Food in Gulmarg

Gulmarg is a popular town situated in Baramulla district of the beautiful state of Kashmir. Most of the population here are either Kashmiri pundits or Muslims. Since both of these communities are fond of rich and lavish food hence, food forms a very important part of the culture of Kashmir. They mostly relish having non vegetarian preparation. The favorite being dishes prepared using mutton in it. As much as 30 dishes can be made using mutton in typical Kashmiri style.

The food cooked by people here are favorite amongst the tourists as well. The food is mostly cooked very slowly over low flame so that the flavor is enhanced which gives a better taste to the dish that is prepared. Lots of spices and dry fruits which are grown in plenty are used in the different dishes. Though both the communities i.e. the Kashmiri pundits and Muslims love rich food, however, there are certain ingredients that differ in the dishes prepared by them. While Kashmiri Pundits rarely use onions and garlic, similarly Muslims refrain from using curd and Asafoetida in dishes prepared by them. The various eating joints in Gulmarg servers the delicacies prepared by the local people. Curd is used in dishes prepared by Kashmiri pundits to give it a creamy texture. Spices which are mainly used are cinnamon, saffron, ginger, cardamom, cloves and aniseed.

Vegetarian Dishes in Gulmarg

Though non vegetarian food dominates the chart, however vegetarian people should not be disappointed as large variety of finger licking vegetarian dishes are also prepared by the Kashmir pundits. Rich spices, cottage cheese, variety of fresh vegetable and potatoes are mainly used to prepare such dishes. Some of the popular ones that can be enjoyed when here are:

• Kashmiri Pulao
• Nadeir Yakhini
• Ladyar Tsaman
• Zafrani Pulao
• Kashmiri Dum Aloo
• Rajmah
• VethTsaman
• Nadier Palak
• Choek Vangan

Non Vegetarian Dishes in Gulmarg

The town has a lot to offer when it comes to non vegetarian food. Some of the varieties that are a popular not only amongst the locals but also the tourist who come here are:

• Abe Gose
• Kabargah
• Yakhni
• Rogan Gosh
• Matshgand
• Chamani Qaliyan
• Gushtaba
• Syun Aloo
• Gasd
• Kashmiri Kebab

Beverages in Gulmarg

Gulmarg experiences chill weather majority of months of the year. Hence, people are mostly addicted drinking tea or coffee to keep themselves warm. The tea served here comes in various flavors. Not only the restaurants but also the road side stalls serve different varieties of tea.  Sheer chai and Kahwa are famous here. Sheer chai also known by the name Nun chai is the salted tea which has got a unique flavor and a pink color. The tea leaves that are used are not the ones that is regularly used for making tea but a different one. The tea leaves are green in color and grown locally. The pink color is due to the presence of soda bicarbonate. On the other hand tea prepared using almonds, saffron and walnuts along with green tea leaves is known as Kahwa locally. Kahwa comes in different flavors and you can choose as per your preference.

Staple Food in Gulmarg

Rice is the staple food in Gulmarg. Many dishes are made using rice as the main ingredient. When here you will be able to enjoy having variety of dishes made of rice such as Kashmiri pulao, mutton pulao, shrree pulao and also tursh.

Kashmiri Wazwan in Gulmarg

Wazwan is a very famous meal prepared in Kashmir in which majority of the meals are non vegetarian. As much as 20 dishes or more are a part of the grand meal. The arrangement and preparation of the meal requires lots of effort and is an art too. Almost all the restaurants serve Wazwan and it can be found in various Kashmiri reunions and food festivals too. In Gulmarg there are many such restaurants serving the meal and when here one must taste the delicious meal that is prepared with great care and considered pride of Kashmir.

Restaurants in Gulmarg

Gulmarg is a favorite tourist spots and is visited by many people all over the world. Along with great natural beauty, Gulmarg also provide good places to satisfy your hunger pangs.  Most of the restaurants though servers authentic Kashmiri dishes such as Kashmiri Wazwan, however, almost all the restaurants have provision for world cuisine too. Continental, Chinese and dishes from other parts of India are also available.


Here is the list of restaurants in Gulmarg along with name and phone numbers so that they can be traced easily:

Highland Park Restaurant

Address: Hotel Highland Park
Near Church Road
Gulmarg
Jammu & Kashmir, 193403
India
Phone No: +91-1954-254491

Features: This hotel serves wide variety of Chinese, continental as well as authentic Kashmiri cuisines. Both vegetarian and non vegetarian eaters will find variety of food to choose from. Among non vegetarians meals lamb is used mainly to prepare various Kashmiri dishes like Rogan Josh, Goshtaba, Syoon Pulaav and Qabargaan. Similarly vegetarians can choose between various meals, the famous ones being Lyodoor Tschaman, Dum Oluv, Nadir Waangan, Raazma Gogji and so on.

Pine Palace Restaurant

Address: Pine Palace Avenue
Bordering Gondola Base Station
Gulmarg
Jammu & Kashmir, 19340
India 
Phone No: +91-1954-254466

Features: After a great day of sightseeing or skiing the best place to go for satisfying your hunger pangs would be Pine Palace restaurant. Located just few minutes from the Gondola, the restaurant can be reached easily. The skilled staffs here can be relied to prepare the best dish for you. Do not miss out on the various Kashmir dishes that are prepared with lot of care to produce an amazing result. The restaurant also has a bar and hookah lounge which can be availed if interested.

The Café

Address: The Vintage Gulmarg
2739 Circular Road
Gulmarg
Jammu & Kashmir, 193403, India 
Phone No: +91-195-4254582

Features: If you are not interested in having a wholesome meal then “The Café” is the right place to head to. The hot cup of coffee in whichever variety you want or the flavored tea along with delicious snacks or muffins will keep you wanting for more.

Bakshi's Green Punjabi Dhaba

Address: Bakshi's Green Punjabi Dhaba
Gulmarg
Jammu and Kashmir
India- 193403

Features: If north Indian food is your favorite then visiting Bakshi's Green Punjabi Dhaba is must. When here you can try your hands at various dishes made from pumpkins, potatoes, cottage cheese, beetroots, beans and many more with accompaniment of papadums, buttery naan and parathas. Non vegetarian dishes are also famous here specially Chicken Parmigiana which is made only on Tuesdays.

Global Restaurants

Address: Global Hotel
Gulmarg
Jammu & Kashmir, 193403
India

Features: As the name suggests the restaurant is famous for serving western dishes such as sandwiches, pastas, subs, salads and the likes. Though serving Indian cuisine too, but this place would be great when craving for western food. The ambiance of the restaurant is also great and you can have your food overlooking the pine trees which are located near to the restaurant.

JKTDC Restaurant

Address: Gulmarg
Jammu & Kashmir, 193403
India

Features: Located amidst beautiful surroundings, the restaurant situated at JKTDC building can be visited for a quick bite or wholesome meal over chatting with you fellow travelers. Their Lyodoor Tschaman, Dum Aloo, Chaman are some of the dishes that you must try when here.

Big Bite Fast Food

Address: Hotel Hill Top
Opposite Ice Skating Ring
Near Gondola Gulmarg
Jammu and Kashmir
India

Features: This is the restaurant located in Hotel Hilltop and provides amazing dining experience with the array of American, Indian and Italian food that can be ordered when here. The nice staff, fabulous ambiance and of course the lavish menu makes it a favorite place amongst diners.

Hillpoint

Address: Main Market Area
Gulmarg
India

Features: The restaurant will provide you with a homely atmosphere and the food is prepared only after the order is placed. Hence, you can be assured of delicious preparations and the use of fresh ingredients in the meals prepared. The pinch on the pocket is also not much. The Indian curries and black tea served here are some of the recommendations that must be tried when on a visit to this restaurant.