Food & Shopping

Food & Shopping

Kulgam, also known as "The Rice Bowl of Kashmir," is not only famous for its lush landscapes and waterfalls but also for its traditional Kashmiri cuisine and local handicrafts. Whether you want to enjoy authentic Kashmiri dishes or shop for local produce like apples, saffron, and handicrafts, Kulgam offers a delightful experience for food lovers and shoppers.

 

 Must-Try Foods in Kulgam

Kulgam's cuisine is a blend of Kashmiri Wazwan, Mughlai influences, and traditional local flavors. If you visit, don't miss these delicious Kashmiri dishes.

 

1. Rogan Josh – Kashmir’s Signature Mutton Curry

 Why Try It?

• Slow-cooked lamb in a rich, spicy, and aromatic red gravy.
• A must-try dish in any authentic Kashmiri meal.

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

 

2. Dum Aloo – Kashmiri Spiced Potato Dish

 Why Try It?

• Baby potatoes cooked in a yogurt-based gravy with Kashmiri spices.
• A popular vegetarian dish with a rich, tangy flavor.

 Best Place to Eat: Traditional Kashmiri restaurants

 

3. Gushtaba – Minced Mutton Meatballs in Yogurt Curry

 Why Try It?

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

 Best Place to Eat: Local Kashmiri dhabas

 

4. Noon Chai – The Famous Kashmiri Pink Tea

 Why Try It?

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

 Best Place to Drink: Tea stalls in Kulgam town

 

5. Modur Pulao – Kashmiri Saffron Rice

 Why Try It?

• Aromatic rice cooked with saffron, dry fruits, and ghee.
• A mildly sweet and flavorful dish that pairs well with Wazwan curries.

 Best Place to Eat: Local restaurants in Kulgam

 

6. Sheermal – Kashmiri Sweet Bread

 Why Try It?

• A mildly sweet saffron-infused bread, perfect with tea.
• Soft, fluffy, and commonly eaten with Kashmiri curries.

 Best Place to Eat: Local bakeries in Kulgam town

 

7. Kashmiri Kahwa – Traditional Herbal Green Tea

 Why Try It?

• Aromatic green tea infused with saffron, almonds, cardamom & cinnamon.
• Served hot and perfect for cold weather.

 Best Place to Drink: Kashmiri tea stalls

 

8. Nadru Yakhni – Lotus Stem in Yogurt Gravy

 Why Try It?

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

 Best Place to Eat: Local eateries in Kulgam

 

9. Kashmiri Trout Fish – Fresh from Vishaw River

 Why Try It?

• Freshly caught trout fish from the Vishaw River, cooked in Kashmiri spices.
• Best enjoyed grilled, fried, or in a spicy curry.

 Best Place to Eat: Local restaurants near Aharbal Waterfall

 

 Best Shopping Experiences in Kulgam

Kulgam is known for fresh agricultural produce, Kashmiri handicrafts, dry fruits, and saffron. If you’re a shopping enthusiast, these are the best things to buy in Kulgam.

 

 What to Buy in Kulgam?

1. Kashmiri Apples – The Best in India

 Why Buy It?

• Kulgam produces some of the best apples in Kashmir, including Ambri, Delicious, and Golden apples.
• Apples from Kulgam are exported across India and internationally.

 Best Place: Kulgam Fruit Mandi

 Price Range: ₹50–₹150 per kg

 

2. Dry Fruits & Kashmiri Walnuts

 Why Buy It?

• Organic almonds, walnuts, dried apricots, and pine nuts.
• Grown in the fertile valleys of Kulgam.

 Best Place: Kulgam 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?

• Premium quality saffron grown in the nearby Pampore region.
• Used in cooking, medicine, and herbal beauty products.

 Best Place: Authorized shops in Kulgam town

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

 

4. Handwoven Kashmiri Carpets & Pashmina Shawls

 Why Buy It?

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

 Best Place: Kulgam Handicraft Market

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

 

5. Kashmiri Papier Mâché Art

 Why Buy It?

• Hand-painted boxes, vases, trays & decorative items with Kashmiri floral designs.
• A perfect souvenir that represents Kashmir’s artistic heritage.

 Best Place: Handicraft shops in Kulgam town

 Price Range: ₹500–₹5,000

 

6. Kashmiri Willow Cricket Bats

 Why Buy It?

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

 Best Place: Sports shops in Kulgam town

 Price Range: ₹1,500–₹10,000

 

 Best Shopping Markets in Kulgam

1️ Kulgam Fruit Mandi

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

 

2️ Kulgam Dry Fruit Market

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

 

3️ Kulgam Handicraft Market

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

 

 Budget Tips for Shopping & Eating in Kulgam

✔️ 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.

Kulgam is a food and shopping paradise with 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, Kulgam promises an unforgettable experience.

 Best Time to Visit for Shopping & Food: March–October (for sightseeing), August–October (for apple season).