Top 10 Kashmiri Dishes You Must Try Right Away
In the earlier times when the transportation of goods was limited, the diet of the people in a place or region was highly associated or linked with the number of food ingredients available in that region. In a real sense, it is the raw food materials available in that region which decided what food dishes are to be prepared. The irony of this fact is that despite all this, people have come up with delectable and mouth-watering cuisines even with the limited resources that they had, and that has become in today’s world the heritage and culture of that region. Kashmir is also such an example. It also has a long drawn rich history of culture and heritage, which can be dated back to centuries and is also, associated with tasty food cuisines.
Kashmiri cuisines have found their path to the modern world and have gained appreciation from all sections of society. Here we bring to you the top 10 most favoured dishes that you must try right away.
- YAKHNI
Yakhni, in the real sense, is a feast to the non-vegetarian lovers. It is basically a curry with two main ingredients along with meat, which are yoghurt and saffron (Kesar). It contains the perfect mix of spices which soothes your appetite. The history of the dish dates back to the Persian culture, which was later brought to the sub-continent by Emperor Akbar.
There is also a Yakhni dish for vegetarians known as Paneer Yakhni. The thing that separates the Kashmiri yakhni from other counterparts is the absence of tomatoes. Surely, the Kashmiri Yakhni due to its rich history and delicious taste will be a must-try for all those who wish to explore Kashmiri cuisine.
- ROGAN JOSH
Rogan Josh is one of the main dishes in the Kashmiri cuisine which was actually brought to Kashmir by the Mughals owing to the fact that they used to come to live in the Himalayan region during summer to avoid the fierce summer of the sub-continent. It is made with lamb meat but also could be prepared using goat meat as well.
It has an exceptionally lustrous red colour and a mouth-watering aroma. It has a perfect blend of various spices and uses a special type of red chilli which gives it a characteristic smell and taste. It could be a little too spicy for some, but it is definitely worth a shot. It is undoubtedly a must-try for food lovers who want to taste different food cuisines.
- DUM OLAV
Dum Olav or Kashmiri Dum Aloo is one of the most favoured and popular dishes owing to its unique procedure of preparation. The Kashmiri Dum Aloo has no gravy unlike other Dum Aloo in other places. It is prepared in the Dum where the potatoes absorb all the flavours becoming spongy, and it is coated with a rich mixture of spices.
The Kashmiri Dum Aloo is unique in the sense that it is prepared using yoghurt, fennel and ginger, unlike other modes of preparation. The dish might be little heavy for those who are calories conscious, but it is a must-try dish, and it carries the Kashmiri heritage in the perfect sense.
- AAB GOSHT
Aab Gosht also called the Kashmiri mutton curry, is an authentic Kashmiri curry. Its origin could be traced back to Persia, but it was here that it got into its present form. It is prepared with various spices found all around the sub-continent.
It has found its way into other regions with the recipe being modified a tad bit, but one can always find the original Aab Gosht from an authentic Kashmiri restaurant. Surely this should find its way into your wishlist of Kashmiri dishes.
- KASHMIRI MUJI GAAD
Kashmiri Muji Gaad is basically a dish with fish made usually during the religious festivals and celebrations like Gaada Bata in the year-end.
It’s main ingredients are fish and radish, which gives it a unique taste, while the spices enhance the aroma and flavour of the food. It has a very bright red colour and has very little to no gravy. It is one of the most loved food items in Kashmir and around the globe, which makes it must try for those who want to try authentic Kashmiri cuisines.
- SKYU
Skyu or Sku is a staple diet of the residents of Ladakh. It is basically a soup mixed with vegetables and broth and is taken especially in the winter season. It is made up of wheat flour and water along with meat. Various types of vegetables are also added to it, which not only enhances its health benefits and also its taste.
The vegetables used are very organic and has various health benefits. This food dish should surely be on your wishlist as it is a very special type of soup, unlike other soups.
- KHAMBIR
Khambir is traditional homemade breakfast bread which is brown in colour. It is made up of wheat flour and some amount of baking soda. It is one of the most common breakfasts for Kashmir residents and is often taken with butter tea. It is really healthy and easy to prepare, which even makes it more popular among the other dishes.
It’s origin is especially from the Ladakh region. It is one of the most popular food dishes in Kashmir, which is a must-try for you.
- BUTTER TEA
Butter tea is known in various places with different names like po cha, cha suma etc. is a drink of the residents in the Himalayan region. Its origin could be traced somewhere in the Himalayas. Its ingredients are tea leaves, butter, water, and salt. The use of butter is mainly due to the fact that it provides high calories from its intake.
The butter tea is a regular drink of the people in the Himalayan region who take it every morning. So if you want to explore the Kashmiri dishes which are associated with its rich cultural importance, Butter Tea is a must.
- MARCHWANGAN KORMA
The term Marchwangan means red chilli in Kashmiri, so it’s obvious that this dish would be really spicy and is a delight for spicy food lovers. It has a unique recipe associated with the rich culture of Kashmir. It is one of the most popular Kashmiri dish around the globe for its rich aroma and taste.
There have been several duplications of it in other regions with minor changes in the recipe, but one can easily distinguish between them owing to the unique flavour and aroma. It is surely a must-try for all who like spicy and tasty food.
- SHAB DEG
The term Shab means night and Deg means cooking, so overall this dish is left to simmer the entire night to bring the correct flavour before being served the next day. It is basically a non-vegetarian food item whose main ingredients are meat and turnip. It is one of the oldest Kashmiri dishes with meat which was earlier used to be prepared using firewood-lit hearths.
The dish has been associated with a long history and cultural importance. Due to the fact that the association of this dish is as long as the history of Kashmir, it becomes a must-try dish.
Kashmiri cuisines have special importance due to the long history associated with it, which makes it really a memorable experience for anyone. The wide variety of cuisine is plenty for all types of food lovers. It is highly recommended that we eat these food dishes prepared traditionally so that we can enjoy the Kashmiri cuisine to the fullest, which even adds up to the experience.
Good food is appreciated everywhere, and Kashmiri food is a living example of it. Also, there are other Kashmiri food dishes which one may try that are equivalently tasty.
