Kashmir, a breathtaking region in Northern India, is often called “Paradise on Earth”. This land is renowned not only for its stunning landscape but also for its rich culture, history, serene beauty, and delicious cuisine. The popular dishes of Kashmir are an exquisite blend of influences from Central Asia, Persia, and India, creating unique, aromatic flavours and spices. Kashmiri food has a deep connection to its cultural history, offering hearty and fulfilling dishes you shouldn’t miss.
If you’re planning to visit Kashmir, be sure to read our entire blog to indulge in Kashmir’s famous food for an enriching culinary experience.
Must Try Dishes of Kashmir: Authentic & Rich Cuisine
Kashmiri food is best known for its non-vegetarian offerings, which are flavourful and spicy. However, the dishes of Kashmir also offer a wide buffet of vegetarian options, highlighting the region’s traditions and diverse culture.
Here are some of the best foods in Kashmir that food lovers definitely try:
1. Kashmiri Rista
This fiery dish consists of mutton meatballs cooked in a spicy red sauce made with Kashmiri chillies. These rich ingredients create an aromatic, flavourful, and savoury taste that tastes intensely delicious and spicy.
2. Kashmiri Yakhni
Yakhini is one of the lightest, most delicate dishes of Kashmir. It consists of mutton simmered in a yoghurt-based broth, flavoured with fennel, saffron, and cinnamon. Yakhini offers a subtler flavour, making it a good choice for those seeking a milder, protein-rich option.
3. Kashmiri Harissa
Harissa is a Kashmiri winter speciality, slow-cooked with mutton and rice, resulting in a hearty, comforting meal. When harissa is cooked, it takes a long time, which tenderises the meat and allows the spices to fully infuse the rice. It is a warm and fulfilling meal for the winter season.
4. Kashmiri Gajar Methi
This is a unique dish that combines carrots and fenugreek leaves, cooked in mustard oil with spices. The natural sweetness of the carrot and the slight bitterness of the fenugreek create a balanced and satisfying flavour that everyone likes. Gajar Methi is one of the simple yet vibrant traditional dishes of Kashmir suitable for vegetarians.
5. Rajma Gogji
Rajma Gogji combines kidney beans with turnips in a flavourful spiced gravy. It creates an earthy flavour that lingers in the mouth, balancing taste with health. You can eat rajma gogji with rice for a fuller experience.
Enjoy the Mouth-Watering Delight of Kashmiri Wazwan
When you’re in Kashmir, you cannot ignore the most iconic dish: Wazwan, a grand multi-course meal that celebrates the culinary expertise of the territory. Wazwan is one of the most renowned traditional dishes of Kashmir, served on special occasions, including weddings. Kashmiri wazwan features over 30 courses and includes both vegetarian and non-vegetarian dishes. This cuisine is enjoyed on a large trami (communal platter), reflecting the spirit of hospitality and togetherness central to Kashmiri culture.
The heart of wazwan is its signature non-vegetarian dishes, including Kashmiri Gushtaba, a rich mutton meatball dish served in a creamy yoghurt gravy, and Kashmiri Rogan Josh, a slow-cooked lamb curry made with aromatic spices such as cinnamon, cardamom, and special chillies. In addition to the heart of the wazwan meal, it offers a variety of vegetarian dishes, such as Dum Aloo and Haak saag. These dishes showcase the side of Kashmir’s Indian food, creating a balance between rich, spicy, and mild flavours, ensuring that there is something for everyone to enjoy.
Let’s Celebrate Kashmiri Cuisine
Kashmir is truly a gem, with its greenery, calming atmosphere, heritage, and diverse cuisine, which make it popular worldwide. Due to its extensive offerings, it attracts significant tourism for its impressive views, natural beauty, adventure, and dishes of Kashmir that burst with diverse flavours and spices. When discussing Kashmir, one cannot ignore Jammu, which is also known for its ethereal beauty and deep-rooted culture. You might not be aware that Jammu and Kashmir is a captivating region with many enchanting places to explore, making it one of the top tourist destinations.
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