Food & Shopping

Food & Shopping

Kathua, known as the Gateway to Jammu & Kashmir, is a paradise for food lovers and shoppers. The town offers delicious Dogri & Kashmiri cuisine along with traditional handicrafts, Pashmina shawls, and famous Basohli paintings. Whether you want to explore street food, enjoy a traditional meal, or buy authentic Kashmiri souvenirs, here’s your ultimate guide to food & shopping in Kathua.

 

 Must-Try Foods in Kathua

Kathua’s cuisine is a mix of Dogri, Pahari, and Kashmiri flavors, offering a variety of vegetarian and non-vegetarian delicacies.

 

1. Rajma Chawal – The Iconic Comfort Food of Jammu

 Why Try It?

• A classic Dogri dish made with red kidney beans and rice.
• Served with pure ghee & pickles, making it extra flavorful.

 Best Place to Eat: Sharma Bhojnalaya, Kathua

 

2. Kaladi Kulcha – The Famous Local Cheese Dish

 Why Try It?

• Kaladi is a traditional hill cheese, grilled and served with a crispy kulcha.
• A must-try delicacy unique to Jammu & Kathua.

 Best Place to Eat: Roadside stalls & local dhabas

 

3. Patisa – The Famous Sweet of Kathua

 Why Try It?

• A crispy, flaky sweet similar to Soan Papdi.
• Kathua’s Patisa is one of the most famous in North India.

 Best Place to Buy: Choudhary Patisa Shop, Kathua

 

4. Madra – A Traditional Yogurt-Based Dish

 Why Try It?

• A rich chickpea dish cooked in thick yogurt & spices.
• Served as part of Dogri thali.

 Best Place to Eat: Local dhabas in Kathua

 

5. Noon Chai – Traditional Kashmiri Pink Tea

 Why Try It?

• A unique salty tea made with green tea leaves, milk, and baking soda.
• Best enjoyed with dry fruits & Kashmiri breads.

 Best Place to Drink: Tea stalls in Kathua & Basohli

 

6. Dogri Thali – The Traditional Meal

 What’s Included?
✔️ Ambal (Pumpkin curry)
✔️ Dal Patil (Special Dogri dal)
✔️ Anardana Chutney (Pomegranate-flavored dip)
✔️ Tandoori Roti & Ghee Rice

 Best Place to Eat: Dogra Dhaba, Kathua

 

7. Gulgule – A Deep-Fried Sweet Snack

 Why Try It?

• A popular evening snack made of wheat flour, jaggery, and cardamom.
• Best enjoyed with Noon Chai or Kahwa.

 Best Place to Eat: Street vendors in Kathua Bazaar

 

8. Kalaadi Samosa – A Spicy & Cheesy Twist

 Why Try It?

• A fusion dish where local Kaladi cheese is stuffed inside samosas.
• A perfect blend of crispy, spicy, and cheesy flavors.

 Best Place to Eat: Local street food stalls

 

9. Kahwa – Kashmiri Green Tea

 Why Try It?

• A fragrant tea infused with saffron, cardamom, and almonds.
• Helps keep the body warm in winter.

 Best Place to Drink: Any Kashmiri tea stall in Kathua

 

 Best Shopping Experiences in Kathua

Kathua is an excellent place for shopping, especially for handicrafts, woolen items, Basohli paintings, and dry fruits.

 

 What to Buy in Kathua?

1. Basohli Paintings – The Pride of Kathua

 Why Buy It?

• A rare Pahari-style miniature painting, known for its bold colors & mythological themes.
• Perfect for home décor & souvenirs.

 Best Place: Basohli Art Gallery, Kathua

 

2. Pashmina Shawls & Woolen Carpets

 Why Buy It?

• Handwoven Pashmina shawls, made from fine Himalayan wool.
• Kashmiri carpets, known for their intricate Persian-style designs.

 Best Place: Kashmir Handloom House, Kathua

 

3. Kashmiri Saffron & Dry Fruits

 Why Buy It?

• Kathua is a major trading hub for Kashmiri saffron & dry fruits.
• Buy pure saffron, almonds, walnuts, and dried apricots.

 Best Place: Devika Market & Local Spice Shops

 

4. Dogri Handicrafts & Wooden Carvings

 Why Buy It?

• Handmade wooden boxes, furniture, and trays with intricate carvings.
• Unique designs representing Dogri & Kashmiri art.

 Best Place: Raghunath Bazaar, Kathua

 

5. Kashmiri Papier Mâché Art

 Why Buy It?

• Hand-painted papier mâché boxes, vases, and trays with Kashmiri floral designs.

 Best Place: Handicraft stores in Kathua

 

6. Basohli Pherans & Woolen Clothes

 Why Buy It?

• Handwoven wool sweaters, shawls, and traditional Kashmiri pherans.

 Best Place: Udhampur Handloom Market

 

7. Traditional Dogri Jewelry & Silverware

 Why Buy It?

• Handcrafted silver jewelry with turquoise and coral stones.

 Best Place: Local jewelry stores in Kathua

 

 Best Shopping Markets in Kathua

1️ Kathua Main Bazaar

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

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2️ Devika Market

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

 

3️ Basohli Art Gallery

✔️ The best place to buy authentic Basohli paintings.

 

 Budget Tips for Shopping & Eating in Kathua

✔️ 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.

Kathua is a food lover’s & shopper’s paradise. Whether you're enjoying Kaladi Kulcha at a roadside stall, sipping Noon Chai, or buying a Basohli painting, the experience is authentic and unforgettable.

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