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Beyond the stunning locations and sightseeing spots, Kashmir also stands out with its delectable cuisine. Bold flavours, local and fresh produce and some of the best blends of cooking skills add to an epic gastronomic experience. Be it non-vegetarian or vegetarian items, there’s something to cater to the interests and preferences of every traveller. All that you need to do is prioritise finding the best food in Kashmir and include them in your travel plans on your next trip. To try dishes that feature a blend of Central Asia, Persia, and the Indian subcontinent, planning a food trip around Kashmir is vital.
Top 10 Best Foods In Kashmir
From hearty meat dishes to flavourful vegetarian fare, Kashmiri food offers something for every palate and in every corner of Kashmir.
1. Rogan Josh
Photo: Kajori.p / Wikimedia Commons
If there’s a “national” staple dish across Kashmir that’s specifically targeted towards meat lovers, Rogan Josh is it. With robust flavours and fall-off-the-bone tender meat, this dish contains a blend of robust spices, which you will not want to miss out on, especially if you are a meat lover. The dish is slow-cooked, allowing the lamb to become tender while absorbing the rich blend of spices, including cinnamon, cardamom, and cloves. Also, the addition of yoghurt to the dish gives it the richness and creaminess that makes you lick your fingers once you are done.
Where to Try: Ahdoos Restaurant, Srinagar; Shamyana Restaurant, Srinagar
Cost/Serving: ₹INR 400 – 600
Suggested Read: Famous Festivals In Jammu And Kashmir
2. Yakhni
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Yakhni is a soothing and aromatic yoghurt-based curry featuring pieces of meat, typically lamb or chicken. This is one of the best dishes for people who can’t do too many spices and want something that’s light on the stomach but doesn’t compromise on the taste. it is lighter and has a milder flavour profile, because of the generous use of yoghurt and a subtle blend of spices such as cumin and coriander. Also, when meat is added to the curry, it is cooked over low flame for hours to ensure that the meat is tender and the flavours are well integrated into the dish.
Where to Try: Lalit Grand Palace, Srinagar
Cost/Serving: ₹ 350 – 500
3. Gushtaba
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Gushtaba is a luxurious dish made from minced lamb cooked in a creamy, spiced gravy. The dish is a hallmark of Kashmiri wedding feasts and is known for its rich and indulgent flavour. If you are a fan of koftas, which are a popular Indian dish, you will love indulging in Gushtaba too. The meat that is used is minced to the point it becomes a puree, after which the meatballs are prepared and directly dunked into a boiling pot of gravy that’s made using yoghurt, cream, and a blend of spices.
Where to Try: Shamyana Restaurant, Srinagar; Paradise Restaurant, Srinagar
Cost/Serving: ₹INR 500 – 700
Suggested Read: Things To Do In Kashmir
4. Dum Aloo
Photo: AKSHRAJJODHA / Wikimedia Commons
Dum Aloo is a beloved Kashmiri potato curry that’s famous across India. It features potatoes that are cooked in a spiced gravy. The dish is prepared by cooking potatoes slowly (dum-cooking) in a gravy made from tomatoes, yoghurt, and a variety of spices including fennel seeds and turmeric. In some Kashmiri restaurants, you might find the dish prepared using a paste of cashews and cream to thicken the consistency of the gravy and add a depth of richness and flavour to the dish as well.
Where to Try: Krishna Vaishno Dhaba, Srinagar; Gauri’s Restaurant, Srinagar
Cost/Serving: ₹200 – 350
5. Haak
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If you are in the mood for some leafy greens, Haak is the best dish to try out during lunch while you are in Kashmir. The use of collard greens in the dish explains why it is loaded with nutrients like iron, magnesium, etc. It is tempered with a variety of spices and cooked over medium flame. Some curries have little to no water added while other variants might have a little bit of gravy consistency in it to ensure that it pairs well with steamed rice.
Where to Try: Local eateries and home kitchens in Srinagar
Cost/Serving: ₹150 – 250
Suggested Read: Offbeat Places In Kashmir
6. Kashmiri Pulao
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No list of the best Kashmiri food is complete without the mention of Kashmiri Pulao in it. It is potentially one of the most unique rice dishes that you will come across in India, especially with the addition of cut-up fruits. The subtle flavours of saffron, dry fruits and spices also elevate the taste of this staple rice dish in Kashmir. The rice is cooked with aromatic spices like cardamom and cloves, creating a dish that is both savoury and slightly sweet. Occasionally, you will find small pieces of apples and pomegranate in it.
Where to Try: The Grand Mumtaz, Srinagar
Cost/Serving: ₹300 – 500
7. Nadru Yakhni
Photo: Rishabhm9 / Wikiemdia Commons
If you are looking for a vegetarian alternative to the staple Yakhni, consider trying Nadru Yakhni. It is made using lotus stem, which is then simmered and cooked in a yoghurt-based broth. What’s amazing is that despite hours of simmered cooking, the lotus stems have a characteristic crunch and texture to them, which adds a depth of flavour to the dish. Nadru Yakhni is a refreshing and healthy option for vegetarians too. Also, the best way to eat this dish is with a steaming hot bowl of rice or you can opt for local breads too.
Where to try: Ahdoos Restaurant, Srinagar
Cost/Serving: ₹300 – 500
Suggested Read: Best Food In Srinagar
8. Monji Gaade
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This is a seafood lover’s paradise. Think of it like a “Fish Pakora” but with Kashmiri flavours. The bright orange coating of these battered fish is made using a blend of rice flour and besan, salt, turmeric, Kashmiri chilli powder and a little food colour. The fish is then dipped in the thick batter and then deep-fried in some hot oil for a few minutes until it comes out crispy and glorious. It is probably one of the best evening snacks you can find in Kashmir while exploring the markets around.
Where to try: Bustling Srinagar markets, especially Lal Chowk
Cost/Serving: ₹100 – 200
9. Halve-Parathe
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Halve Parathe consists of two dishes. The first part is the large crispy fried “paratha” made using all-purpose flour, which is then rolled out into a large circle and deep fried in hot oil for a few minutes. The second part is the Halva, which is made using semolina and sugar, dry fruits and even a touch of saffron for that bright orange colour. The highlight of this popular street food in Kashmir comes from the massive size of the paratha, which usually measures around 3 feet in diameter.
Where to try: Bustling Srinagar markets, especially Lal Chowk
Cost/Serving: ₹50 – 100
Suggested Read: Best Food In Jammu
10. Kehwa
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Also known as Kahwah, Kehwa is a popular Kashmiri beverage made with green tea leaves, spices, and almonds. The tea is traditionally made in a brass kettle known as a samovar wherein the central part of the kettle has coal, which heats the tea, boils and then simmers it until it’s perfectly brewed. Kehwa is typically enjoyed with a piece of honey or sugar and is a popular drink during the cold winter months. It is often served to guests as a gesture of hospitality and is a cherished part of Kashmiri culture.
Where to Try: Local tea houses and cafes in Srinagar
Cost/Serving: ₹100 – 200
Beyond exploring the popular tourist attractions like Dal Lake, Mughal Gardens and Hazratbal Shrine, you must take out some time from your trip to indulge in the best food in Kashmir. The combination of the robust spices and the unique taste of each dish makes it a food lover’s paradise. So, why wait until you can book the tickets for your next trip to Kashmir with TripXL for the best discounts today and enjoy all of these dishes in real time?
Cover Photo: Kunal Utreja / Wikimedia Commons
