Food & Shopping

Food & Shopping

Pulwama, often called the "Rice Bowl of Kashmir," is a paradise for food lovers and shoppers. The district is famous for authentic Kashmiri cuisine, saffron, dry fruits, and exquisite handicrafts. Whether you're looking for traditional Kashmiri dishes or shopping for unique souvenirs, Pulwama offers a rich cultural experience.

 

 Must-Try Foods in Pulwama

Pulwama’s cuisine is a mix of traditional Kashmiri, Mughlai, and Dogri flavors, offering a variety of vegetarian and non-vegetarian delicacies.

 

1. Rogan Josh – The Iconic Kashmiri Mutton Curry

 Why Try It?

• A slow-cooked lamb dish in a rich, spicy red gravy.
• One of the most famous Kashmiri dishes, known for its aromatic flavors.

 Best Place to Eat: Local Kashmiri dhabas in Pulwama

 

2. Dum Aloo – Kashmiri Spicy Potato Dish

 Why Try It?

• Baby potatoes cooked in a flavorful yogurt-based gravy.
• A must-try vegetarian dish in Pulwama.

 Best Place to Eat: Kashmiri home-style restaurants

 

3. Gushtaba – The King of Kashmiri Dishes

 Why Try It?

• Minced mutton meatballs cooked in creamy yogurt-based gravy.
• Often served during festivals & weddings in Kashmir.

 Best Place to Eat: Traditional Kashmiri eateries

 

4. Modur Pulao – Kashmiri Saffron Rice

 Why Try It?

• A sweet Kashmiri rice dish cooked with saffron, dry fruits & ghee.
• Best eaten with Kashmiri curries or as a dessert.

 Best Place to Eat: Local restaurants in Pampore

 

5. Noon Chai – The Famous Pink Salted Tea

 Why Try It?

• A unique pink-colored tea made with green tea leaves, baking soda & salt.
• Best enjoyed with traditional Kashmiri bread (Sheermal & Lavasa).

 Best Place to Drink: Tea stalls in Pulwama & Pampore

 

6. Sheermal – Kashmiri Sweet Bread

 Why Try It?

• A mildly sweet saffron-flavored bread.
• Often served with Noon Chai or Kahwa.

 Best Place to Eat: Local bakeries in Pulwama town

 

7. Kashmiri Kahwa – The Traditional Green Tea

 Why Try It?

• A fragrant tea infused with saffron, almonds, cardamom & cinnamon.
• Helps keep the body warm in cold weather.

 Best Place to Drink: Any Kashmiri tea stall in Pulwama

 

8. Nadru Yakhni – Lotus Stem in Yogurt Gravy

 Why Try It?

• Lotus stems slow-cooked in a creamy yogurt-based gravy.
• A popular vegetarian dish in Kashmiri households.

 Best Place to Eat: Traditional Kashmiri dhabas

 

 Best Shopping Experiences in Pulwama

Pulwama is famous for saffron, dry fruits, Pashmina shawls, carpets, and Kashmiri handicrafts.

 

 What to Buy in Pulwama?

1. Kashmiri Saffron – The Best in the World

 Why Buy It?

• Pulwama is India’s largest saffron-producing region.
• The saffron from Pampore is known for its superior quality.
• Used in cooking, medicine, and beauty products.

 Best Place: Pampore Saffron Fields & Saffron Market

 Price Range: ₹250–₹500 per gram (Check for authenticity)

 

2. Dry Fruits & Kashmiri Walnuts

 Why Buy It?

• Pulwama’s walnuts, almonds, and dried apricots are famous worldwide.
• Best place to buy high-quality, organic dry fruits.

 Best Place: Pulwama Main Bazaar & Pampore Market

 Price Range: ₹800–₹1,500 per kg (for walnuts & almonds)

 

3. Handwoven Kashmiri Carpets & Pashmina Shawls

 Why Buy It?

• Authentic Pashmina shawls made from Himalayan goat wool.
• Handmade Kashmiri carpets with Persian-style designs.

 Best Place: Pulwama Handicraft Market

 Price Range: ₹5,000–₹50,000 (Shawls), ₹10,000+ (Carpets)

 

4. Kashmiri Papier Mâché Art

 Why Buy It?

• Hand-painted boxes, vases & trays with Kashmiri floral designs.
• A perfect souvenir to take home.

 Best Place: Handicraft shops in Pulwama town

 Price Range: ₹500–₹5,000

 

5. Basohli Paintings – Traditional Miniature Art

 Why Buy It?

• One of Kashmir’s oldest art forms, known for mythological & folk themes.
• Rare and valuable artwork.

 Best Place: Pulwama Art Gallery

 Price Range: ₹2,000–₹20,000

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6. Kashmiri Willow Cricket Bats

 Why Buy It?

• Made from premium Kashmiri willow wood, used by international cricketers.

 Best Place: Sports shops in Pulwama town

 Price Range: ₹1,500–₹10,000

 

 Best Shopping Markets in Pulwama

1️ Pulwama Main Bazaar

✔️ Best for dry fruits, saffron, and carpets.
✔️ Located in central Pulwama, easy to access.

 

2️ Pampore Saffron Market

✔️ Best for pure saffron & organic dry fruits.
✔️ Visit during October–November to see saffron harvesting.

 

3️ Pulwama Handicraft Market

✔️ Best for Pashmina shawls, carpets, and Kashmiri art.
✔️ Authentic government-verified handloom products.

 

 Budget Tips for Shopping & Eating in Pulwama

✔️ Bargain in Local Markets: Prices for handicrafts & carpets can be negotiated.
✔️ Buy Saffron from Authorized Sellers: Check for authentic Kashmiri saffron.
✔️ Try Local Kashmiri Street Food: Rogan Josh, Kaladi Kulcha, and Noon Chai are affordable and delicious.
✔️ Look for Government Handloom Stores: They offer genuine & fairly priced Pashmina shawls & carpets.

Pulwama is a food lover’s & shopper’s paradise. Whether you're sipping Noon Chai by the saffron fields, buying Pashmina shawls, or enjoying authentic Kashmiri Rogan Josh, the experience is authentic and unforgettable.

 Best Time to Visit for Shopping & Food: March–October (for pleasant weather), October–November (for saffron season).
 Perfect Shopping & Food Tour: Pulwama → Pampore Saffron Market → Pulwama Handicraft Market → Kashmiri Dhaba for Traditional Lunch.