Article by Taha Firdous
Brimming with nature’s exquisite beauty, Kashmir, the paradise on earth is not only just pleasing to the eyes but the food offered in Kashmir will leave you craving and longing for more and more. Kashmir valley offers the famous authentic non-vegetarian dishes, which include ‘wazwan’ – world-renowned and appreciated Kashmiri delicacy. Influenced by Mughals, Kashmiri cuisine is predominantly non-vegetarian, with mutton, chicken or fish used as prime ingredients but there are a few delicacies for vegetarians too!
Here is a list of must-visit places to relish the taste of scrumptious food with splendid beauty:
AHDOOS:
Srinagar’s famous restaurant, Ahdoos, has been serving authentic Kashmiri food for generations. The menu will offer a lot for non-veg explorers which include Kashmiri wazwan, the flagship cuisine of this place. For vegetarians, lotus stem and Kadam saag are a must try. And, if you’re walking the streets of Lal Chowk, don’t forget to pay a candid visit to this place and have a cup of tea and chicken patty.
Specialty: Kashmiri wazwan, Nadru Yakhni, Chicken Patty, Lotus Stem and Fresh Fruit Cream.
Location: Residency Road, Regal Chowk, Srinagar, Jammu and Kashmir 190001
Phone: 0194 247 2593
MUGHAL DARBAR:
Making a way for a hearty meal, Mughal Darbar, established in the year 2000 has crossed all odds over these decades to offer quality food at reasonable prices. This place is synonymous with delicious food that can satisfy all your food cravings. This place is a delight for food lovers, especially who are fond of having the traditional cuisine of Kashmir- Wazwan. Besides food, this place is a comfortable couch for homesick and epicurean tourists.
Speciality: Kashmiri Pulao, Wazwan, Chicken Biryani.
Location: First Floor, Residency Rd., Srinagar, Jammu and Kashmir, 190001
Phone: 0194 2480007
SHAMYANA RESTAURANT:
Shamyana is a multi-cuisine restaurant located on the banks of Dal-Lake. This place is a popular stop for many tourists because of its pleasant surroundings, cozy ambiance and perfect food. It has a small outdoor seating area & two heated indoor seating areas which are well designed & comfortable. It’s certainly a must visit for everyone to end your cravings for scrumptious food without burning your pockets!
Specialty: Butter-chicken, Tandoori chicken and Chicken Kalimiri.
Location: Ghat No.2, boulevard, Srinagar, Jammu and Kashmir 190001
Phone: 0194 2501629
LHASA:
If you’re on your visit to Kashmir and enjoy by the shores of Dal-lake, don’t forget to visit this authentic Tibetan cuisine based restaurant. It has a nice garden where you can enjoy delicious food in an open space surrounded by beautiful meadows. This place is quite popular among couples and also, the prices are great which adds to the overall experience. Don’t forget to hop on this place while you’re on your visit to Kashmir.
Specialty: Momos, Thukpa, Chicken Hot & Sour soup.
Location: 2 Boulevard Road opposite Shikara Ghat No. 9, Srinagar, Jammu and Kashmir, 190001
Phone: 99065 46181
IMRAN CAFETERIA:
Imran cafeteria is Kashmir’s barbeque destination. This place is a go-to destination for barbeque lovers. The succulent and mouth-watering kebabs and barbeques are must have.
Specialty: Mutton Barbeques (Seekh Tuj), Kabab, Butter Chicken.
Location: Ikhwan Hotel, Khayam Chowk, Nowpora, Srinagar, Jammu and Kashmir, 190003
Phone: 094195 22592
JEE EN SONS:
Jee Enn Sons is one of the best and oldest bakery shops in Kashmir. No matter what you order, the food will be fresh and the taste is always perfect. If you’re walking by the lanes of Polo View, the aroma of the scrumptious bakery will attract you even if you’re distant from the place. Do not forget to taste the crunchy biscuits and walnut cakes!
Specialty: Chicken & Mutton Patties, Walnut Pastry, Chicken Sandwich and Plum cakes.
Location: Maulana Azad Road, Regal Chowk, Munshi Bagh, Srinagar, Jammu and Kashmir 190001
B.O: Airport Road Humhama, Hyderpora, Budgam – 190014
Phone: 097972 28419
MOONLIGHT BAKERY:
Located in a peaceful and serene place, beside the Hazratbal Shrine, this ordinary shop has a lot of extraordinary and yummy things to offer. From a distance, this place looks like a common bakery shop but once you step inside the shop, the aroma of ambrosial walnut fudges and ginger biscuits will leave your mouth with drooling saliva. You won’t find such amazing bakery anywhere. This place is highly recommended!
Specialty: Walnut Fudges and Ginger Biscuits.
Location: Hazratbal, Opposite Sir Syed Gate, University Of Kashmir, J&K, 190006
KAREEMA’s RESTAURANT:
A place relishing Kashmiri cuisine with a modern touch, Kareema’s Restaurant is located in the heart of Srinagar city, Lal Chowk. This is a very good place for authentic Kashmiri food. The food is delicious and spicy, perfectly reflecting upon the Kashmiri taste. By very first looks it is a very small hotel with modest interiors – but what is truly outstanding is their fast service and very affordable rates.
Specialty: Kashmiri Wazwan
Location: Residency Road, Regal Chowk, Press Colony, Srinagar, Jammu and Kashmir, 190001
Phone: 0194 247 5959
STREAM RESTAURANT:
Nested across the banks of scenic Dal Lake, Stream Restaurant offers a welcoming and cosy ambiance for both nature lovers and foodies. Very well lit with interiors and design, this place offers a wide variety of delicious food. The proximity of Dal Lake makes this restaurant splendid and pleasing. They offer both vegetarian and non-vegetarian food. You can go ahead and order any dish and can be assured that it will be clean, super tasty, and above all, budget friendly!
Specialty: Tandoori Mushroom, Kashmiri Pulao, Butter Chicken with Zeera Rice and Paneer Kadhai.
Location: Boulevard Road, Opp. Ghat No. 2, Dal Gate, Srinagar, Jammu and Kashmir 190001
Phone: 096222 10228
KRISHNA VAISHNO DHABA:
Krishna Dhaba, located near city’s famous Burn Hall School, comes as a respite for those looking for a pure vegetarian restaurant. This place is always filled with people, especially Indian tourists who want to relish the taste of their home food. The food offered is budget friendly and equally tasty. If you want to have a Thaal, don’t miss out on this place. It’s a must visit.
Specialty: Rajma Chawal, Masala Dosa and Kheer
Location: Main Highway, Durganagh, Srinagar – 190001, Near Burn Hall School
Phone: 919419014707, 7006035836
SHAKTI SWEETS:
Catering to the sweet-toothed citizen, Shakti Sweets is one of the best places to pamper you with delectable sweets. The place is a modest venue with simplistic décor and minimalistic embellishments. It comes with varied assortments of sweet and snacks for you to squander on. Not only does this place offer yummy food, but it’s highly affordable for Y’all.
Specialty: Chhole Bhature, Chowmein, Ras Malai and Gajar Ka Halwa.
Location: Residency Road, Regal Chowk, Ram Munshi Bagh, Srinagar, Jammu and Kashmir 190001
Phone: 0194 247 4607