Rich and redolent with the flavor 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
non-vegetarian. 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
Wazwan. 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 Roadand Dalgate market. Traditional breads like
tsot, tshochwar & bakerkhani etc are available in all the
markets. The delicaries are available at food street Lal Chowk.
Mutton, chicken or fish are of prime importance in Kashmiri meal
and everyday cooking often combines vegetable and meat in the same
dish. Mutton and turnips, chicken and spinach, fish and lotus root
are also very popular combinations. Pure vegetarian dishes include
dum-aloo - roasted potatoes in curd-based gravy, and chaman- fried
paneer (cottage cheese), in a thick sauce. Non-vegetarian dishes
are considered in Kashmir to be a sign of lavish hospitality and at
a Wazwan or banquet, not more than one or two vegetarian dishes are
served. Sweets do not play an important role in Kashmiri cuisine.
Instead Kahva or green tea is used to wash down a meal. Hope this
helps!