Food is one of the best reasons to visit Kashmir. Kashmiri cuisine is rich, slow-cooked and fragrant with fennel, dry ginger and Kashmiri chillies.
- Wazwan is a multi-course feast built around meat dishes.
- Vegetarians can enjoy Dum Aloo, Nadru Yakhni and Haak.
- Breakfast is about fresh breads and Noon Chai.
- Kahwa, saffron green tea, is offered everywhere.
Wazwan
The traditional multi-course feast, cooked by specialist chefs called wazas and served on large shared platters at weddings and celebrations. Dishes you'll meet:
- Rogan Josh: lamb in a rich red gravy.
- Rista: meatballs in a red sauce.
- Gushtaba: soft meatballs in a yoghurt gravy, traditionally the last main course.
- Yakhni: lamb in a delicate yoghurt sauce.
- Tabak Maaz: crisp fried ribs.
Many Srinagar restaurants serve smaller Wazwan meals for visitors.
Vegetarian classics
- Dum Aloo: potatoes in a spiced gravy.
- Nadru Yakhni: lotus stem in yoghurt.
- Haak: collard greens, simply cooked.
- Rajma and Chaman: kidney beans and paneer, Kashmiri style.
Breakfast and breads
Bakeries open early for girda, lavasa and the flaky bakarkhani. Pair them with Noon Chai, a pink, salted tea. In winter, try Harissa, a slow-cooked mutton dish eaten for breakfast.
Teas and sweets
Kahwa is green tea with saffron, cardamom and almonds. For dessert, try Phirni, set in clay bowls.
Tips
- Ask your driver for local favourites.
- Wazwan is heavy; plan a light evening after a big lunch.
- Our packages include breakfast and dinner, so lunch is your food-exploring meal.
More ideas in things to do in Kashmir. Food festivals and events are listed by the J&K Department of Tourism.
Last updated:
About the author: Written and checked by the Travel Wiki planning team, who arrange Kashmir and Ladakh trips every week from Srinagar and Bijbihara.
