Food & Shopping

Food & Shopping

Udhampur, a town known for its scenic beauty, temples, and military significance, is also a hub for delicious local food and unique shopping experiences. Whether you're a foodie looking to try authentic Dogri cuisine or a shopper hunting for Kashmiri handicrafts and souvenirs, Udhampur has something for everyone.

 Must-Try Foods in Udhampur

Kashmiri and Dogri cuisines are known for their rich flavors, traditional recipes, and locally sourced ingredients. Here are the top dishes you must try in Udhampur:

1. Kaladi Kulcha – Udhampur’s Special Cheese Delicacy

 A local hill cheese (Kaladi) that is pan-fried and served in a crispy kulcha bread.
 Best Place: Roadside stalls in Udhampur

2. Rajma Chawal – The Comfort Food of Jammu

 Red Jammu Rajma (kidney beans) cooked with thick gravy, served with steamed rice & ghee.
 Best Place: Sharma Bhojnalaya, Udhampur

3. Patisa – The Famous Udhampur Sweet

 A crispy, flaky sweet made with gram flour & sugar, similar to Soan Papdi.
 Best Place: Choudhary Patisa Shop, Udhampur

4. Kachalu Chaat – Tangy & Spicy Street Food

 Boiled potatoes (Kachalu) mixed with tamarind, spices & lemon juice.
 Best Place: Local street stalls in Udhampur

5. Dogri Thali – A Traditional Meal

 A complete Dogra-style meal, including:
✔️ Ambal (Pumpkin curry)
✔️ Dal Patil (Special Dogri dal)
✔️ Anardana Chutney (Pomegranate-based spicy dip)
 Best Place: Dogra Dhaba, Udhampur

6. Noon Chai – Kashmiri Pink Tea

 A salty Kashmiri tea, served with dry fruits & traditional bread.
 Best Place: Tea stalls in Udhampur & Patnitop

7. Gulgule – Deep-Fried Sweet Dumplings

 A sweet snack made of wheat flour, sugar, and jaggery.
 Best Place: Local markets & tea stalls

8. Mitha Madra – A Sweet Yogurt-Based Dish

 A traditional Dogri dessert made of chickpeas, dry fruits, and saffron.
 Best Place: Pahari Dhaba, Udhampur

9. Kulfi Falooda – A Must-Try Dessert

 A thick kulfi (Indian ice cream) served with falooda noodles and rose syrup.
 Best Place: Sweet shops in Udhampur Main Bazaar

 Best Shopping Experiences in Udhampur

Udhampur is an excellent place for shopping, especially for handicrafts, dry fruits, and local textiles.

 What to Buy in Udhampur?

1. Pashmina Shawls & Woolen Carpets

• Handwoven Pashmina shawls from Kashmir’s finest wool.
• Silk & wool carpets with Persian-style designs.
   Best Place: Kashmir Handloom House, Udhampur

2. Kashmiri Saffron & Dry Fruits

• Authentic Kashmiri saffron (the world’s most expensive spice).
• Almonds, walnuts, cashews, and dried apricots.
   Best Place: Devika Market & Local Spice Shops

3. Handmade Dogri Jewelry & Silverware

• Traditional silver & gold filigree jewelry.
• Turquoise & coral-studded rings, necklaces, and earrings.
   Best Place: Jewelry stores in Udhampur Bazaar

4. Udhampur’s Famous Patisa (Sweet)

• Locally made crispy Patisa, a must-buy sweet from Udhampur.
   Best Place: Choudhary Patisa Shop, Udhampur

5. Kashmiri Papier Mâché Art & Handicrafts

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

6. Kashmiri Willow Cricket Bats

• Handcrafted cricket bats made from Kashmiri willow wood.
   Best Place: Sports shops in Udhampur

7. Basohli Paintings – Unique Dogra Art

• Traditional miniature paintings from Jammu, known for their bold colors & mythological themes.
   Best Place: Handicraft shops in Udhampur

8. Woolen Clothes & Pherans (Traditional Kashmiri Attire)

• Handwoven wool sweaters, shawls, and pherans (long woolen tunics).
   Best Place: Udhampur Handloom Market

 Best Shopping Markets in Udhampur

1️ Udhampur Main Bazaar

✔️ Best for Pashmina shawls, saffron, and handicrafts.
✔️ Located in central Udhampur, ideal for tourists.

2️ Devika Market

✔️ Best for religious items, souvenirs, and local handicrafts.
✔️ Famous for dry fruits, saffron & silver jewelry.

3️ Kashmir Government Handloom House

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

 Budget Tips for Shopping & Eating in Udhampur

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

Udhampur is a paradise for food lovers & shoppers. Whether you're enjoying Kaladi Kulcha at a roadside stall, sipping Noon Chai by the Devika River, or buying a Pashmina shawl, every experience is authentic and unforgettable.

 Best Time to Visit for Shopping & Food: March–October (for pleasant weather).
 Perfect Shopping & Food Tour: Udhampur → Main Bazaar → Devika Market → Patisa Shops → Local Dhaba for Rajma Chawal.