A feast fit for kings, the Wazwan is a traditional Kashmiri dining experience. Prepared by chefs called the wazas, this feast offers a meal with 36 different dishes that are served on plates called trami. Such a lavish spread is reserved for special occasions and weddings in the valley – these wazas are in high demand during the wedding season. Come and experience this art of cooking that Kashmiris are so proud of and get an insight into the culture of the region.
‘Waz’ means chef and
A feast fit for kings, the Wazwan is a traditional Kashmiri dining experience. Prepared by chefs called the wazas, this feast offers a meal with 36 different dishes that are served on plates called trami. Such a lavish spread is reserved for special occasions and weddings in the valley – these wazas are in high demand during the wedding season. Come and experience this art of cooking that Kashmiris are so proud of and get an insight into the culture of the region.
‘Waz’ means chef and ‘Wan’ means a shop. The history of this multi-course banquet dates to the 14th-century to the Mongol invader Timur who brought weavers, woodcrafters, artists, and cooks to the valley after annexation. When you sit down on cushions on the floor, your senses get overwhelmed with the aroma of this flavoursome cuisine and the culinary delights send you on a gourmet journey.
The Wazas are handed down recipes from their ancestors and taught the art of cooking in the family. As flag bearers of the traditions, they take great pains to ensure that only high-quality ingredients are used and the flavour is never compromised. Rich in spices and meat-based, this authentic Kashmiri experience in the valley is an indulgence for guests. Some of the delicacies are rista (meatballs), kebabs, mirch korma (small mutton bits cooked in chillies), rogan josh (mutton curry with Kashmiri chillies), aabgosht (mutton cooked in milk), and phirni (Kashmiri dessert). In recent years, there have been additions to this meaty affair in order to include some vegetarian options. Kashmiri tea, kahwa, is served last as a light end to the meal.
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