From royal feasts to street-side delights – experience the flavors of paradise.
Kashmir isn’t just known for its breathtaking landscapes – it’s a culinary paradise too. The food here is a beautiful blend of Persian, Central Asian, and traditional Indian influences, cooked with love, rich spices, and age-old techniques.
Whether you’re a hardcore foodie or a curious traveler, here’s your ultimate guide to what you must eat in Kashmir.
🍛 1. Wazwan – The Grand Kashmiri Feast
No trip to Kashmir is complete without trying Wazwan, a traditional multi-course meal (often up to 36 dishes!) served at weddings and celebrations. It’s more than just food – it’s an emotion.
Must-Try Wazwan Dishes:
- Rogan Josh – tender lamb cooked in Kashmiri chili & yogurt
- Gushtaba – soft mutton balls in a rich yogurt gravy
- Rista – saffron-colored meatballs in red curry
- Tabak Maaz – fried ribs of lamb, crispy outside and tender inside
- Daniwal Korma – mutton in a yogurt-coriander sauce
- Marchwangan Korma – fiery red mutton curry with Kashmiri chillies
Pro Tip: If you’re not attending a wedding, head to a local restaurant like Ahdoos (Srinagar) or Mughal Darbar to try Wazwan.
🍗 2. Kashmiri Kebabs – Smoky, Spicy, Delicious
Kebabs are a street food staple in Kashmir. Made with finely minced meat, special spice blends, and cooked on skewers over charcoal – they’re juicy, smoky, and bursting with flavor.
Popular Varieties:
- Seekh Kebabs
- Tujj (charcoal-grilled lamb skewers) – best had on Boulevard Road in Srinagar
- Chicken Kebabs with chutney and naan
🥘 3. Yakhni – Fragrant Yogurt Curry
Yakhni is a subtle, flavorful mutton or chicken curry cooked in a yogurt-based sauce with fennel, cardamom, and dry mint. It’s light, aromatic, and pairs beautifully with steamed rice.
🧂 4. Dum Aloo – Kashmiri Veg Classic
For vegetarians, Dum Aloo is a must-try. Baby potatoes are deep-fried and cooked in a rich gravy of yogurt, Kashmiri red chili powder, and spices – simple yet heavenly.
🍚 5. Modur Pulao – Sweet, Saffron-Infused Rice
Aromatic Kashmiri rice dish made with dry fruits, saffron, cinnamon, and ghee, Modur Pulao is a fragrant, lightly sweet delicacy often served during feasts.
🍞 6. Girda and Lavasa – Traditional Kashmiri Breads
Start your morning with Girda or Lavasa, the soft, round local breads baked in tandoors. Best enjoyed with Noon Chai (pink tea) or Harissa (especially in winter).
🫖 7. Kahwa – Saffron Green Tea
Kashmiri Kahwa is more than just a drink – it’s a cultural ritual. Brewed with green tea, cardamom, cinnamon, saffron, and almonds – it’s warming, soothing, and perfect for chilly evenings.
🧂 8. Noon Chai – The Pink Salted Tea
Also called Sheer Chai, this unique tea is pink in color and salty in taste. Locals usually have it with bread or bakarkhani in the mornings or during special gatherings.
🥘 9. Harissa – Winter Comfort Food
A slow-cooked meat porridge made during the harsh winters of Kashmir. Served hot with naan and ghee, Harissa is incredibly filling and comforting.
🧁 10. Traditional Sweets – Delicate & Delicious
- Phirni – ground rice pudding flavored with cardamom and saffron
- Shufta – dry fruit mix with sugar and ghee
- Kong Phirni – saffron-infused variant of phirni, often served in earthen pots
🌽 11. Street Food & Snacks
- Masala Tchot – naan filled with spicy chickpeas and chutney (try it in Downtown Srinagar)
- Nadru Monje – lotus stem fritters, a crispy snack you’ll find at street stalls
- Paneer Tikka & Tujj – smoky delights served with radish chutney
🍏 12. Kashmiri Fruits & Dry Fruits
- Apples (especially from Sopore)
- Walnuts, almonds, and dried figs
- Saffron (Kesar) – grown in Pampore, used in many dishes
✅ Final Tips:
- Many restaurants serve a vegetarian version of Wazwan. Just ask!
- Always try local bakeries – they serve the freshest traditional breads.
- If you’re visiting in winter, don’t miss Harissa – a seasonal must!
- Drink Kahwa after heavy meals – it helps in digestion and feels amazing.
Final Word: Taste the Soul of Kashmir
Kashmiri cuisine is more than food – it’s heritage, hospitality, and heart. Every dish tells a story of tradition, family, and the love of spices. So come hungry, eat slow, and savor every bite.
