Kashmiri cuisines reflect our culture heritage
By: Mohammad Hanief
Kashmir has been known as the paradise on earth due to its breath taking landscapes and is also home to one of diverse & rich culinary heritage. Kashmiri style is a special combination of flavors, spices and people here have inherited this way of cooking from their ancestors. The genesis of these foods is so deeply etched in the culture and history of this region.
Kashmir is also home to delicious local cuisine, predominantly featuring flavourful meaty dishes. No mention of Kashmiri cuisine would be complete without talking about the Wazwan. A multi-course spread (more like a feast) of meat-based dishes, the Wazwan is part of the Kashmiri Muslim tradition. Bringing together the best of the cuisine, we’ve picked out the Kashmiri dishes you must try on your next trip there.
Kashmiri cuisine, more than just food, is a journey through time. For centuries, it has been woven into the vibrant tapestry of Kashmir’s history. From the lush valleys to the snowy peaks, the food of this region tells stories of conquests, trade routes, and cultural exchanges.
Kashmiri cuisine is a living testament to the land’s rich history and the many dynasties that have ruled it. The flavours, ingredients, and techniques used in Kashmiri dishes have evolved over time. They are influenced by Persian, Central Asian, and Indian culinary traditions.
Winning the hearts of tourists from all over the world, the delicious cuisine of Jammu and Kashmir has been influenced by the cooking styles of Iran, Afghanistan and Central Asia. However the cuisine of Jammu and Kashmir union territory has its own different taste. The local cuisine, especially the Kashmir region has impressed many great personalities such as Jawaharlal Nehru, the first Prime Minister of India. Representing the rich culture, the cuisine has a great flavor. The flavor of the cuisine comes from the aromatic spices used in them. During the festive season a wide variety of dishes are prepared, which are simply delectable.
Consisting of 36 different types of culinary delights, Wazwan is the specialty of the Kashmir valley. The majority of dishes are non-vegetarian. Some of the most delicious dishes of Wazwan are tabakhmaz, rogan josh, rista, aabgosh, dhaniwal korma, marchingan korma and gushtaba. Polav, a special dish of Wazwan is something that should not be missed. It is a sweet rice dish cooked in clarified butter and milk. Dry fruits and saffron are also added to it.
Most of the Kashmiri dishes involve the use of curd and asafoetida (hing). Saunf (aniseed), chillies, and dry ginger are the other important ingredients of the mouth-watering dishes.. Saffron is used liberally in the dishes. Dry fruits like almonds, raisins and walnuts are the important ingredients of the Kashmiri curries.
Lotus root is also used in many dishes. A wide variety of vegetables are also a part of the cuisine of Jammu and Kashmir. Morel mushrooms (locally known as guhchi), a special ingredient, are normally only used during the festive season, as it is quite expensive. The aromatic tea of Kashmir is known as ‘Kahava’. It is a special tea involving the use of spices. It is indeed really tasty, try it.
The people of Jammu and Kashmir are also fond of fish. Some of the local snacks are Sheermal, baquerkhani, tsot and tsochvoru. An interesting dish of Jammu and Kashmir is the ‘masala cake’ for which spices, onion and chillies are used in the preparation. The hearty meals are followed by the sweet dish called ‘Fireen’, sure to tantalize your taste buds
In Jammu, the dishes of Dogra cuisine are quite popular. This region is famous for rajma chawal, with rajma (kidney beans) being a local crop. Dishes like Ambal, Khatta Meat, Kulthein Dal, Dal Patt, Maa da Madra, and Auriya mark the prominence of Dogra cuisine in Jammu.
The other traditional dishes that are a must-try in Jammu Region are Morel (Gushi) Palov, Madra (lintel cooked in curd), Oria (Potato/Pumpkin in mustard sauce), Maani, Khameera, Katha Meat (Sour Mutton), Shasha(raw mango chatni), Kasrod and Timru-di-Chatni,Shiri Pulav, and Mitha Bhat (Sweet Rice).
As desserts, Jammu offers dishes like Chocolate Barfi, Sund Panjeeri, Patisa for food lovers You cannot overlook the street food of Jammu comprising Gol Gappas, Kachaalo, Gulgule, and Rajma Kulche.
Jammu & Kashmir is mostly mountainous with stretches of valleys and some mountain lakes. Nature lovers from all over the world flock to this northernmost extremity of India for destinations such as Gulmarg, Pahalgam, Leh, Patnitop, and Ladakh, comparable to the Alps.
The culinary journey through the exquisite Kashmiri cuisine reveals how deeply intertwined it is with history. The influences of various dynasties have left an indelible mark on the flavours, ingredients, and techniques that define Kashmiri cuisine today.
From the aromatic spices brought by the Silk Road traders to the Persian influences, Jammu and Kashmir food carries the stories of centuries. The intricate preparation methods and the careful selection of ingredients showcase the artistry honed over generations.
Kashmiri Cuisine is much beyond the realm of just food, it resides deep in its roots with one another tradition and culture. There are so many rituals and customs in Kashmir region which our ancestors have been following since years while making any food.
It is an essential part of all the festivals and celebrations in Kashmir. Cuisine Special dishes are prepared during the festivals like Eid, Navroz and Herath where families come together to celebrate with a very hearty meal. People of all age groups celebrate these occasions by cooking special foods such as Rogan Josh, Yakhni and Modur Pulao etc.
The topographical diversity from north to south and east to west influences the indigenous cuisine, diets of a specific culture in Kashmir change not just with seasons but also on what is locally available. Whether it is the royal Wazwan or everyday home-cooked meals, every traditional Kashmiri dish has something to offer and comes with a history that reflects in its taste.
Kashmiri cuisine is a manifestation of the long tradition in preparing local ingredients with meat and spices that has been demonstrated by Kashmiris. Whether you are a die-hard foodie or an avid traveller who loves to taste authentic cuisines from different cultures, the irresistibly yum traditional two-of-Kashmiri foods can give your palate and unforgettable experience making sure that it never leaves because once they best of flavours have touched down there is no way back.
(The author can be mailed at m.hanief@gmail.com)
