Kashmir is renowned for its breathtaking natural beauty and rich culinary heritage, including delicious street food offerings. Here are three of the best street food joints in Kashmir:
- Hazratbal Market, Srinagar: Located near the revered Hazratbal Shrine on the banks of Dal Lake in Srinagar, Hazratbal Market is a bustling hub of activity known for its vibrant street food scene. Here, you can indulge in a variety of Kashmiri street food delights, including traditional snacks like seekh kebabs, tikki chaat, golgappas (pani puri), and samosas. Don’t miss trying the famous Kashmiri tea (noon chai) and sweet treats like phirni and sheer chai available at the local tea stalls and sweet shops.
- Gaw Kadal, Srinagar: Gaw Kadal is a historic area in the heart of Srinagar known for its bustling markets and vibrant street food stalls. Here, you can savor authentic Kashmiri cuisine at numerous food joints offering a wide range of local delicacies. Popular street food options include kebabs, tandoori rotis, mutton seekh rolls, and traditional Kashmiri breads like lavasa and tsochvoru. Be sure to try the famous wazwan delicacies like rista (meatballs) and gushtaba (minced meatballs in yogurt gravy) available at local eateries.
- Lal Chowk, Srinagar: Lal Chowk, or Red Square, is the commercial and cultural hub of Srinagar and is famous for its vibrant street food scene. Here, you’ll find numerous street vendors and food stalls offering a diverse range of Kashmiri street food specialties. From piping hot kebabs and grilled meat skewers to savory snacks like pakoras and aloo tikkis, Lal Chowk is a food lover’s paradise. Don’t forget to sample the local desserts like shufta (sweet snack) and khubani ka meetha (apricot dessert) available at sweet shops and bakeries in the area.