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Kashmir, known for its picturesque mountains, green meadows, vibrant wildflowers, and rich handloom and handicraft heritage, is often described as heaven on Earth. People who have visited the valley will tell you that its pristine beauty will capture your heart, irrespective of the month you visit it.
Apart from mesmerising landscapes, Kashmiri food is also something one cannot overlook while exploring tourist destinations. You will find paratha and Maggi, much like any other mountain destination in India, but the local food should not be missed, especially if you call yourself a foodie. Below are some ultimate street food items that every gastronome must savour to let their taste buds enjoy the local flavours.
Kebab-e-Kashmir
For all the meat lovers, kebabs in Kashmir are different preparations than the popular Punjabi and Awadhi ones. Meat is marinated here with aromatics to yield tender bites that will leave you with an inexplicable mouthfeel. Across the streets of Kashmir, you can find vendors selling different varieties like reshmi kebabs, seekh kebabs. Ask your local tour guide or driver to find the best spots in the valley.
Image Credit: Kashmiri Food Fusion/ YouTube
Kruhun Masale
If you have ever been to Kashmir, you would have come across stalls selling kruhun masala or spiced black beans. The beans are steamed and tossed with a blend of local spices, including Kashmiri red chilli powder. Each bite is a flavour bomb, leaving you craving some more. It can be enjoyed as a snack with evening tea or paired with hot coffee in the morning for breakfast.
Kalari Kulcha
Kalari kulcha is a Pahadi dish that you can find being sold on the streets of Jammu and Kashmir. Kalari refers to the cheese prepared from goat or cow’s milk, and it is fried on a hot griddle until it is brown and slightly crispy with a gooey centre. The fried cheese is later stuffed into a soft kulcha and layered with chutney and vegetables. It will probably be one of the best dishes you will taste on your trip.
Tille Karre
Similar to the pakoras in North India and bhajiyas or pazhams in the South, tille karre is a speciality of Kashmir. The deep-fried snack is prepared from dried peas that are dipped in a spiced batter of rice flour and besan. They are deep-fried until brown and crispy so that each bite will make a loud crunchy sound as soon as you crush it between your teeth. Savour it with local chutney and satisfy your hunger pangs.
Nadre Monje
As the name suggests, nadre monje is a snack prepared using lotus stem or nadru. Thin slices like French fries are cut and dipped into a batter of spiced rice flour. The soaked sticks are deep-fried until they are brown and crispy. It is among the most sought-after snacks in the valley and is cherished in the evening with a cup of hot tea. Consider it another variant of potato fries, but slightly healthier.
Image Credit: Kashmiri Tasty Treat/ YouTube
Harissa
Harissa is Kashmir’s most popular street food, but it is often prepared in winter. It is a slow-cooked dish made of rice and minced mutton. Together, the ingredients form a creamy and delicious paste-like consistency, perfect for a protein-rich breakfast. Serve with Kashmiri bread, this is a wholesome meal to begin your day of exploring the freezing cold valley.
