Kashmir is famous for having the tastiest food in India. Only the best Kashmir trip package allows tourists to explore the aromatic Kashmiri spice markets, as their dishes are full of amazing flavours and spices.
You can find spices all over Kashmir from local markets to shop along trekking routes like the Warwan Valley Trek in Kashmir. What makes Kashmiri food so special is that they make their own spices, which give the food its true Kashmiri taste. Some spices that are special to Kashmir are the most expensive Saffron, the well-known Kashmiri red chili, and Cardamom. These homemade spices are the secret behind why Kashmiri food tastes so good.
Popular Spices You Won’t Regret Buying In Kashmiri Markets
- Saffron: Known as the world’s most expensive spice, Kashmiri saffron is popular for its colour and aroma. Saffron comes from a pretty flower called crocus.
When you add a tiny bit of saffron to food, it gives a beautiful yellow colour and a special taste. People in Kashmir use saffron in dishes like Pulao(a rice dish) and Kehwa (a type of tea).
- Cardamom: Both green and black varieties are used extensively in Kashmiri cooking.
- Dried Ginger: Dry Ginger is used in both cooking and Kashmiri Kahwa tea. It adds a little bit of spiciness to the food and makes it very refreshing to taste.
- Cinnamon: It is a warm, sweet spice. People use Cinnamon in dishes, like Rogan Josh (a meat dish) and Pulao (a rice dish). Cinnamon adds a nice woody taste that makes meat curries and rice dishes taste better.
- Red Chilli: The Kashmiri Red Chilli is known for its bright red colour and gentle spiciness. It is different from other chilli peppers because it makes food look very red without making it too hot to eat. It is used in dishes like Roganjosh (a meat curry) and Dum Aloo (a potato dish).
- Fennel Seeds: Fennel seeds are great for gut health. It tastes sweet and a bit like licorice. One famous Kashmiri dish that uses fennel powder is called Yakhni. Fennel seeds’ taste helps balance out the spicy flavours of other spices and makes the food taste fresh.
- Asafoetida: Also known as Hing, Asafoetida has a very strong aroma. Hence it is used in small quantities while cooking. It is added to hot oil at the start of cooking to make the food taste better overall. Used in Kashmiri dishes like Nadru Yakhni and Rajma.
- Cloves: Cloves taste warm, sweet, and a bit peppery. Cloves are used in rice dishes and meat curries to make the food taste richer and more interesting. Cloves are very important in making Kashmiri Pulao.
- Caraway Seeds: Also known as Shahi Jeera, Caraway seeds taste sweet and slightly pepper. This spice is often dry roasted before adding it to the dishes as it opens up the aroma.
- Bay Leaves: People in Kashmir like using bay leaves because they give a nice, gentle flavour to their meals without being too strong. These leaves are great for Kashmiri dishes like Yakhni and Roganjosh. The longer the food cooks, the tastier it gets with bay leaves.
Top Kashmiri Spice Markets
1. Lal Chowk Market
Lal Chowk Spice Market in Srinagar is a bustling market filled with bright colours and aromas. There are also lots of yummy Kashmiri snacks and treats to try. When you visit the market, you will surely step back in time.
Each stall you visit might have something new and interesting to see or smell. It is a great place to learn about Kashmiri cooking and culture just by looking around and talking to the locals.
Popular spices in the market include Cardamom, Cinnamon, Ginger, and Cloves.
2. Maharaja Bazar
Maharaja Bazar is one of the oldest markets in Jammu and Kashmir. Even today, lots of people who live nearby and tourists visit this market. This market is huge with more than a thousand shops. Maharaja market is famous for tea, spices, and clothes. People come from all over to buy these items because the market is famous for having good quality and lots of choices.
Popular spices in the market include Cumin, Coriander, Turmeric, Black Pepper, Cinnamon, Cloves, and Cardamom.
3. Polo View Market
Polo View Market is a busy shopping area right in the middle of Srinagar. This market is famous for special spices like Kashmiri Saffron, tasty dry fruits, fancy clothes, and jewellery. As you walk around, you might smell the Saffron and other Kashmiri spices. It is a fun place to visit for shopping in Kashmir if you are looking for spices or try some local foods.
Popular spices in the market include Saffron, Kashmiri Red Chili Powder, Hing, and Masala Powder.
4. Zaina Kadal Market
Zaina Kadal is a vibrant market in Srinagar that offers a wide variety of spices, Copperware, and Silver items. It is the best place for people who love aromatic spices.
Popular spices in the market include Nutmeg, Turmeric, and Saffron.
Tips You Need Before Visiting Kashmiri Spice Markets
- Interact with local vendors to learn about the spices and their uses.
- Buy small quantities to sample before making larger purchases.
- Look for vacuum-sealed packages for fresher spices.
- Try to bargain, as it is a common practice in these markets.
From Kashmiri Spice Market To Your Kitchen
Using Kashmiri spices in your cooking is like bringing a little bit of Kashmir into your kitchen. These spices not only make your food taste rich but also fill your space with strong and pleasant aromas. And the best part? they are good for your health.
Here’s How To Make The Most Of Kashmiri Spices
- Warm Up Your Spices: Before grinding the spices, gently crush spices like cloves, cinnamon sticks, or fennel seeds, and heat them in a dry pan. This makes them smell better and taste stronger.
- Grind At Home: Try to crush your spices just before you use them, instead of buying pre-ground spices. This makes them smell fresher and adds more flavour to your food.
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