurt is used to give it a creamy texture which gives it a unique taste making it one of the most flavoursome Kashmiri food.
Tabak Maaz
Tabak Maaz is another traditional Kashmiri dish and one of a key variety of specialized Wazwan of Kashmir. Tabaz Maaz is a meat dish where ribs of lamb are marinated with salt and turmeric. Later these ribs are removed and only meat pieces are shallow fried in desi ghee over mild heat for a longer time.
The finished meal becomes crispy in texture and is served as dry pieces during weddings. The aromatic spices used in marination contribute to the dish’s unique flavor making it one of the most favourite dishes of Kashmiri cuisine lovers.
Nadru
Nadru also called lotus stem is another popular local food of Kashmir. Nadru is used in a diverse way for preparing various local cuisines. Nadru has been found to grow underwater and in Srinagar, it is grown in Dal Lake where lotus plants thrive.
There are various local foods where nadru is used as a key ingredient such as ‘Nadru Yakhni’, Nadir Monji, and Nadru Shorba(nadru soup). Nadru is evenly cut into slices and added to different dishes giving them a crunchy and rich flavour.
Nadru is not only tasty but it also has various health benefits as it is enriched with vitamins, minerals, and dietary fiber.
Kashmiri saag
Kashmiri saag is a delicious and healthy dish which is made with green leafy vegetables and aromatic spices. It is also sometimes made with other ingredients such as meat or fish. Locally known as ‘Haakh’, Kashmiri saag is an extraordinary Kashmiri cuisine that highlights the flavours of traditional Kashmiri food. Kashmiri saag can be served with rice or roti and is enjoyed by both locals and food lovers from all over the world.
Muji Gaad
Kashmiri Muji Gaad is a traditional fish curry immensely consumed during the winter season.This dish is made with fish and added with radish or Nauru and sometimes with Kashmiri saag. It is a blend of vegetarian and non-vegetarian items added with various spices such as cloves, fennel seeds, cardamom, and cinnamon. Muji Gaad is usually served with steamed rice or traditional Kashmiri bread like naan or Roth. It’s a comforting and healthy dish that showcases the authentic recipes of Kashmiri cuisine, with its blend of spices and unique flavors.
Kashmiri bread
Kashmir offers various local breads which are prepared in different seasons and occasions. There are a few breads that you must try while on your tour to Kashmir.
Tsot or Girda is an everyday bread made by Kandur in the early morning. Kashmiri breakfasts are incomplete without tsot. It is made in tandoor and can be consumed with butter or jam.
Lavasa is another local bread which is made from maida. It is also prepared in tandoor and it is crispy in nature. You can try lavasa with barbeques and with various other Kashmiri snacks.
Tsochwor is a Kashmiri bread that is donut-shaped and sprinkled with sesame seeds making it perfect to consume at the afternoon time with traditional noon chai.
Frequently Asked Questions About Kashmir Cuisine
What are some popular dishes in Kashmiri cuisine?
Some popular dishes in Kashmiri cuisine include Rogan Josh (a flavorful lamb curry), Yakhni (a fragrant yogurt-based curry), tabak maaz (marinated lamb ribs) Nadru Yakhni (lotus stem in yogurt sauce), and Haak saag (collard greens cooked with mustard oil and spices).
Is Kashmiri cuisine mostly vegetarian or non-vegetarian?
While there are many vegetarian dishes in Kashmiri cuisine, such as nadru and Haakh, the cuisine is also renowned for its flavorful non-vegetarian dishes, particularly those made with lamb, chicken, or fish, such as Rogan Josh and Muji Gaad (fish curry).
Are there any sweet dishes in Kashmiri cuisine?
Yes, Kashmiri cuisine features several sweet dishes, often flavored with ingredients like saffron, cardamom, and rose water. One popular sweet dish is pherni made with milk,nuts, and sooji often enjoyed during festivals and in the holy month of Ramadhan.
What are some traditional beverages in Kashmiri cuisine?
Traditional beverages in Kashmiri cuisine include Kahwa, a fragrant herbal green tea infused with spices like cardamom, cinnamon, and saffron, often served with almonds and pistachios. Noon Chai, also known as Kashmiri pink tea or gulabi chai , is another popular beverage made with green tea leaves, milk, salt, and sometimes baking soda, giving it a unique pink color.
