Food is not just nourishment. It is memory, culture, love, and legacy passed down through generations. For the people of Azad Kashmir, cuisine is more than a collection of recipes; it is the story of their resilience, their hospitality, and their pride in a land blessed with natural beauty and a deep-rooted heritage.
For the diaspora living in the UK, the aroma of Kashmiri pulao simmering on the stove or the sight of saffron-tinted phirni can bring tears to the eyes. Each dish carries the taste of home, reminding families of village kitchens, mountain valleys, and family gatherings where food was shared as a blessing from Allah.
In this culinary journey, let us savour the unique flavours of Azad Kashmir and explore how food ties into both tradition and charity, ensuring that no widow, orphan, or struggling family is left hungry.
Azad Kashmiri Pulao: The Crown Jewel
If there is one dish that defines Kashmiri cuisine, it is the Azad Kashmiri Pulao. Often described as a dish fit for royalty, this pulao combines fragrant basmati rice with tender meat, a medley of spices, and garnishes of raisins, fried onions, and nuts. Each bite is a delicate balance of savoury and sweet.
This dish is a staple at weddings, Eid feasts, and community celebrations. Yet, in many villages, families long for such meals but can only afford plain rice. Through the Meals of Mercy Campaign, donors in the UK can ensure struggling families taste not only survival but dignity.
Even simpler versions of this pulao, such as the chicken pulao, are cooked during household celebrations. For mothers in Azad Kashmir, preparing pulao is an act of love, even if it means skipping a portion for themselves to feed their children.
Rogan Josh: A Fiery Classic
The name itself evokes warmth—Rogan Josh is a traditional lamb or goat curry cooked in a rich, spiced gravy. Its distinct red colour comes from Kashmiri red chilli powder, balanced with fennel seeds, ginger, and garlic.
In the valleys of Northern Kashmir, Rogan Josh remains a festive favourite. Cooked slowly until the meat becomes tender, it is shared among families during weddings, winter nights, and religious gatherings.
But for many widows and orphans, the idea of sitting down to a plate of Rogan Josh is a distant dream. Poverty forces them to survive on bread and tea. By giving Sadaqah or Zakat, UK donors can ensure such families receive nourishing meals and do not go to bed hungry.
Baqerkhani: The Queen of Breads
Bread in Azad Kashmir is not just an accompaniment, it is a tradition. Among the many varieties, Baqerkhani stands out for its flaky, layered texture. Made with flour, ghee, and yogurt, it is baked until golden and often enjoyed with Kashmiri chai.
For travellers in Kashmir, sitting in a tea shop with baqerkhani and pink noon chai is an unforgettable experience. For the diaspora, baking baqerkhani at home in the UK has become a way to preserve culture and identity.
Yet, not every family in Azad Kashmir can afford such luxuries. Rising food prices have forced many households to cut back even on daily bread. The Meals of Mercy Project provides hot meals and flour supplies to ensure no family is deprived of this simple blessing.
Harissa: A Winter Comfort
Azad Kashmir’s harsh winters call for warming dishes, and Kashmiri Harissa is one such delicacy. Made by slow-cooking meat with rice and spices, it becomes a thick porridge-like dish that is deeply comforting.
For families in the mountains, harissa is more than food—it is survival against freezing nights. Many vulnerable families cannot afford enough firewood or food. By contributing to the Winter Campaign, UK donors can provide not only food but warmth, blankets, and clothing.
Kebabs and Street Food Favourites
Kashmiri cuisine also offers delights such as seekh kebabs, grilled to perfection with a mix of minced meat and spices, and street food favourites like spicy fried fish and pakoras. These are popular in bustling bazaars and often shared during gatherings.
Street food is not just about taste, it represents community and connection. Families gather, children laugh, and conversations flow. Food becomes a way to bond, a way to feel alive even in difficult times.
Sweet Endings: Phirni and More
No Kashmiri meal is complete without something sweet. Phirni, made from ground rice, milk, and flavoured with saffron and cardamom, is a beloved dessert. Served in clay bowls, it represents celebration and hospitality.
For the diaspora in the UK, preparing phirni during Eid or Ramadan revives the spirit of home. For families in Azad Kashmir, desserts like phirni are rare luxuries, often reserved only for weddings. By donating to food projects, UK Muslims can bring joy to such families, reminding them that they are not forgotten.
Food as a Reflection of Faith and Generosity
In Islam, feeding the poor is one of the most blessed acts of charity. The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) said: “He is not a believer whose stomach is filled while the neighbour to his side goes hungry.”
Azad Kashmiri cuisine, rich in flavour and tradition, reminds us of the blessings we enjoy. For UK Muslims, supporting the Kashmir Welfare Foundation’s food and meal projects ensures these blessings are shared with those who need them most.
Whether through Zakat, Sadaqah Jariya, or Regular Giving, every donation is a way to put food on the table of a widow, to feed an orphan, and to preserve the dignity of a struggling family.
The cuisine of Azad Kashmir is more than food—it is love, heritage, and survival. From the royal Azad Kashmiri Pulao to the fiery Rogan Josh, from flaky Baqerkhani to the comfort of Harissa, these dishes carry the story of a resilient people.
For UK donors, embracing this story means not only celebrating Kashmiri food but ensuring no one in Azad Kashmir goes without it. Every food pack, every hot meal, and every act of giving keeps tradition alive while saving lives.
Azad Kashmir Food FAQs
1. What makes Azad Kashmiri cuisine unique compared to Pakistani or Indian food?
Azad Kashmiri dishes often use milder spices with a focus on aromatic flavours, saffron, fennel, and cardamom. The cooking style reflects mountain traditions and emphasises hospitality.
2. Which is the most famous dish of Azad Kashmir?
Azad Kashmiri Pulao is the crown jewel, often served at weddings and special occasions. Its blend of meat, rice, and sweet garnishes makes it stand out.
3. How does Kashmir Welfare Foundation link food heritage to charity?
By providing food packs, hot meals, and seasonal relief, the foundation ensures families experience dignity and sustenance, preserving traditions through generosity.
4. Can I give Zakat or Sadaqah towards food projects in Kashmir?
Yes, your Zakat and Sadaqah directly fund food distribution, hot meals, and emergency feeding programmes that support widows, orphans, and vulnerable families.
5. How does feeding a family help preserve Kashmiri culture?
Food is a carrier of culture. By ensuring families can cook traditional meals, you help them maintain heritage while also supporting their survival.
