Places Included
- Volga's Hotel Restaurant
- Aabshar
- Dana Paani
- Cafe Log Inn
- Cafe Rivendell
While for many outsiders, Jammu and Kashmir may be just another pretty destination of India, there is so much more that is yet to explored in the region. Firstly, Jammu and Kashmir are two separate entities and together they form the union territory of J&K. The culture and lifestyle in both these places differs from each other in certain ways. You would find that the cuisine of Jammu is dominated by the Dogri community and has more of vegetarian delicacies than meat. Their tastes, flavours and preferences also differ from that of Kashmiris. Unlike the meat-intensive, hot and fiery spices of Kashmiri fare, the Dogri cuisine falls on the milder side.
The interesting bit to note here is that Jammu and Kashmir is home to several smaller districts, cities and towns with their own specialities to offer. There’s Pahalgam, Srinagar, Shopian and Anantnag. The latter is an area that was earlier referred to as Islamabad and is still called so by certain communities. The name was given by a former Mughal governor in the 1600s and it stuck with the place for years to come. It was only later when Gulab Singh came to power that it started being called Anantnag. In fact, it was also called Maraj for some time in between. Lying between the Pir Panjal range to the north of Srinagar, this stretch of land became known as Anantnag.
To reach Kashmir, you can either drive all the way upto your destination or take a direct flight till Srinagar and take a cab from there. Trains also operate between Jammu and certain metro cities so you can opt for that too.
Best Places To Eat In Anantnag
If you’re planning to visit Jammu and Kashmir, do take a tour of Anantnag’s caves, temples and beautiful lakes. In case you feel like grabbing a bite, head to these places without a doubt.
1. Volga Hotel’s Restaurant
With a royal air to itself, this place is nothing short of a delight with its mountain view.The hotel offers a luxurious stay while the restaurant has all the traditional Kashmiri delicacies on its menu. From haak to meaty curries, you should try them all.
Where: Main Market, Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir 192126
Timings: 7 am-11 pm
Cost For Two: ₹1,000
Cuisines Offered: Asian, Indian
2. Aabshar
If you are looking for a place to relax and enjoy your book in peace, head to Aabshar. A coffee shop located inside Hotel Heevan in Anantnag, this placee offers scenic views of the snow-capped mountains and an amazing range of coffee and tea.
Where: Aru Road, Pahalgam 192126 India
Timings: 12 pm-11 pm
Cost For Two: ₹1,400
Cuisines Offered: Coffee, Desserts
3. Dana Paani
Located very centrally in the main market of Pahalgam, this typical Indian restaurant is rustic and a humble eatery. Offering a range of delicacies, you must try the Kashmiri rajma, pilaf, saag paneer and biryani.
Where: Chandanwari Road, Kashmiri Wazwan, near Food Point, Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir 192126
Timings: 8 am-11 pm
Cost For Two: ₹750
Cuisines Offered: Kashmiri Wazwan, Indian
4. Café Log Inn
A cutesy coffee shop in the hills of Himalayas, this place offers good views and great cappuccino. You can also try quick bites like pizza and desserts like puddings and carrot and walnut cakes.
Where: C/O Pahalgam Hotel, Pahalgam, Anantnag - 192126
Timings: 10 am-6 pm
Cost For Two: ₹800
Cuisines Offered: Coffee, Desserts
5. Café Rivendell
Housed inside the palatial Chinar Resort and Spa, Café Rivendell is a treat to the taste buds. The restaurant offers beautiful views of the Lidder river along with delicacies like Kashmiri dum aloo, biryani and more.
Where: Laddi - Veersiran The Chinar Resorts & Spa, Pahalgam 192126 India
Timings: 9 am-10:30 pm
Cost For Two: ₹10,000
Cuisines Offered: Multi-cuisine
Source: The China Resort/Instagram