With Punjab, Delhi, and Maharashtra always remaining in the spotlight for their food, some states in India rarely get the attention they deserve. Among these states is Kashmir, fondly and famously nicknamed the ‘heaven of India’. But do you know that the food in Kashmir is nothing short of heavenly as well?
When we imagine Indian food, we often picture something spicy and predominantly vegetarian. Well, Kashmiri food is anything but that. Yes, it’s rich with fragrant seasonings, but it’s rarely spicy. It uses rice and plenty of vegetables, but also celebrates an abundance of meats. And lastly, while it may lack the delectable presentation, it tastes delicious than it looks.
If you are someone with adventurous taste buds or want to experience something new, IamNavigato has made the perfect list of the most famous foods in Kashmir.
List of the Best Foods in Kashmir
Here’s an overlook of the extensive zaika-e-Kashmir (flavor of Kashmir).
1. Rogan Josh
If you go to Kashmir as a tourist and ask around for a dish to try, you will get one common answer: “Try the Kashmiri Wazwan”. This is the ceremonial and traditional Kashmiri feast with 36 courses. And the undisputed king of this meal is the Rogan Josh. Made with tender pieces of lamb or mutton and infused with a mix of spices, this famous food in Kashmir comes packed with a burst of flavor. It is traditionally eaten with rice or naan bread.
2. Gushtaba
Another meal in the wazwan, which is arguably considered the most delicious among all, is the Gushtaba. Locally called the “dish of kings,” this Kashmiri cuisine consists of mutton balls cooked in a rich creamy yogurt gravy. It’s tangy, savory, and delicious enough to keep you having more. What’s even more special is that this dish has been tried and loved by the likes of Dilip Kumar, Nikita Khurschev, and Jawaharlal Nehru.
3. Riste
Riste (pronounced as ‘rish-tay’) is very similar to the Northern dish of kofte. It is mainly made from ground beef or mutton rolled into a ball and combined with spices and eggs. The meatballs are then boiled in a gravy, resulting in a flavorsome dish that is as tasty as it is healthy.
4. Yakhni
This famous food in Kashmir is as simple as it comes. Light, aromatic, and extremely appetizing – the Yakhni is a yoghurt-based meat curry (traditionally of mutton or lamb) that is served with rice. It does not have any spices in it – no turmeric or red chilli powder. So, even those with the most sensitive of palates can enjoy it. This dish is for those moments when you want a break from the heat but still want something deeply comforting. However, do not confuse it with the Pakistani Yakhni Pulao, which is an entirely different dish.
5. Modur Pulao
Kashmir is renowned for its bounty of dry fruits and saffron, and Modur Pulao is a lavish showcase of both. A vegetarian’s true delight, this Kashmiri food dish is crafted with a generous mix of cinnamon, saffron, milk, ghee, sugar, cashews, almonds, green cardamom, and more. The result? A fragrant, indulgent pulao that dances between sweet and savory in a way that’s uniquely Kashmiri.
6. Haak Saag
For those who say that there is no good vegetarian Kashmiri food, this dish will prove them wrong. Haak Saag is a staple household dish in the valley made from collard greens or kohlrabi leaves (haak). Haak is boiled in mustard oil and tempered with garlic and green chilies. It’s simple, no-fuss, and oddly enjoyable.
7. Kashmiri Harisa
Harisa is a prized and expensive Kashmiri food dish that is an art in itself, requiring premium mutton, extensive preparation time, and a steady stirring. Traditionally eaten during winters, it is a slow-cooked mutton paste spiced delicately and served hot with crispy fried onions and naan.
Sure, a lot of homes in Kashmir now make Harissa on their own, but the real magic still lies with the harisagarows, a few time-honored chefs who’ve been perfecting this dish long before it was famous. You can still get a taste of this tradition in Maisuma and Sarai Bal in the uptown Srinagar.
8. Matschgand
Another lesser-known Kashmir food is the Matschgand – minced meat cooked in a rich red gravy and often confused with Riste, but it’s spicier and bolder. It carries a punch and is usually made for special occasions. A must-try for anyone who believes no meal is complete without a dish with gravy.
9. Nadur Maunj
It would be a sin to discuss the food scene of the state without mentioning its street food. And just like any other corner in India, street food in Kashmir is vibrant, deeply local, and bursting with bold flavors. Here you can find roasted water chestnuts (called Buzith Gaer), pumpkin flower fritters (Alla Posh Mond), and deep-fried giant breads with halwa (Halweh Parothe). But nothing is as bizarre and as delicious as the Nadur Maunj.
This famous food in Kashmir is made from the stem of the lotus flower, which is coated with seasoned flour and then deep-fried. It is usually eaten with a green chutney.
10. Noon Chai or Sheer Chai
Noon Chai is not your average tea. It’s salty, pink, and made with baking soda, milk, and a sprinkle of crushed nuts. But why is it so different from normal tea? It is particularly because of the cold Kashmiri winters. The warm, creamy nature of Noon Chai provides a comforting and warming beverage. Moreover, it’s great for digestion and rich with antioxidants. That is why you would find many samovars steaming with this beverage in the cold, harsh winters of Kashmir.
11. Kahwa
When in Kashmir, this is what you sip while staring at snowflakes or catching up with a friend on a chilly morning. Kahwa (locally pronounced as kehwa) is a tea brewed with saffron, cinnamon, and cardamom, and topped with slivered almonds. It’s light, warming, and deliciously addictive.
Final Crumbs
Jammu & Kashmir’s cuisine is an ode to time and craft. Whether it’s the royal feast of wazwan or a humble bowl of Haak, every dish tells a story of resilience, celebration, and deep-rooted culture.
So next time you’re in J&K, don’t just go where the tourists go. Find a local kitchen, accept that third helping of Gushtaba, sip your Noon Chai slowly, and eat like you’re part of the valley.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q. What is the most famous food in Kashmir?
A. Rogan Josh, Kahwa, Gushtaba, and the like are among the most famous foods in Kashmir.
Q. What is Wazwan in Kashmiri cuisine?
A. Wazwan is a grand multi-course feast (often up to 36 dishes), primarily meat-based, and is an essential part of Kashmiri culture and celebrations.
Q. Is Kashmiri food spicy?
A. Kashmiri food is anything but spicy. They use aromatic spices like fennel, cardamom, and dry ginger that have a tolerable heat level.
Q. Are there vegetarian options in Kashmiri cuisine?
A. Yes, there are plenty of vegetarian options in Kashmiri cuisine like Haak Saag, Dum Aaloo, Kashmiri Pulao, and Nadur Yakhni.
Q. What makes Kashmiri cuisine unique?
A. The balance of rich flavors, use of local ingredients like saffron and dry fruits, and slow-cooking methods make it distinct from the rest of Indian cuisine.
Q. What are the popular beverages in Kashmir?
A. The region is known for Noon Chai (salted pink tea) and Kahwa (a saffron-infused green tea with nuts and spices).
Q. Where can I try authentic Kashmiri food?
A. Authentic Kashmiri food can be found throughout Jammu and Kashmir, but the best spots are located in Srinagar, particularly in Dalgate and Lal Chowk.
Also Read: Places To Visit In Kashmir | Yoga Retreats in Rishikesh | Waterfalls in Rishikesh | Tourist Places in Tamil Nadu
