Food & Shopping

Food & Shopping

Kupwara, often called "The Crown of Kashmir," is not just a paradise for nature lovers but also a great place for authentic Kashmiri cuisine and traditional shopping. From delicious local dishes to exquisite handicrafts, dry fruits, and handwoven textiles, Kupwara offers an authentic Kashmiri cultural experience.

 

 Must-Try Foods in Kupwara

Kupwara’s cuisine is a perfect blend of traditional Kashmiri flavors, Mughlai influences, and local tribal specialties. If you are visiting, make sure to try these delicious dishes.

 

1. Rogan Josh – The King of Kashmiri Cuisine

 Why Try It?

• A slow-cooked mutton curry with Kashmiri red chilies & aromatic spices.
• One of the most famous and must-try dishes in Kashmir.

 Best Place to Eat: Local Kashmiri dhabas & restaurants in Kupwara

 

2. Dum Aloo – A Kashmiri Vegetarian Delight

 Why Try It?

• Baby potatoes cooked in a flavorful yogurt-based gravy with Kashmiri spices.
• A favorite dish among vegetarians and street food lovers.

 Best Place to Eat: Traditional Kashmiri restaurants in Kupwara

 

3. Gushtaba – Minced Mutton Meatballs in Yogurt Gravy

 Why Try It?

• Soft mutton meatballs cooked in a creamy yogurt sauce.
• Considered a royal dish of Kashmiri Wazwan cuisine.

 Best Place to Eat: Authentic Kashmiri dhabas

 

4. Noon Chai – The Famous Kashmiri Pink Tea

 Why Try It?

• A traditional tea made with green tea leaves, baking soda, and salt.
• Best enjoyed with Sheermal (Kashmiri sweet bread).

 Best Place to Drink: Tea stalls in Kupwara town

 

5. Modur Pulao – Kashmiri Sweet Saffron Rice

 Why Try It?

• Aromatic rice cooked with saffron, dry fruits, and ghee.
• Perfect for those who enjoy sweet and savory combinations.

 Best Place to Eat: Local restaurants in Kupwara

 

6. Sheermal – Kashmiri Sweet Bread

 Why Try It?

• A mildly sweet saffron-flavored bread, often enjoyed with Noon Chai.
• Soft, fluffy, and perfect with Kashmiri curries.

 Best Place to Eat: Local bakeries in Kupwara town

 

7. Kashmiri Kahwa – The Traditional Herbal Green Tea

 Why Try It?

• Aromatic green tea infused with saffron, almonds, cardamom & cinnamon.
• A must-try drink, especially in cold weather.

 Best Place to Drink: Kashmiri tea stalls

 

8. Nadru Yakhni – Lotus Stem Curry

 Why Try It?

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

 Best Place to Eat: Local eateries in Kupwara

 

 Best Shopping Experiences in Kupwara

Kupwara is a great place to buy authentic Kashmiri handicrafts, dry fruits, handwoven textiles, and organic produce.

 

 What to Buy in Kupwara?

1. Kashmiri Apples – The Best in India

 Why Buy It?

• Kupwara is home to some of the best apples in Kashmir, including Ambri, Delicious, and Golden apples.
• Apples from Kupwara are exported across India and worldwide.

 Best Place: Kupwara Fruit Mandi

 Price Range: ₹50–₹150 per kg

 

2. Dry Fruits & Kashmiri Walnuts

 Why Buy It?

• Freshly harvested almonds, walnuts, dried apricots, and pine nuts.
• Known for their high quality and rich flavor.

 Best Place: Kupwara Dry Fruit Market

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

 

3. Kashmiri Saffron – The World’s Most Expensive Spice

 Why Buy It?

• Grown in nearby Pampore, Kupwara is a great place to buy authentic Kashmiri saffron.
• Used in cooking, medicine, and herbal beauty products.

 Best Place: Authorized shops in Kupwara town

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

 

4. Handwoven Kashmiri Carpets & Pashmina Shawls

 Why Buy It?

• Authentic Kashmiri Pashmina shawls, made from fine Himalayan goat wool.
• Handwoven carpets with intricate Persian-inspired designs.

 Best Place: Kupwara Handicraft Market

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

 

5. Kashmiri Papier Mâché Art

 Why Buy It?

• Beautifully hand-painted boxes, vases, trays, and ornaments.
• A perfect souvenir that represents Kashmir’s artistic heritage.

 Best Place: Handicraft shops in Kupwara town

 Price Range: ₹500–₹5,000

 

6. Kashmiri Willow Cricket Bats

 Why Buy It?

• Made from high-quality Kashmiri willow wood, used by international cricketers.

 Best Place: Sports shops in Kupwara town

 Price Range: ₹1,500–₹10,000

 

 Best Shopping Markets in Kupwara

1️ Kupwara Fruit Mandi

✔️ Largest apple market in North Kashmir.
✔️ Best for fresh apples & organic fruit products.

 

2️ Kupwara Dry Fruit Market

✔️ Best for almonds, walnuts, and dried apricots.
✔️ Offers organic, farm-fresh products.

 

3️ Kupwara Handicraft Market

✔️ Best for Pashmina shawls, carpets, and Kashmiri art.
✔️ Government-verified handloom products available.

 

 Budget Tips for Shopping & Eating in Kupwara

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

Kupwara offers a unique food and shopping experience with its authentic Kashmiri cuisine and traditional handicrafts. Whether you're sipping Noon Chai in a local tea shop, buying fresh apples from the market, or shopping for Pashmina shawls, Kupwara promises an unforgettable experience.

 Best Time to Visit for Shopping & Food: March–October (for sightseeing), August–October (for apple season).
 Perfect Shopping & Food Tour: Kupwara → Fruit Mandi → Handicraft Market → Kashmiri Dhaba for Traditional Lunch.