Taj Samudra invites you to embark on a culinary journey through the enchanting flavors of Kashmir with its exclusive Kashmiri Food Festival, running from August 22nd to September 1st, 2024. Hosted at the renowned Navratna restaurant, this festival promises a sumptuous exploration of Wazwan cuisine, a hallmark of Kashmiri culinary heritage.

Nestled in the heart of the Himalayas, the Kashmir Valley, often referred to as the “Crown of India,” is celebrated not only for its breathtaking landscapes but also for its rich and diverse culinary traditions. Kashmiri cuisine, with roots tracing back to the 15th century invasion by Timur, blends historical influences with local ingredients to create a gastronomic experience like no other.

From 22nd August to 1st September, Navratna will showcase 36 authentic Wazwan dishes, meticulously prepared by master chefs, Chef Vijay Singh, and Chef Sewa, who are specially flown in from the Taj Dal View in Srinagar for this highly anticipated event. The festival will be open for lunch from 12:30 pm to 2:45 pm and dinner from 7:30 pm to 10:45 pm.

Wazwan, the epitome of Kashmiri royal cuisine, is celebrated for its elaborate 36-dish multi-course meals that go beyond mere sustenance to offer an immersive culinary experience. This tradition of feast and festivity reflects the essence of Kashmiri culture, designed not only to satisfy hunger but to celebrate community and hospitality.

The festival’s a la carte menu will feature an array of dishes that represent the rich tapestry of Wazwan cuisine. Guests can indulge in a variety of soups (shorba) and kebabs, along with a host of vegetarian (shakahari) options like Kashmiri lal mirch ki paneer tikka, Tamatar chaman, Nadru yakhni, and Dum aloo. For non-vegetarian enthusiasts, offerings include Lamb Gushtaba, Lamb Rista, Waza Chicken, and Mujh gaad, each prepared with traditional spices and techniques that highlight the depth and nuance of Kashmiri flavors.

Desserts (meetha) will also be a highlight, featuring sweet creations infused with cardamom, saffron, and a medley of dried fruits and nuts, offering a blissful conclusion to the dining experience.

While the cuisine is renowned for its non-vegetarian specialties, the festival also ensures that vegetarian guests are well catered to, with subtle yet richly spiced dishes that showcase the culinary mastery of the Wazwan tradition. Each dish is crafted to perfection, balancing complex flavors with the highest quality ingredients.

Navratna restaurant, celebrated for its previous North Indian food festivals such as Rajasthani and Hyderabadi, promises yet another extraordinary culinary adventure with this Kashmiri Food Festival. Don’t miss this rare opportunity to savor the exquisite flavors of Kashmir.