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Kashmir is known as the land of unsurpassed beauty, standing unmatched till date. There is only one thing that beats the enthralling beauty of Kashmir which is its infinite and sumptuous cuisine. An array of non-vegetarian and vegetarian delicacies with shahi ingredients, unique and elaborate cooking methods and names, this cuisine has pampered the taste buds of most fastidious gourmets of the world.

Kashmiri food carries with it a delicious nip of all things hot and spicy. It might be a little lenient with fat as the Kashmiris need to have strong reserves to cope with the harsh winter months. This famous cuisine is a rich tapestry of Indian, Iranian, Afghani and Central Asian styles of cooking. It has some vintage ingredients:  dry ginger, fennel, red chillies, curd and mustard oil. Even though it is dominated by non-vegetarian fare, the vegetarian delicacies manage to carve a niche for themselves. One of the typical ingredients of Kashmiri cuisine is the generous use of curd in the gravies, giving the dishes a rich and creamy consistency.

There are millions of enchanting facts about this particular cuisine and we can never get done with it. Let’s just begin with some of the greatest Kashmiri recipes!

Gulabi Noon wali chai!

The Noon Chai is as beautiful as Kashmir itself. Preparation of this tea is enough to make you fall in love with it, the pink colour captivates the eye and the flavours soothe your soul evermore. The word ‘noon’ means salt and this special chai has a salty taste instead of being sweet. This tea is surprisingly different and you should definitely give it a shot.

Yakhni, Kashmir ki shaan!

Yakhni is said to be one of the most popular cooking styles in Kashmir. It is a slow-cooking method where the broth or chicken is simmered in yogurt-based gravy with a medley of traditional whole spices. Try this Kokur Yakhni recipe if you want the real Kashmiri flavours in your kitchen, it is sure to tempt you endlessly.

The royal Rogan Josh!

Rogan Josh is a robust, spicy lamb curry which is an integral part of Kashmiri cuisine and a must have in a typical wazwan. Packed with delicious flavours of mutton on the bone, spices and curd, this curry comes with a quintessential layer of oil floating on top and has a rich red colour because of a unique Kashmiri herb called ‘ratan jot.’ A brilliant curry to serve along with any kind of roti, parantha or rice – this dish is popular for all the right reasons.

Zaikedar Gushtaba!

Goshtaba or Gushtaba is a typical royal dish known as the ‘maharajaon ka khana’ from the Kashmiri fare. It is generally prepared on royal occasions in Kashmiri households. The flavourful dish is prepared with mutton mince shaped into balls and cooked in curd-based gravy. A definite delight to your taste buds!

Kashmir ka khas pulao!

The fragrant Kashmiri Pulao is absolutely different from the regular pulao recipes. Nuts, aromatic spices and saffron make this recipe an extra from the ordinary. The sweet flavour of this rich pulao has never failed to impress anybody. Kashmiris like it as a sweet dish too; you tell us how you like it!

Firin for Kashmir!

Phirni, the popular Punjabi dessert, is also popular in this land of beauty, goes by the name ‘Kong Phirun’ and has a zara hatke way of preparing it. The use of semolina, mawa, dried nuts and kewra water makes it different from the usual recipe. This decadent dessert is enough to fall in love with this cuisine instantly!