Kashmir is famous for its beautiful landscapes, calm lakes, and huge mountains surrounded by calm lakes. People often refer to it as “Paradise on Earth.” On the other hand, the region’s culinary history, which is both extensive and varied, is another defining characteristic that contributes to its status as a veritable paradise. Kashmiri food, which originates in the traditions and culture of the region, possesses a unique flavor and fragrance combination that will undoubtedly captivate your senses.
Many places in Kashmir offer authentic Kashmiri food; Khyber is one of those places; it is a paradise for foodies. Let’s look at the top five dishes that you absolutely must sample while you are in Kashmir, especially at The Khyber, to ensure that you get a taste of genuine Kashmiri cuisine.
1. Kahwa: Kashmir’s Fragrant Elixir
In Kashmir, kahwa is not just a drink; it represents friendliness and warmth. This traditional kashmiri green tea is made with saffron, almonds, and various spices that enhance its taste. It is a staple in Kashmiri households. The famous food of kashmir pairs well with a hot cup of kahwa. It’s also a great way to start or finish a meal.
Why you should try it:
Kahwa tastes delicious and is good for you in many ways. It calms you down, boosts your immune system, and makes digestion easier. The Khyber serves this traditional Kashmiri tea in a beautiful room, enhancing the overall experience.
2. Harissa: Kashmiri Comfort Food
This is the Kashmir’s famous dish loved by Kashmiri people, especially during winters. Slowly cooking mutton and a mix of spices results in a rich and creamy texture for this filling meat porridge. Harissa is a wonderful example of Kashmiri cuisine because it makes every bite feel cozy and warm. Ingredients and Methods: To make harissa, cook cardamom, fennel, cloves, and rice slowly with a lot of ghee (clarified butter). This is a very time-consuming process. Until the mixture has a thick and smooth consistency, we stir it repeatedly.
Why you should try it:
Kashmiri food is known for being rich, flavorful, and healthy, and harissa is a wonderful example of this. Usually served with naan or Kashmiri bread, it makes for a hearty meal. When you go to The Khyber, you can be sure that you will taste the real thing because they serve harissa in its purest form.
3. Kashmiri Wazwan: Famous Food of Kashmir
It wouldn’t be a discussion on Kashmiri cuisine without including Wazwan. Customarily served at weddings and other special occasions, this sumptuous feast comprises multiple courses expertly prepared by skilled chefs known as Wazas. With a diverse array of flavors and textures, the Wazwan is a true celebration of kashmir’s famous food.
Main Dishes at Wazwan:
a) Rogan Josh: A spicy lamb curry made with yogurt and a mixture of spices, such as red chili from Kashmir.
b) Gushtaba & Rista: Flaky meatballs cooked in yogurt or Tomato gravy respectively and seasoned with herbs and spices.
c). Tabak maaz, or fried lamb ribs marinated in yogurt and spices, have the perfect mix of crispy and succulent textures.
d) Yakhni: Traditional Kashmiri cuisine prepares yakhni by cooking mutton or chicken in a yogurt and spice gravy. This dish is a wonderfully complex example of the delicate flavors that characterize Kashmiri cuisine.
e) Dum Aloo: Potatoes cooked in a rich, spicy gravy is a vegetarian treat in that can be enjoyed between meat-heavy meals.
f) Vegetarian Delights: For vegetarian lovers, Nadru Yakhni, Waza Panner and Haakh is a is a must-try. Nadru Yakhni features lotus stem cooked in a yogurt-based gravy, while Waza Panner is a creamy cottage cheese dish. Haakh, a traditional Kashmiri green leafy vegetable, completes the vegetarian feast with its unique flavor profile.
Why to Give It a Try:
Beyond just food, Wazwan is an experience. Taste each dish in a traditional setting at The Khyber, where you can have a true Wazwan dining experience. This dish’s ceremonial presentation and intricate flavor profile make it a must-try for anyone visiting Kashmir.
4. Kashmiri Tujj
Kashmiri kebabs, also called Grilled Delight Tujj, are among the best street foods in Kashmir.Over coals, these skewered, grilled, spice-marinated pieces of meat cook to absolute perfection. The easy and delicious Kashmiri food during the pilgrimage.
Ingredients and Preparation:
The marinade, typically consisting of yogurt, ginger-garlic paste, red chili powder, garam masala, and other local spices, is the key to a delicious tujj. We marinate the meat, skewer it, and cook it over an open flame until it begins to caramelize slightly and becomes tender.
Why You Should Try It:
Every bite of tujj is a flavor explosion, making it the perfect snack or appetizer. The best way to savor the delectable tujj dish is to take in the breathtaking surroundings. The Khyber serves it with naan and a side of mint chutney.
5. Kashmiri Himalayan Trout
Fish lovers should try the Kashmiri Himalayan Trout, which The Khyber serves in two delicious varieties: Tandoor and Curry.
Tandoor Style: This method involves marinating trout in a mixture of ginger-garlic paste, lemon juice, and spices from Kashmir before cooking it in a clay oven, or tandoor. The fish retains its soft and juicy interior while taking on a slightly burnt and smoky flavor from the tandoor’s high heat.
Curry Style: The trout is cooked in a thick gravy composed of traditional Kashmiri spices. Turnips and lotus stems are two common vegetables included in this recipe, which give the curry distinctive flavors and textures.
Reasons to Give It a Try:
Tandoori and curry cooking techniques, with their abundance of spices, wonderfully balance the delicate flavor of Himalayan fish. The Khyber’s fish offers a unique culinary experience, regardless of your preference for the creamy, aromatic flavors of the curry or the smokey, charred taste of the tandoor. This meal perfectly embodies Kashmiri cuisine in every bite, especially when served with rice or traditional bread from the region.
Where to try Kashmiri cuisine
With a strong cultural and historic base, Kashmiri cuisine offers a unique gastronomic experience that is a treasure trove of flavors and fragrances. You may savor the most authentic and meticulously cooked traditional Kashmiri cuisine at The Khyber, one of the best restaurants in Kashmir. Visit the Clove dining place for a genuine taste of Wazwan’s regal feast or thick and robust harissa. Go to Chaikash restaurant if you’re in the mood for some delicious tea or the cozy warmth of kahwa. Enjoying the aromatic yakhni or the succulent grilled tujj will showcase Kashmir’s diverse culinary heritage. Apart from delicious traditional Kashmiri cuisine, Khyber Gulmarg food menu also offers popular global dishes. Their menu includes Oriental, Continental, and Italian options, so there’s something for everyone. So, the next time you find yourself in this stunning area you must try these dishes along with the other tempting Kashmiri food
