Finding traditional beverages in Kashmir

When you are in Kashmir, every day is a celebration thanks to its beautiful places, amazing hospitality and, of course, cuisine. Being a state that remains cold for most of the year, Kashmiri cuisine has a host of beverages that are mostly warm and worth having on a trip.

Below are a few Kashmiri traditional drinks that are also non-alcoholic, and which you should try on your visit to this Heaven on Earth.

It takes Kashmiri green tea leaves, cardamom, cinnamon, dried fruits, berries and saffron to prepare a cup of aromatic Kahwa (also kehwa)–the local chai. Kahwa is the most-selling beverage in the state, and is available at almost every food joint in Kashmir.

Also known as Sheer Chai, this pink coloured beverage is as good to taste as it looks enticing. It is a morning or afternoon beverage in Kashmiri homes, made using gunpowder tea (green tea leaves made into small balls), milk, sea salt and baking soda.

Kesar or saffron is the home-grown spice of Kashmir, which also carries the prestigious Geographical Indicator (GI) tag. Thus, there is no reason why it won’t be used to prepare a tasteful milk beverage by the Kashmiri locals.

It is a healthy drink made by boiling black carrots in water and adding a few herbs and spices to give it a delicious flavour. Kanji should be enjoyed either cold or at room temperature.

It is the most liked drink in Ladakh made using Yak milk, salt, Yak butter and Tibetan tea leaves from Pemagul. It is also called Gur-Gur Chai and is one of the best kept secrets to stay warm and strong in winters.