Kashmir is famous for its natural beauty, which includes many beautiful mountains and lakes. The food you buy on the street in Kashmir is also very special with a lot of deep flavors. You can find this kind of food from the small towns like Anantnag and Baramulla to the busy streets of Srinagar. Kashmirs street food is a mix of slow-cooked dishes, local spices and the people who make it. When you eat the food on the street you can taste the story of Kashmir and its people.
A Welcome with Noon Chai and Girda
In Kashmir people start their day with Noon Chai and Girda. Noon Chai is a tea made from green tea leaves baking soda and milk with a little bit of salt. Girda is a type of bread that is baked in a clay oven and is slightly crunchy. You can find this breakfast in tea shops and small bakeries on the street in the morning when the air is cool and the mountains are beautiful.
Seekh Kebabs and the Smell of Grilled Spices
Seekh Kebabs are one of the popular street foods in Kashmir. They are made with minced meat and a mix of spices including dry ginger and fennel. The kebabs are cooked over coals until they are tender and juicy. They are served with onions and mint chutney and people like to eat them as a midnight snack either on their own or wrapped in a flatbread.
Harissa: A Winter Favorite
During the winters in Kashmir people love to eat Harissa. It is a cooked mutton dish that is warm and flavorful. Harissa is made in clay pots and cooked for hours. Even though people usually eat it at home you can also find it in street stalls and small restaurants in Srinagar especially during the winter months.
Nadru Monje: A Crunchy Treat
If you are looking for something spicy and crispy you should try Nadru Monje. They are fritters made from gram flour, deep-fried and seasoned with Kashmiri chili powder. They are made from lotus stems, which’re a common ingredient in Kashmiri food. People like to eat them hot with tamarind or spicy chutney. They have a nice crunchy outside and a soft inside. You can find Nadru Monje being cooked on the street in woks especially during festivals or in busy marketplaces.
Rogan Josh Rolls: A New Twist
Some street food vendors in Kashmir have started selling rolls with Rogan Josh. This is an idea that takes the traditional curry and puts it inside a soft flatbread making it easy to eat on the go. It is an example of how Kashmiri food is changing while still staying true to its roots.
The street food in Kashmir is more, than delicious it is a reflection of the regions history, weather and culture. When you eat the food you can feel the warmth of the Kashmiri people and the depth of their traditions.
So if you ever visit Kashmir make sure to try the street food and experience the culture.
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