Top 10 Must Have Dishes Of Jammu And Kashmir

Rogan Josh - Considered one of the signature dishes of the Kashmir valley, it is a must try dish for all lamb lovers. It is made with aromatic spices, yoghurt and caramelized onions. It is a recipe introduced to India by the Mughals. It is low in fat and thus can be tried by those who love meat but hate the calorie. Eat it with Naan or rice, you will surely earn for more.

Dum Aloo - This dish is a must try for all vegetarians. While most of the dishes in Kashmir cuisine are predominantly Non-vegetarian, this is a dish that is loved by both the parties alike. Dum Aloo or Dum Olav is prepared with small potatoes and spices such fennel, garam masala and other such hot spices to give it a taste suited for everyone’s palate.

Yakhni - If you want to have that one dish that represents the taste of whole of Kashmir then Yakhni is the dish for you. Made with lamb and a yoghurt based curry and few spices, it is a simple but elegant dish. Best suited for those who like to have the taste of lamb predominate the dish. Have it with Kashmiri basmati rice, to get that real Kashmir feeling.

Nadur Churma - Since Kashmir has a number of lakes, lotus flower has a major role in the diet of the Kashmiri. Nadur Churma is one such delicacy involving the lotus stem. These fried lotus stems give the classic French fries a run for their money. Being rich in protein these are the most favorite past time snacks of the Kashmiri. Best suited for those who love French Fries but hate the fat.

Kahwa - A type of herbal tea which is prepared with special tea leaves and saffron. It is often known as Kashmiri Green Tea, despite the fact that it is actually orange in colour. It is rich in antioxidants. Have it on a cold winter day and you are sure to be benefitted.

Kulcha - This is the most loved breakfast of the Kashmiri. Kind of a bread prepared with Maida and wheat-flour, the Kashmiri have it with morning tea. For having the best experience, cut it in half and smear butter on both sides. You are sure to love this one.

Paneer Chaman - A dish for the paneer lovers visiting Kashmiri. It’s a dish that will rule your heart and you will never see the other paneer dishes in the same light again. This dish is cooked in milk until soft and tender. There are different types of Paneer Chaman. But the best of them all is the one with the milk. Trust me I have tasted it

Haakh - Kashmir is all about spices but this one does not have any spices. Also known as the Kashmir Saag, this dish doesn’t have the taste of the rich spices and has a very mild taste. It is made of a type of green leafy vegetable. Best to have it is with rotis and is best suited for those who like green leafy vegetables.

Tehar - It is a kind of Kashmiri turmeric rice that has a distinct yellow color. It is due to saffron added to the rice. The saffron gives the rice its color and the distinct taste. It is usually had with chaman or Dum aloo. I would suggest having it with Dum Aloo as it just tastes delicious.

Rajma - Rajma or kidney beans are mostly grown in JK and thus this bean has become one of the staple diets of the people. Rajma Masala dish is primarily made of this bean and thus dish is named after the bean- Rajma.