20 Most Famous Kashmiri Dishes You Must Try

Famous Kashmiri Dishes: Kashmiri cuisine is one of the most flavorful and aromatic in India, deeply influenced by Central Asian, Persian, and Mughal culinary traditions. Rich in spices like saffron, cardamom, cinnamon, and cloves, and often incorporating dried fruits, nuts, and dairy-based gravies, these dishes reflect the heritage and cold climate of the region.

Whether you’re planning to explore traditional Kashmiri food or looking for new recipes to try at home, this list features the top 20 most famous Kashmiri dishes that food lovers across the world cherish.

1. Rogan Josh

A signature dish of Kashmiri cuisine, Rogan Josh is a spicy lamb curry made with yogurt, Kashmiri chili, and aromatic spices. Its deep red color and rich flavor make it a must-have in any traditional Kashmiri meal.

2. Yakhni

Yakhni is a mild yogurt-based mutton curry, cooked with fennel seeds, dry mint, and cardamom. It’s light on the palate and often served with steamed rice.

3. Dum Aloo

One of the most loved vegetarian dishes from Kashmir, Dum Aloo features baby potatoes simmered in a tangy yogurt and spice gravy.

4. Modur Pulao

Modur Pulao is a sweet and savory Kashmiri rice dish made with ghee, milk, saffron, nuts, and dried fruits. It’s commonly served at weddings and festive occasions.

5. Rista

Rista consists of spiced meatballs made from finely ground mutton, simmered in a fiery red gravy. It’s an integral part of the traditional Wazwan feast.

6. Nadir Yakhni

A delicacy made from lotus stem cooked in a yogurt-based curry, Nadir Yakhni offers a unique texture and flavor.

7. Gushtaba

Gushtaba is a rich dish featuring velvety mutton meatballs in a creamy yogurt gravy. It’s typically served at the end of the Wazwan meal.

8. Aab Gosht

This mild-flavored dish includes mutton cooked in milk and spices, offering a delicate, creamy texture.

9. Kofta

Kashmiri Kofta features minced meat balls seasoned with regional spices and served in a thick, spicy gravy.

10. Haak

A simple yet nutritious green leafy vegetable curry, usually made with collard greens or turnip leaves, simmered in mustard oil and garlic.

11. Tabak Maaz

These are fried lamb ribs, first cooked till tender and then shallow-fried in ghee. They are crisp on the outside and juicy inside.

12. Marchwangan Korma

A spicy curry made with red chilies and yogurt, typically cooked with lamb. It’s fiery and rich, with a distinctive aroma.

13. Matschgand

This dish consists of minced meat dumplings cooked in a hot red gravy, made with yogurt and spices. It’s robust and packed with flavor.

14. Dahi Wadi

Fried lentil dumplings soaked in seasoned yogurt and garnished with chili oil or spice powders—delicious and cooling.

15. Nadir Korma

Another lotus stem dish, this time prepared in a thick, rich gravy infused with saffron and dry spices.

16. Kanti

Kanti is a quick stir-fry of meat chunks (usually mutton), flavored with onions, chilies, and Kashmiri masalas. It’s often served as a snack or side dish.

17. Aab-Gosht

A lighter version of meat curry, this features lamb simmered in milk and light spices, ideal for those who prefer less spicy dishes.

18. Qeema Kanti

This spicy dish features minced meat stir-fried with onions and chilies, often enjoyed as a snack or with rice.

19. Dhaniwal Korma

Made with meat and fresh coriander, this yogurt-based curry is milder and aromatic, making it perfect for family meals.

20. Wazwan

Wazwan is not a single dish but a lavish multi-course meal served at weddings and celebrations in Kashmir. It includes Rogan Josh, Rista, Gushtaba, and more, typically served over a bed of rice.

Kashmiri cuisine is a celebration of flavor, texture, and tradition. Whether you are a meat lover or a vegetarian, there’s something in the famous Kashmiri dishes for everyone. Try these dishes at home or savor them on your next trip to the valley to truly experience the richness of this incredible cuisine.