A Taste of Kashmir: 7 Local Dishes You’ll Crave Forever This Christmas & New Year!!

Imagine sitting beside a crackling fire, snowflakes falling gently outside your window, and the air filled with the aroma of saffron, ghee, and cinnamon. That’s Kashmir in December — where Christmas and New Year celebrations come with warmth, laughter, and heavenly food.

While the rest of India lights up with beaches and city parties, Kashmir celebrates differently — with peace, coziness, and a feast that makes your soul happy. This season, skip the usual cake and champagne and try something more heartwarming — the local dishes of Kashmir that feel like a festive hug.

Here are 7 Kashmiri delicacies that are perfect to enjoy this Christmas and New Year — dishes that not only fill your stomach but also your heart.

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1. Rogan Josh – The Star of Every Kashmiri Christmas Table

No festive meal in Kashmir is complete without Rogan Josh. This rich, red mutton curry is cooked slowly with Kashmiri red chilies, cardamom, and curd — making it flavorful yet not too spicy.

During Christmas and New Year, locals prepare Rogan Josh as the main dish of their feast. The aroma fills homes, and the sight of that thick red gravy over steaming rice feels like comfort in every bite.

Perfect for: A cozy Christmas dinner
Best paired with: Hot basmati rice and crispy naan
Where to try: Ahdoos Restaurant, Srinagar

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2. Yakhni – The Comforting Winter Warmth

If you’re celebrating Christmas or New Year in the chilly weather of Kashmir, Yakhni is the perfect dish to warm you up. Made with mutton and a curd-based gravy, this dish is light, tangy, and creamy. The secret lies in fennel seeds and dry mint that add a soothing aroma.

It’s often served during family gatherings in winter — a simple yet royal comfort food that feels like home.

Perfect for: Christmas lunches and New Year brunches
Best paired with: Plain steamed rice
Where to try: Stream Restaurant, Lal Chowk

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3. Modur Pulao – A Sweet Festive Surprise

What’s Christmas without a bit of sweetness? Modur Pulao is Kashmir’s version of a festive dessert. Made with ghee, sugar, dry fruits, and saffron, this golden pulao looks as stunning as it tastes.

It’s often served during New Year parties or special dinners — a dish that makes your taste buds dance with joy. The saffron aroma gives it a royal touch, and every bite feels celebratory.

Perfect for: Christmas dessert or festive New Year dinner
Best paired with: Kahwa or Sheer Chai
Where to try: Mughal Darbar, Srinagar

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4. Gushtaba – A Royal Way To Welcome The New Year

When Kashmiris say “Let’s celebrate,” Gushtaba is the first dish that comes to mind. Known as the “King of Kashmiri dishes,” it’s made from minced mutton meatballs simmered in a creamy yogurt gravy.

Traditionally, Gushtaba is served at the end of a Wazwan meal, marking a grand conclusion — and what better way to wrap up the year than with this royal treat?

If you’re in Kashmir for New Year’s Eve, try it at a local restaurant or homestay dinner — it’s the perfect symbol of new beginnings and good fortune.

Perfect for: New Year’s Eve dinner
Best paired with: Steamed basmati rice
Where to try: Shamyana Restaurant, Boulevard Road

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5. Dum Aloo – A Spicy Winter Treat

For vegetarians or spice lovers, Kashmiri Dum Aloo is a must-have during the festive season. Baby potatoes are fried till golden and then slow-cooked in a thick yogurt gravy filled with Kashmiri spices.

This bright red dish adds color to every winter table and is especially popular in local homes during December. Pair it with warm naan and enjoy it while watching snowfall outside — that’s true Christmas magic!

Perfect for: Christmas lunch or dinner
Best paired with: Kashmiri naan or rice
Where to try: Dana Pani, Pahalgam

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6. Kahwa – Sip Warmth This Christmas Morning

When the snow is falling outside and the valley is still quiet, nothing feels better than a steaming cup of Kashmiri Kahwa. Made with green tea, saffron, cardamom, and almonds, it’s more than just a drink — it’s a feeling.

During Christmas and New Year, locals sip Kahwa to stay warm, often paired with biscuits or dry fruits. It’s soothing, aromatic, and perfect for lazy winter mornings.

Perfect for: Christmas breakfast or New Year sunrise
Best paired with: Kashmiri breads and cookies
Where to try: Houseboats on Dal Lake or local cafés in Srinagar

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7. Sheer Chai – Pink Tea for a Pink Winter Morning

Brighten up your winter mornings with Sheer Chai, also known as Noon Chai. This salty pink tea is made with milk, salt, and baking soda — giving it a lovely rose hue.

During the festive season, it’s served in almost every household, especially with breads like Kulcha or Lavasa. It’s the perfect drink to start your Christmas or New Year morning while watching the mist roll over the hills.

Perfect for: Christmas brunch or New Year breakfast
Best paired with: Traditional Kashmiri breads
Where to try: Local bakeries in downtown Srinagar

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Bonus: Harissa – The Winter Breakfast You Can’t Miss

If you’re in Kashmir in December or January, you simply can’t leave without trying Harissa. It’s a thick, flavorful mutton and rice porridge slow-cooked overnight — served piping hot on cold mornings.

It’s the go-to winter breakfast for locals and a popular dish around New Year. Many say a bowl of Harissa gives you enough warmth to survive the day in the valley’s cold.

Perfect for: New Year breakfast
Where to try: Aali Kadal, old Srinagar

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Celebrate Christmas & New Year, Kashmiri Style

Kashmir during Christmas and New Year is pure magic — snow-capped peaks, glowing markets, and the smell of saffron in the air. Instead of just clicking pictures, take time to taste the culture.

Sit by a fire, sip Kahwa, try Rogan Josh or Yakhni, and enjoy a sweet bowl of Modur Pulao to end the night. Because in Kashmir, celebration isn’t just about lights and laughter — it’s about sharing food, warmth, and stories.

So, this festive season, gift yourself a new experience.
Skip the regular dinners — and try the taste of Kashmir. You’ll remember it long after the snow melts.