About Kashmir

​Kashmir is the northwestern region of the Indian subcontinent. Historically the term Kashmir was used to refer to the valley lying between the Great Himalayas and the Pir Panjal range. Kashmir throughout the ages has remained another name for Paradise. Cradled in the lap of majestic mountains of the Himalayas, Kashmir is the most beautiful place on earth. On visiting the Valley of Kashmir, Jehangir, one of the Mughal emperors, is said to have exclaimed:

“If there is paradise anywhere on earth, it is here, it is here, it is here.”

Rich and redolent with the flavour of the spices used – cinnamon, cardamom, cloves, saffron, etc. — Kashmiri food can be the simple meal of a family, or a 36-course wedding banquet called Wazawan. The staple diet of every Kashmiri is rice, the most preferred being the dense, slightly sticky grained Kashmir variety, which is prized in the Valley.

Kashmir is famous for its Wazwan, predominantly nonvegetarian. Rice is the staple food. Mutton, chicken and fish are of prime importance cuisines. Instead of sweets, Kehwah (Persian tea), is served after wazwan which is usually served 7 to 10 courses at weddings and parties – a sign of lavish hospitality. Several restaurants in Srinagar, mainly at Residency Road, serve Kashmiri Wazawan.

All the better hotels have restaurants generally serving Indian, Continental and Kashmiri cuisine. Other restaurants are mainly located at Boulevard, Lambert Lane, Lal Chowk, besides at all the hill stations and tourist destinations. Street foods are available near Lal Chowk and elsewhere. Better sweet shops are located at Residency Road and Boulevard. Quality bakeries are available at M.A Road and Dalgate market. Traditional breads like tsot, tshochwar & bakerkhani etc are available in all the markets. The delicacies are available at food street Lal.