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The natural beauty of Kashmir is so breathtaking that it leaves a beautiful mental picture in our hearts forever. You can also enjoy a variety of heavenly Kashmiri flavours that will leave a mark on your tastebuds. The cuisine of this region is deeply rooted in its history, culture, and climate.
Kashmiri cuisine ranges from rich, slow-cooked meat dishes to fragrant teas and delicate desserts that are full of warmth, flavour and aroma. These delicacies are inspired by the cultures of Persia, Central Asia, and North India, where every dish has spices like saffron, fennel, dry ginger, and cardamom. So if you are planning your trip to Kashmir and want to indulge in the authentic cuisines of this land, here’s a list of iconic Kashmiri dishes that you can try!
1. Rogan Josh- The Pride of Kashmiri Wazwan
One of the most famous and iconic Kashmiri cuisine is the Rogan Josh. This is a slow-cooked lamb curry which is rich in flavour, and is red in colour due to the use of Kashmiri dry red chillies. What sets it apart from other dishes is its vibrant red hue and the use of yogurt to tenderise the meat.
This creates a rich gravy that’s aromatic as it is spiced with cloves, cinnamon, and cardamom. It is served with steamed rice or naan that brings out the flavours of the dish.
2. Yakhni- Fragrant Yogurt Lamb Curry
In contrast to the boldness of Rogan Josh, Yakhni is a subtle and soothing dish. The dish is made by simmering the lamb in a yogurt-based gravy that is flavoured with bay leaves, cardamom, fennel seeds, and dry mint.
The suprising fact is that garlic, onions, and tomatoes, are not used in the preparation of this dish and the end product is still rich and creamy in texture. Yakhni reflects the elegant and refined side of Kashmiri cuisine, and is a favourite at wedding feasts and family gatherings.
3. Dum Aloo- The Vegetarian Hero
Kashmiri Dum Aloo is a flavour bomb that you can try on your visit to Kashmir. This is a vegetarian dish where baby potatoes are deep-fried and then cooked slowly in a spiced yogurt gravy.
The dish gets its depth from ginger powder, fennel powder, and Kashmiri chilli that results in a dish that is bold red in colour, and is spicy and tangy in taste. It is usually served with rice or roti and showcases a vegeterian side of Kashmiri cuisine.
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4. Modur Pulav- Sweet Kashmiri Rice
Modur Pulav is a saffron-infused, sweet Kashmiri rice dish that is often served during special occasions. It is cooked with ghee, milk, and generous amount of dry fruits like almonds, cashews, and raisins.
The pulao also contains cinnamon and cardamom to give it a warm aroma. Even though this is a sweet rice dish, it is often paired with mildly spiced curries like Yakhni that some how enhances and balances the flavours of this dish.
5. Goshtaba- The Royal Meatball Curry
One of the grandest dish in the Kashmiri Wazwan, the Goshtaba is a rich delicacy made of minced mutton balls that are cooked in thick yogurt and cream-based gravy. This dish is heavy, decadent, and deeply flavourful.
The dish is cooked by pounding the meatballs to a silky texture and then simmering them in a spiced sauce that’s velvety and aromatic. This dish is mostly served during the weddings and festivals as the royal dish of Goshtaba is not just food, it is an experience to indulge in.
6. Haak- Kashmiri Collard Greens
Haak is a simple green leafy vegetable dish that is surprisingly flavourful despite its minimal ingredients. It is made from the collard greens or Kashmiri saag that is usually sauted with mustard oil, green chillies, and just a hint of asafoetida. Haak is a staple dish in Kashmiri households and is often served with rice. It represents the comforting, everyday side of Kashmiri food that is simple yet satisfying.
7. Nadru Yakhni- Lotus Stem in Yogurt Gravy
Nadru Yakhni is a lesser-known but incredibly delicious dish that is made from lotus stems and is cooked in a yogurt-based gravy. The flavour of this dish comes from the crunchy texture of the lotus stems that can perfectly soak up the fennel and dry ginger-spiced sauce. This dish is often included in vegetarian versions of the Wazwan and is a great way to try something unique in Kashmir.
8. Rista- Fiery Red Meatballs
Rista is a dish in which meatballs are served in a fiery red gravy that is spiced with saffron, cloves, and chillies. The mutton balls are tender and flavourful, while the gravy is bold and festive. Rista is usually eaten with rice, and is an essential dish that is serevd in traditional feasts as it symbolises richness and abundance.
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9. Sheermal- Sweet Saffron Flatbread
Sheermal is a flatbreat which is slightly sweet and is infused with saffron. This pairs well with savoury flavours of gravies as well as mild teas. It is soft, fragrant, and rich in ghee and melts in the mouth when eaten, adding a touch of royatly to your meal. Though it’s more common during festivals, you can easily find Sheermal in many Kashmiri bakeries all year round.
10. Kahwa- The Soul Warming Saffron Tea
No Kashmiri meal is complete without a cup of Kahwa. This is a traditional green tea which is brewed with saffron strands, cardamom, cinnamon, cloves and is often topped with slivered almonds. Served in tiny cups called khos, Kahwa is not just a drink, it is a ritual of relaxation and warmth. It is great to consume after a heavy meal or during cold weather as the warmth of this tea soothes the body and delights the senses.
Conclusion
Kashmiri cuisine is a beautiful reflection of the region’s rich culture, heritage, and natural bounty. Whether you’re indulging in the royal spread of Wazwan or sipping on a cup of Kahwa by the fire, each dish tells a story of warmth, tradition, and togetherness. From meaty masterpieces like Rogan Josh and Goshtaba to vegetarian delights like Dum Aloo and Haak, there’s something for every kind of foodie in Kashmir. So when you visit this paradise on earth, make sure to treat your tastebuds to the unforgettable flavours that make Kashmiri food a timeless culinary treasure.