Jammu and Kashmir is not a state that is only famous for its luxurious valleys and unbelievably gorgeous vistas it also has a rich history, culture and most importantly delicious cuisine. The traditional food in Kashmir is indeed healthy, refreshing and varied. If you wish to add some spice (and sweetness!) to your next trip to Kashmir, make sure you pick out your personal favourites from this list and make space for these meals on your vacation itinerary! Food often becomes an important way to connect with friends and family on any journey – and some food has special significance in some areas, just like eating Maggi when you reach the summit of a trekking journey, or pakodas when you are sitting beside a gushing waterfall.
Kashmiri cuisine is very varied, and contrary to popular belief you can find both veg and non-veg delicacies that will prove therapeutic to your taste buds. Here are eleven foods in Kashmir that you can try at any time. Here are the most famous dishes of Kashmir that food lovers must try during their next summer or winter holiday!
Famous Foods In Jammu And Kashmir You Need To Try In This Lifetime
1. Dum Aloo
The aloo of Jammu is one of the most famous dishes in Jammu and Kashmir that is not only sought after by tourists whenever they visit Kashmir but also the recipe that has been adapted by fine dining restaurants all over India and around the world. The dum aloo here has a refreshing taste that is savory and filling. The best part is that Dum aloo of Jammu is street food and you can purchase a dish without having to pay a lot of money. It is also available almost everywhere in Southern J&K. Add some chopped onions to it for the best taste due to this, the dish counts as the most popular Foods In Jammu and Kashmir.
Entry fee: no preliminary entry fee
Opening and closing timings: most restaurants in Jammu and Kashmir open by 10:00 a.m. in the morning and closed by 10:00 p.m.
Time taken to visit: 1 to 2 hours
2. Rogan Josh
If you are a meat lover, no food in Kashmir can beat this one dish for you. Rogan Josh is a spicy mutton preparation that needs to be made in the traditional Kashmiri way so that you can experience the taste of this distinct cultural glory. It is originally made with hot and peppery flavours and its main quality is its unique and distinct aroma. It looks like a thick red curry dish which is often aesthetically competent enough to make your mouth water. The slight crispness and smoothness of its taste are what sets this apart from all other famous foods of Jammu and Kashmir.
Entry fee: no preliminary entry fee
Opening and closing timings: most restaurants open by 10:00 a.m. in the morning and close by 10:00 p.m. You can find 24-hour open restaurants in big cities like Jammu and Srinagar.
Time taken to visit: 1 to 2 hours
3. Trout fish
This fish is an exotic fish species that is usually not found in tropical regions like India. But the unique climate of Jammu and Kashmir is a suitable place for the growth of some of the most expensive trout in the world. Trout fish is sold all around Kashmir and is a part of every restaurant’s menu. There are many simple to elaborate dishes that are made out of trout fish and you can even purchase raw trout for your camping bonfire roast when you come to visit Kashmir!
Entry fee: no preliminary entry fee
Opening and closing timings: you can engage in fishing activities like trout angling and catching your own fish! The fishing fee is 1000 INR per person. No official opening or closing timings
Time taken to visit: 2 hours
4. Modur Pulao
Who does not want to eat some sweet pulao that is dripping in ghee and has a unique pleasant smell? Modur Pulao is a rice preparation that is quite popular as a food in Kashmir, one of the major reasons being that its fascinating taste helps balance out the extremely spicy side dishes that are an integral part of Kashmiri cuisine. This pulao is made with great-quality fruits and nuts and is usually eaten with gravy or Kashmiri rajma. Some traditional food connoisseurs like to serve this pulao with dum aloo and phulka as well!
Entry fee: no entry fee
Opening and closing timings: restaurants in Jammu and Kashmir open around 10:00 a.m. in the morning and close by 10:00 p.m.
Time taken to visit: 2 to 3 hours
5. Yakhni Lamb Curry
If you haven’t noticed yet, Kashmiri cuisine is a master at conjuring up the perfect blend of spices. Yakhni Lamb Curry is indeed the first thing you need to try if you ever visit any fine dining restaurant in Kashmir for the taste of a special dish. These places also offer chicken and vegan variations of the Yakhni Lamb Curry for those who for religious or health reasons cannot consume lamb. If that is not an issue for you you can also try out this dish in any of the food stalls located in local markets around the state. The beautiful colour and consistency of one of the most famous dishes of Kashmir are certain to blow your mind.
Entry fee: no preliminary entry fee
Opening and closing timings: 10:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m.
Time taken to visit: 1 to 2 hours
6. Lyodur Tschman
When every ingredient is so perfectly used in Kashmiri cuisine, why should paneer be left behind? Lyodur translated in English means yellow, and this is indeed a strikingly yellow, cheesy entity among the foods in Kashmir that we are looking at. The major ingredient in this dish apart from the paneer definitely turmeric and a lot of creams. This flavourful dish is a repetitive choice among tourists – it is neither too light nor too heavy on the stomach and can be had again and again throughout the stay. This is the one dish that is definitely going to get you addicted and consider delicious Foods In Jammu and Kashmir!
Entry fee: no preliminary entry fee
Opening and closing timings: 10:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m.
Time taken to visit: 1 to 2 hours
7. Kahwa
The Himalayas are after all known for their mysterious, eternal drinks. It is often said that immortal saints in the Himalayan mountains had the ability to bring the dead to life with tea. If that is true then that tea must taste something like Kashmiri Kahwa. Kahwa instantly energizes the body and lifts the spirits. It is a distilled tea drink that is made out of the filtration of a number of spices Central to Kashmiri cuisine such as cardamom and saffron along with chopped almonds which are of course a staple. It is these almonds that give the tea its Chiui property and make it one of the most famous dishes of Jammu and Kashmir.
Entry fee: no entry fee
Opening and closing timings: roadside tea stalls open from 6 to 7 a.m. in the morning and stay open till 11:00 p.m.
Time taken to visit: 20 to 30 minutes
8. Noon Chai
If anyone knows the meaning of the Sanskrit word noon they can guess immediately what this food in Kashmir will taste like – or should we say the most coveted beverage! Everybody loves chai, and India is a land where tea is not always made sweet. Noon chai is a salty tea that is commonly brewed almost everywhere in Kashmir. It tastes sharp and keeps your body warm at high altitudes. The slight smart on your lips and the roof of your mouth as you drink this tea will leave you with a new favourite way of making spiced drinks!
Entry fee: no entry fee
Opening and closing timings: tea stalls in Kashmir open from 6 to 7 a.m. and close around 11:00 p.m.
Time taken to visit: 20 to 30 minutes
9. Roth
It is finally time to include some dessert on this list! Roth is one of the healthiest sweet preparations that you will ever come across – it is a pleasant-smelling, sweet bread that is primarily made of multigrain and dry fruits. There are several religious and patriotic feelings associated with this delicious creation. Food experts suggest that the taste and texture of Roth varies from region to region in Kashmir. Kashmir Muslims and Kashmiri Hindu Pandits both have their own way of making Roth. In both Muslim and Hindu legends in this region, the Roth holds its own cultural and religious significance.
Entry fee: no preliminary entry fee
Opening and closing timings: 10:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. for most restaurants in big cities. In smaller settlements, restaurants are either closed by sunset or stay open from 8:00 pm to 9:00 p.m.
Time taken to visit: 1 to 2 hours
10. Rista
Meatballs in Kesar – how does that sound? Rista looks like a red hot meatball curry – but while it surely looks spicy, it’s tangy and slightly juicy at best. It is one of the main additions to the multi-course Wazwaan festive meal. The main ingredient here is beef or chicken depending on the requirements of the tourist who wants to eat it! The famous aromatic Kashmiri chillies are a major addition to this dish and the meatballs are almost always rolled by hand. This is a water-based gravy and the smell of the meat broth makes everyone’s tongues yearn for this exotic, simmering hot preparation.
Entry fee: no entry fee
Opening and closing timings: 10:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m.
Time taken to visit: 1 to 2 hours
11. Kashmiri Kulcha
This is not your original kulcha – just like the most famous foods in Jammu and Kashmir. this kulcha has a twist! Kashmiri kulcha is a whole grain salty or sugary biscuit that you can eat with any curry or all by itself as well. Many people like to pair the Kashmiri kulcha with noon tea! It is available at almost negligible prices in almost all markets of Kashmir and arofton served with sesame seeds sprinkled on top of them. They are crunchy on the outside and a bit tender on the inside. Some of them are likely roasted while others are baked in detail and they are almost brown. You can sprinkle some coriander leaves and melted goat cheese on top of these kulcha for the perfect meal.
Entry fee: no preliminary entry fee
Opening and closing timings: 10:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m.
Time taken to visit: 1 to 2 hours
Frequently Asked Questions?
A. The famous meat dish of Jammu that you must try is Rogan Josh.
A. The most famous food in Jammu is Kashmiri Dum Aloo and Rogan Josh.
A. Goat milk is a special kind of milk that dairy lovers must try in Kashmir.
A. The Fisheries Department of Jammu and Kashmir sells great quality trout fish in hill stations of Pahalgam, Gurez, Dachigam etc.
Conclusion
Every trip is made more fruitful when travellers get a chance to experience the culture and cuisine of the place. There are many resorts and fine dining options in Jammu and Kashmir that you can prebook on your upcoming Kashmir Trip with Family and enjoy all the famous delicious foods of Jammu and Kashmir. that you have just browsed on this list.
