Kashmiri Pandit dietary practices
Kashmiri Pandits have one of the most interesting diets among Hindu groups due to their unique location and history. Unlike other pandits, who don't eat any meat, Kashmiri Pandits do, because of the cold climate in the region. However, there are some unique nuances. Like all other Hindus, beef is strictly prohibited, and because of long coexistence with Islam in the valley, pork was not eaten. This is why Kashmiri Pandit food is heavily centered around lamb and chicken-based dishes like Rogen Josh and Chicken Yakhni. Also, like other Desi cultures, the food is eaten with the right hand, only fingers, no palm. despite many westerners believing this is "dirty" and "uncivilized", it is actually cleaner in many ways than the Western method of utensils, as people wash and clean hands thoroughly before and after eating.
Notable Kashmiri Pandit dishes
Rogen Josh
The champion of Kashmiri food, Rogen Josh is a delicious lamb dish made in a red sauce, which comes from the unique Kashmiri Chilies. This is easily on top of the Kashmiri food pyramid.
Yakhni Lamb
Another very famous Kashmiri food, Yakhni is a tender piece of lamb cooked in a rich creamy white curry sauce.
Haakh
Haakh is a very uniquely Kashmiri food, usually collard greens, it's bitter and smooth and tastes amazing with everything.
Kofta
Also known as Kashmiri meatballs, these are meatballs cooked in a red spicy curry sauce, usually ground lamb.
Dum Aloo
If you go to any important Kashmiri event or party, there will always be Dum Aloo. This dish is made from potatoes and takes about 10 hours to make, so it's very labor intensive and not something you eat very often, but it's amazing.
Pulao
Pulao is also more of a special event or wedding food. Rice cooked with nuts, spices, and fresh fruit, it never disappoints.
Roth
Roth is a delicious Kashmiri dessert that acts as the ultimate comfort food. Either fried or baked, it's crunchy on the outside and fluffy on the inside.
Dahi
A staple across many desi countries, Dahi is a type of yogurt, usually eaten with meals. Due to its fermented properties, Dahi is extremly good for gut health, similar to Kimchi.
Bappu
Bappu is rice, and central to most Kashmiri meals. People eat it at least twice a day. One of the most used Bappus is Basmati.
Kahwa
Kahwa is a mild green tea with warm spices and almonds. Usually people drink this on cold afternoons and in the morning.