Kashmir’s Local Cuisine: A Foodie’s Guide
Kashmir’s beauty also lies in Kashmiri food along with its people and natural beauty. Let’s look at five yummy dishes that you should taste while in the Union Territory.
Harissa
Kashmiri Harissa is served early in the morning at most places. It is a winter delicacy. Tender meat (mutton) is simmered overnight with spices and Kashmiri chilies. It starts showing porridge-like consistency by morning. Then, it is slowly cooked. And finally, served with Kashmiri roti. The meat dominates the taste rather than the spices. Some cooks sprinkle ghee on it to give it a soul-warming flavor.
Halwa Paratha
Located on the Northern banks of Dal Lake, Hazratbal Shrine area is also famous for street food. And Halwa Paratha is one of the most sold items. Aromatic halwa is made from semolina (suji) cooked with ghee, saffron, and a bit of walnuts or almonds. The paratha is made from refined flour and ghee. It is grilled until it turns golden. This halwa paratha combo is served during chilly mornings.
Dum Aloo
Dum Aloo is a part of traditional Kashmiri cuisine, and is loved by Kashmiris.Small (baby potatoes) are boiled, infused with bold flavors and fried. Then, cooked in a gravy made from kashmiri spices, chilli, yogurt, and coconut. Dum Aloo is served with pulao or tandoori roti. A lot of hard work goes into making this vegetarian delicacy.
Kashmiri Mutton Kaliya
It is one of the finest delicacies. No onion or tomatoes are added. The lamb mutton is cooked with salt, turmeric, and milk. Spices like saffron, cardamon, and fennel are added as per taste. The mutton is cooked well. It remains tender, but chewable. Some chefs also add chilies, yogurt, and water to prevent it from curdling. It is served with naan or rice.
Kashmiri Haak ka Saag
Haak (Palak) leaves are heated in a deep pan with mustard oil. Asafoetida and fennel seeds are added with salt and a bit of water. Roughly, ten to fifteen minutes of cooking makes these leaves tender and crunchy. Green chilli can be added as per taste. And the dish is ready within minutes. It is served with rice and white radish paste.
Srinagar is one of the best places to visit Kashmir. And you can taste the best Kashmiri food in the region. The area is also home to the best hotels. You can check the available options on HostMyTrips.