Kashmir is known as the ‘Paradise on Earth’; you can’t experience it until you try Kashmir street food. From traditional Wazwan dishes to roadside Kebabs, street food in Kashmir will take you for a thrilling ride. The rich aroma of spices with generous usage of saffron, clove, and cinnamon adds to the flavours of these classic dishes.
Some famous dishes which should not be missed are Rista, Maaz Tuj, and Gushtaba. These delectable delicacies will deter your taste buds for a roller coaster ride! This is the place for those who love exotic local street food with exciting experiences. Going out for a typical lunch or evening snack from one corner to another becomes an adventure here! Come and revel in the heavenly plethora of vegetarian and non-vegetarian treats that await:
1. Mutton Tuj/Barbeque
Mutton Tuj is the perfect Kashmir street food to explore. It’s a treat for your taste buds due to the skilful and judicious use of spices and condiments. On the streets of Srinagar, you can get a delightful Mutton Tuj from vendors who cook it over hot coal on kebab seeks.
This delicious street food usually consists of soft mutton pieces marinated in yoghurt and then cooked with rich spices along with onions and black pepper, which are irresistibly flavoured on light bread; these dishes will get you hooked right away! The experience of the mouth-watering dish, surrounded by scenic sights, is worth visiting Kashmir online.
2. Nadur Monje
Nadur Monje is a popular street food found in the Kashmir region. The dish comprises Lotus stemmed cut into long pieces and dipped in besan batter cooked in oil until it turns crispy and golden brown. The dish has a unique flavour from the spices used to prepare it, such as cardamom, cinnamon, cloves, cumin seed, and red chilli powder. The farmers often add curd for added flavouring.
People who visit the region should try out this tasty Kashmir snack since it accurately represents Kashmiri cuisine. It can be served with fresh tomatoes, chillies, coriander leaves, and other accompaniments like pickles or yoghurt. Exploring local food culture is integral to any travel experience, so don’t forget to check out Nadur Monje while visiting the Kashmir region.
3. Mutton Rista
Mutton Rista is a peculiarly delectable traditional street food in Kashmir, India. This spicy, divinely-tasting dish has boneless mutton pieces cooked in yoghurt, local spices, and red chillies. The juicy round balls of the Rista’s are served in Wazwan dishes along with gravy made from cardamom, coriander, and turmeric for an added flavour.
Every visitor to Kashmir must have this delicious local street food as it is part of the culture here. It can be easily located at most traditional Dhabas or on the roadside. Tourists usually prefer its mildly citric taste, which adds to its unique flavour. Moreover, tourists visiting Kashmir explore the beauty of its valleys while having delicious Rista’s sold on street breaks throughout the state, giving them a heavenly feel.
4. Masala Tzuth
Masala Roti, a savoury delight from the streets of Kashmir, is a popular street food enjoyed by locals and tourists. This delicacy is an all-time favourite, especially in seasonal times. It’s prepared with plain roti, boiled Channa dal mixture, and Kashmiri spices such as cumin powder, coriander powder, red chilli powder, and garam masala, giving it an explosion of flavours in the mouth.
The masala roti can be served with kebabs. Masala rotis are also prepared in Kashmiri households. The smell of spices emanating from the masala rotis serves as a welcome beacon for tourists and locals alike while they meander the vibrant streets of Kashmir.
5. Gaade Monje
Gaade Monje is the most preferred street food among people of all ages in the Kashmir Valley. The aroma and flavour of this traditional preparation have made it a must-have for tourists visiting the valley. It is made from freshwater fish, chilli paste, and spices fried in a thick batter and served with Chutneys or salads.
The spices in this preparation make it unique, giving it a remarkable flavour that one cannot find anywhere in the world. People living out of Kashmir also crave Gaade Monje when they visit home or otherwise don’t get to enjoy its delightful taste. Monj Gaade is sought after by most food lovers on Kashmir tours, making it an absolute must-try street food.
6. Anchar/Pickle
Anchaar is a type of street food in Kashmir that is delicious and affordable. The popular dish consists of various veg pickles, chutneys, and spices; all stuffed into a large container. Street vendors often sell achaar to locals and tourists visiting the area. As an integral part of Kashmiri culture, this unique Kashmir street food has been around for centuries and remains one of the most beloved snacks among locals and visitors.
Anchaar can be enjoyed independently as a light snack or accompanied by a more substantial meal. No matter where you are in Kashmir, Anchaar can be found- making it the perfect option for exploring the vibrant local street food scene.
7. Tyil Karre
Tyil Karre is a popular street snack originating from Kashmir. This deep-fried dish contains various ingredients, including peas, rice flour, and spices. It’s been around for centuries, enjoyed by locals and tourists alike! The flavour profile changes depending on your region but typically has a savoury and spicy kick. Tyil Karre is said to be one of the delicious snacks to grab while in Kashmir – incredibly tasty without being too heavy or greasy.
Many vendors throughout the area serve this delightful snack, and it’s easy to find a piping hot portion out and about in the city. The crispness makes it extremely enjoyable to accompany some evening tea or coffee. Visitors should seek out the help of this local favourite when in Kashmir and experience its unique flavour blend.
8. Matka Kulfi
Matka Kulfi, the street food of Kashmir, is a delectable delight that fascinates gastronomes from all parts of India. This creamy cold dessert makes for a delightful treat on hot summer afternoons. The traditional kulfi malai is prepared with full-fat dairy, sugar, and cardamom to enhance flavour. A scoop of this chillingly icy and syrupy wonder is garnished with saffron strands or pistachios.
However, other options such as mango-based kulfi, rabri falooda, or seasonal specialities like blueberry kulfi are available too. As a part of Kashmir’s urban culinary culture, Kulfi Matka may be enjoyed best in the bustling lanes of Srinagar against a view of serene Dal Lake! An exploration into this amusing dessert is sure to make your trip an incredible one.
9. Tandoori Kebab
Tandoori Kebabs are one of the wealthiest and most flavorful street food in Kashmir. Cooked in a hot tandoor clay oven and served with freshly chopped onions, spices, and tangy mint chutney, this succulent dish attracts locals and tourists alike.
With its traditional technique of marinating mutton in the special Kashmiri garam masala, yoghurt, and lemon juice, the result creates an unforgettable taste. If you’re visiting Kashmir, sample some of this irresistible snack. The aromatic smoky succulence of these kebabs will lure you time and time again for more indulgence!
10. Basrakh
Basrakh is a sweet street food delicacy of Kashmir. It’s a pastry stuffed with walnut-dates filling and deep fried in pure ghee. The main ingredients are powdered sugar, all-purpose flour, clarified butter or ghee, and cardamom powder. Basrakh has been relished in Kashmir for generations. This delicacy is made during festive occasions such as Eid and Diwali.
A cup of tempting Basrakh is sure to tantalize the taste buds! Eating Basrakh can be an excellent activity for tourists looking to explore the local delicacies of this marvellous region. A stroll around the narrow lanes of Kashmir markets can teach you more about the local flavours and life here than any tour guide, and don’t forget to add some delicious Basrakhs to your shopping bag! This will surely make your trip even sweeter, literally.
