Exploring Local Kashmiri Culture : Food, Markets & Handicrafts
By Adventure Richa Holidays | April 11, 2025
✨ “I finally booked Kashmir!” : A Dream Trip I’ll Never Forget
Hi, I’m Richa—a curious traveler, chai lover, and someone who believes the best stories come from wandering through narrow alleys, chatting with locals, and tasting food with names I can’t pronounce (yet still crave months later). Kashmir had been on my list for years. But this time, instead of just scrolling through reels of shikaras and snow, I finally hit "Book Now"—and let me tell you, that one click led to an experience full of flavor, color, and soulful craftsmanship.
"They say if there is heaven on Earth, it's here... it's here... it's here!"
🥘 The Flavours of Kashmir – A Foodie's Heaven
1. Wazwan: A Royal Feast I Still Dream About
Our very first night in Srinagar, our guide (bless him!) arranged a traditional Wazwan dinner. It's not a meal—it’s a ceremony. I felt like royalty eating out of a copper plate with 7 different dishes served at once:
- Rogan Josh spicy, red, and incredibly flavorful
- Yakhni mild and creamy, perfect for my spice-hating husband
- Gushtaba soft mutton balls in yogurt gravy, the dish I never knew I needed
- Dum Aloo, Haak, and rice that felt like butter
By the end, I could barely move, but my heart (and stomach) was full.
2. Kehwa, Kebabs & Kashmiri Chai
Let me tell you, Kehwa deserves its own fan club. This warm green tea with saffron, almonds, and cardamom became my daily addiction. Add to that:
- Hot seekh kebabs spicy, red, and incredibly flavorful
- Spicy masala chaiby Dal Lake
- And the cutest little bakeries serving Sheermal (sweet flatbread)
Even my husband, who usually lives on toast and complaints, was happily full and quiet. A true miracle.
🛍️ Markets That Felt Like Treasure Hunts
1. Lal Chowk – The Buzzing Bazaar
On Day 3, we wandered into Lal Chowk. I went in to “just browse” and came out with:
- A Pheran (traditional Kashmiri cloak) that makes me feel regal
- Embroidered shawls that my mom has already claimed
- Silver jewelry I “hid” from my husband till we got back
The chaos, the bargaining, the friendly shopkeepers—it was the perfect mix of madness and magic.
2. Polo View Market – Where I Found Art
If you want something beautiful and handmade, Polo View Market is where you go. From Papier-Mâché vases to walnut wood carved trays, every shop is a gallery. I spent hours just admiring the detail.
- Always ask if it’s authentic Kashmiri Pashmina.
- Trust me, I learned the hard way after buying a “Pashmina” scarf for ₹300. Spoiler: it was acrylic.
3. Floating Market on Dal Lake – A Scene From a Dream
We woke up at 5:30 AM for this. I complained the entire boat ride until… we reached. Boats filled with vegetables, flowers, and chatter. No tourists, just local men doing business as they’ve done for generations.
- It was quiet, surreal, and honestly, kind of romantic. My husband even held my hand (for warmth, but I’ll take it).
🧵 Kashmiri Handicrafts – Made with Love and Legacy
1. Pashmina – Soft as a Whisper
I visited a small weaving center near Srinagar where women were hand-weaving real Pashmina shawls. It takes days to make just one! I bought one in pastel blue that I now guard like gold.
2. Walnut Wood Carving – The Craft of Patience
The artisans were carving tables, jewelry boxes, even clocks—by hand! The patience, the precision—it’s an art passed down through generations. I brought home a carved tissue box. My most aesthetic tissue-pulling moment yet.
- Always ask if it’s authentic Kashmiri Pashmina.
- Trust me, I learned the hard way after buying a “Pashmina” scarf for ₹300. Spoiler: it was acrylic.
3. Papier-Mâché – Kashmir’s Colorful Soul
Bright, beautiful, and delicately painted. I picked up a few papier-mâché Christmas ornaments. Yes, in April. No regrets.
- Always ask if it’s authentic Kashmiri Pashmina.
- Trust me, I learned the hard way after buying a “Pashmina” scarf for ₹300. Spoiler: it was acrylic.
Final Thoughts: Kashmir Isn’t Just a Place | It’s a Feeling
As we boarded the flight back home, I looked out at the snowy peaks and thought to myself,
"How can one place be so beautiful, so warm, and so full of stories?"
Kashmir gave me more than memories—it gave me perspective. And maybe a few extra kilos, but who's counting?
If you’re looking to explore a place with heart, history, flavor, and soul, trust me—Kashmir is calling. Answer it.
Need help planning your trip?
Drop a message or explore our ready-to-book Kashmir tour packages.
Until next time, stay curious and keep exploring.
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