Food & Shopping

Food & Shopping

Anantnag is not just about scenic beauty and adventure; it also offers a rich culinary experience and traditional Kashmiri shopping delights. From mouth-watering Wazwan dishes to handwoven Pashmina shawls, here’s your ultimate food and shopping guide for Anantnag.

 Must-Try Food in Anantnag

Kashmiri cuisine is a blend of Persian, Mughal, and local Himalayan flavors. The food here is rich, aromatic, and full of exotic spices like saffron, cardamom, and dry fruits.

1. Rogan Josh – The Kashmiri Delicacy

 A flavorful mutton curry slow-cooked in red chili, yogurt, and Kashmiri spices.
 Best Place: Mughal Darbar, Anantnag

2. Rajma Chawal – The Local Favorite

 Special Kashmiri red kidney beans (rajma) served with rice and ghee.
 Best Place: Local dhabas in Anantnag, Pahalwan’s

3. Dum Aloo – Kashmiri Vegetarian Delight

 Baby potatoes cooked in a yogurt-based spicy gravy.
 Best Place: Khaana Khazana, Anantnag

4. Gushtaba – Mutton Lovers’ Dream

 Soft mutton meatballs in a creamy yogurt gravy, part of Wazwan cuisine.
 Best Place: Mughal Darbar

5. Kaladi Kulcha – Unique Kashmiri Street Food

 A local cheese called Kaladi, grilled and stuffed in a crispy kulcha.
 Best Place: Pahalwan’s, Anantnag

6. Khamiri Roti & Seekh Kebabs

 A soft, fluffy fermented bread served with spicy grilled kebabs.
 Best Place: Local street stalls near Achabal

7. Noon Chai – The Famous Pink Tea

 A traditional salted Kashmiri tea, often served with dry fruits.
 Best Place: Local tea stalls in Anantnag

8. Kahwa – The Saffron Green Tea

 Saffron-infused green tea, mixed with almonds, cinnamon, and cardamom.
 Best Place: Any Kashmiri café

9. Phirni – Sweet Rice Pudding

 A creamy, saffron-flavored rice dessert served in earthen pots.
 Best Place: Mughal Darbar, Anantnag

 Best Shopping Experiences in Anantnag

Anantnag is a major trading hub in Kashmir and offers a variety of traditional handicrafts, woolens, spices, and dry fruits.

 What to Buy in Anantnag?

1. Pashmina Shawls & Woolen Carpets

• Handwoven Pashmina shawls made from fine Himalayan wool.
• Silk & wool carpets with intricate Kashmiri designs.
   Best Place: Kashmir Government Handloom House, Anantnag

2. Saffron & Dry Fruits

• Kashmiri saffron (world’s most expensive spice) from Pampore.
• Almonds, walnuts, cashews, and dried apricots.
   Best Place: Local spice markets, Pampore saffron fields

3. Papier Mâché Art & Handicrafts

• Hand-painted papier mâché boxes, vases, and trays with floral Kashmiri designs.
   Best Place: Raghunath Bazaar, Anantnag

4. Kashmiri Willow Cricket Bats

• Anantnag is famous for making high-quality cricket bats from Kashmiri willow wood.
   Best Place: Cricket Bat Factories in Bijbehara, Anantnag

5. Traditional Kashmiri Jewelry

• Silver & gold filigree jewelry, handcrafted by local artisans.
• Special turquoise & coral-studded rings, necklaces, and earrings.
   Best Place: Old Market, Anantnag

6. Basohli Paintings

• Traditional paintings known for their vibrant colors & mythological themes.
   Best Place: Art shops in Anantnag

7. Kashmiri Kangri (Traditional Fire Pot)

• A small earthenware fire pot used for warmth during winters.
   Best Place: Street vendors in Anantnag

 Best Shopping Markets in Anantnag

1️ Raghunath Bazaar

✔️ Famous for Pashmina shawls, saffron, handicrafts & jewelry.
✔️ Located in central Anantnag, perfect for tourists.

2️ Old Market (Lal Chowk, Anantnag)

✔️ Best for local dry fruits, woolens, and silver jewelry.
✔️ Try local Kashmiri food stalls nearby.

3️ Kashmir Government Handloom House

✔️ Best place to buy authentic Pashmina, silk carpets, and Kashmiri textiles.

4️ Pampore Saffron Market

✔️ Best for buying pure Kashmiri saffron, almonds & walnuts.
✔️ Visit Pampore saffron fields during October for a unique experience.

 Budget Tips for Shopping & Eating in Anantnag

✔️ Bargain in Local Markets: Prices are negotiable for handicrafts & carpets.
✔️ Buy Spices & Saffron from Authorized Sellers: Ensure purity & authenticity.
✔️ Try Local Kashmiri Street Food: Cheaper and more authentic than restaurants.
✔️ Look for Government Handloom Stores: For genuine Pashmina shawls & carpets.

Anantnag is a paradise for food lovers and shoppers. Whether you're enjoying a hot cup of Kahwa by the Lidder River or buying handwoven Pashmina shawls & Kashmiri saffron, every experience is authentic and unforgettable.

 Best Time to Visit for Shopping & Food: March–October (for pleasant weather).
 Perfect Shopping & Food Tour: Anantnag → Pampore → Raghunath Bazaar → Pahalwan’s for food → Mughal Darbar for dinner.