Traditional Kashmiri dishes Guide: What to Eat in Azad Kashmir

Kashmir is a beautiful place known for its mountains and culture, and its food is very special too. Traditional Kashmiri dishes have unique flavors and use fresh meat, yogurt, and spices to make tasty meals. One famous way they cook is called Wazwan, which is a big meal with many different dishes served at weddings and festivals. Some popular dishes are Yakhni, Goshtaba, Tabak Maaz, and Matschgand. In this article, you will learn about these delicious dishes that show the rich taste and tradition of Kashmir.

Yakhni – A Simple and Tasty Dish from Kashmiri Cuisine

Kashmir is known not only for its beautiful mountains and valleys but also for its unique and delicious food. One of the most loved dishes from this region is Yakhni — a light, yogurt-based meat curry that’s full of flavor and tradition.

What is Yakhni?

Yakhni is a traditional Kashmiri dish made with mutton (or sometimes chicken) and cooked in a yogurt gravy with a few simple spices. It’s not spicy like most South Asian curries—instead, it’s mild, creamy, and very aromatic.

The name “Yakhni” comes from the Persian word for broth, and this dish is exactly that—a flavorful meat broth cooked slowly with yogurt and spices.

Main Red chili powder in Yakhni

Mutton (bone-in pieces)
Yogurt (thick and fresh)
Fennel seed powder
Dry ginger powder (called saunth)
Green and black cardamom
Cloves and cinnamon
Bay leaves
Garlic
Salt and oil or ghee

Note: Yakhni does not use onions or tomatoes, which makes it light and soothing.

How is Yakhni Made?

First, the meat is boiled with garlic, salt, and whole spices to make a flavorful broth.
Yogurt is whisked well and gently cooked with powdered spices like fennel and dry ginger.
The meat and broth are then added to the yogurt mixture and simmered until everything blends together beautifully.

It’s usually served with plain white rice—making it a simple but very satisfying meal.

When Do People Eat Yakhni?

Yakhni is a favorite in Kashmiri homes. It’s made during:

Family meals
Festive occasions
Weddings (as part of Wazwan – a Kashmiri feast)

Even though it’s a special dish, it’s also great comfort food for everyday meals.

Where Can You Find It in Azad Kashmir?

If you visit Muzaffarabad, Rawalakot, or Neelum Valley, many local restaurants and dhabas serve fresh Yakhni, especially on weekends or special events. You might also find chicken or trout Yakhni in some places.

Why You Should Try Yakhni

It’s not too spicy, so everyone can enjoy it.

Made with simple, healthy ingredients.

It gives you a true taste of Kashmiri culture and tradition.

Goshtaba – A Royal Dish from Kashmir

Kashmir is famous for its beautiful views and rich culture—and its food is just as special. One of the most famous and traditional dishes from Kashmiri cuisine is Goshtaba. This dish is known as the “royal dish” of Kashmir and is often served at weddings and important celebrations.

What is Goshtaba?

Goshtaba is a dish made with minced mutton (goat or lamb), which is shaped into soft meatballs and cooked in a rich, creamy yogurt gravy. It’s full of flavor but not too spicy, which makes it loved by many people.

This dish is usually served at the end of a big Kashmiri feast, especially during weddings. In fact, it’s one of the main highlights of a traditional Kashmiri meal called Wazwan.

Ingredients Used

Boneless mutton (finely minced)
Thick yogurt
Ghee or cooking oi
Green and black cardamom
Fennel powder
Dry ginger powder (saunth)
Garlic paste
Salt

The meat is pounded until it becomes smooth and soft, which gives the meatballs a special, melt-in-the-mouth texture.

How is Goshtaba Made?

The mutton is minced and pounded to make a smooth paste.
This paste is shaped into round meatballs.
The meatballs are first boiled in water with spices to cook them well.
A yogurt-based gravy is prepared using mild spices and ghee.
The meatballs are then added to the gravy and cooked gently until all the flavors come together.

Goshtaba is served hot with steamed white rice, making it a rich and satisfying meal.

When is Goshtaba Eaten?

Goshtaba is not an everyday dish—it’s made for special events like:

Weddings
Festivals
Family celebrations

In Kashmiri culture, serving Goshtaba is a sign of respect and honor to guests.

Where to Try It in Azad Kashmir

If you visit cities like Muzaffarabad, Rawalakot, or Bagh, you can find Goshtaba in:

Traditional Kashmiri restaurants
Hotel menus
Catered meals at weddings or special events

Some local chefs also take orders for home delivery of special dishes like Goshtaba.

Why You Should Try Goshtaba

It’s soft, creamy, and full of flavor.

Not too spicy—perfect for all ages.

A great way to taste real Kashmiri tradition.

Feels special—perfect for big occasions or even a treat at home.

Tabak Maaz – A Crispy Meat Dish from Kashmir

Kashmir is not only famous for its mountains and lakes, but also for its delicious food. One of the most tasty and popular dishes from Kashmiri cuisine is Tabak Maaz. This dish is crispy, rich, and full of flavor—a favorite at weddings and big family meals.

What is Tabak Maaz?

Tabak Maaz is made with lamb ribs. First, the ribs are boiled in milk and spices until they become soft. Then they are fried in ghee (clarified butter) until crispy on the outside but still juicy on the inside.

It is usually served as a starter or side dish during a Kashmiri feast called Wazwan. People love it for its taste and crispy texture.

Ingredients Needed

Lamb ribs (with some fat)
Milk
Ghee or oil
Salt
Turmeric
Ginger powder
Fennel powder
Cardamom, cloves, bay leaves

How is Tabak Maaz Cooked?

First, the lamb ribs are boiled in milk with spices until they are soft and full of flavor.
After boiling, the ribs are taken out and fried in ghee until they turn golden and crispy.
The dish is served hot, often with rice or naan.

That’s it! The process is simple, but the taste is rich and satisfying.

When Do People Eat Tabak Maaz?

Tabak Maaz is a special occasion dish, often served during:

Weddings
Eid or other festivals
Big family gatherings

It is one of the first few dishes served in a traditional Wazwan meal.

Where to Find It in Azad Kashmir

If you’re visiting Muzaffarabad, Rawalakot, or Bagh, you can try Tabak Maaz at:

Traditional Kashmiri restaurants
Hotels with Kashmiri food menus
Weddings and parties
Local cooks offering home-style meals

Why You’ll Love Tabak Maaz

Crispy outside, soft inside – perfect texture

Full of Kashmiri flavor, but not too spicy

A great way to enjoy authentic Kashmiri food

Ideal as a starter or with rice

Matschgand – A Spicy and Tasty Kashmiri Dish

Kashmiri food is famous for its unique flavors and rich traditions. One special dish that many people love is Matschgand. This is a spicy meat dish that is often served at weddings and big family gatherings in Kashmir.

What is Matschgand?

Matschgand is made from minced mutton (lamb) shaped into small meatballs. These meatballs are cooked in a spicy red sauce made with yogurt and traditional Kashmiri spices like dry ginger, fennel, and red chili.

Unlike some other Kashmiri dishes that are mild, Matschgand is hot and full of flavor. It’s perfect for people who enjoy spicy and rich food.

Ingredients You Need
Minced mutton (very finely chopped)
Mustard oil or ghee (clarified butter)
Yogurt
Kashmiri red chili powder
Dry ginger powder
Fennel powder
Cardamom (green and black)
Cloves and cinnamon
Salt

Big family gatherings
It shows care and respect and is part of Kashmiri culture.
Where to Find Matschgand in Azad Kashmir
If you visit places like Muzaffarabad, Rawalakot, or Neelum Valley, you can find Matschgand at:
Traditional Kashmiri restaurants
Wedding feasts
Local caterers and home cooks
Why Try Matschgand?
It’s spicy and full of rich flavor.
A famous and traditional Kashmiri dish.
Goes great with rice or bread.