Finding a family-friendly restaurant in Srinagar, be it to try Wazwan, the sumptuous Kashmiri lamb platter, or just something great to make your trip memorable, can leave you confused. Srinagar has so many restaurants offering a variety of cuisines.

On my 6-day trip to Kashmir with family, I was really excited to try Wazwan, but the dish being so expensive, we decided to have it only once. This meant, we had to find other types of restaurants as well to ensure we had good and varied choices for all the days we spent in Srinagar.

If you hired a taxi through your tour operator or hotel, chances are high that the driver will lead you to those restaurants in Srinagar with whom they have a tie-up. These may not be the best, you know. This is why it is a good idea to research the best restaurants, based on your preferred cuisine or, of course, to find the tastiest Wazwan when visiting Srinagar. This way, you can demand to be led to these places for your meals.

This is a comprehensive guide to the best family-friendly restaurants in Srinagar, be it Kashmiri, north Indian or Continental. I explain here some interesting details about the Kashmiri Wazwan, the best restaurants to eat Wazwan with family, and other popular restaurants in Srinagar that you must try. So, let me take you on this culinary journey through the valleys of Srinagar.

Kashmiri Wazwan: The Royal Meal

Wazwan is a traditional multi-course meal in Kashmiri cuisine, renowned for its rich flavors and elaborate preparation methods. It is not just a meal but an essential part of Kashmiri culture and social gatherings, particularly weddings and festive occasions.

The preparation of Wazwan is considered an art form and is traditionally undertaken by a specialized chef known as a “Waza.” The Waza, often belonging to families that have been in the profession for generations, plays a crucial role in maintaining the authenticity and heritage of this cuisine. The preparation is labor-intensive and requires great skill, as many of the dishes involve intricate methods and overnight cooking.

Wazwan is traditionally served on a large copper platter called a “trami,” which is shared among four people. The meal begins with a ritual washing of hands, where a jug and basin are passed around. The trami is heaped with rice, and the various dishes are served sequentially, starting with lighter gravies and moving on to richer, more robust flavors.

The guests sit on the floor in a circle, enhancing the communal and familial aspect of the meal. The dishes are served one by one, and it is customary to use the right hand for eating, reflecting traditional etiquette. The sharing of the trami fosters a sense of unity and bonding among the diners, as they collectively enjoy the flavors and textures of each dish.

Dishes in a Wazwan

A typical Wazwan feast comprises 36 courses, although fewer courses may be served depending on the occasion. Some of the key dishes include:

Best Kashmiri Restaurants in Srinagar for Wazwan

Ahdoos Restaurant

Ahdoos Restaurant is an iconic Kashmiri restaurant in Srinagar with more than a century old history in culinary expertise. Established in 1918, the warm and inviting atmosphere of the restaurant reflects its heritage. It specializes in Kashmiri food and a must-try restaurant for Wazwan. Apart from Kashmiri cuisine, they also serve Mughlai, and Chinese dishes. Their Mutton Rogan Josh, Goshtaba, and Kashmiri Pulao will transport your taste buds to the heart of Kashmir.

Ahdoos has a make-your-own-trami Wazwan, which means you can personalize your Wazwan. As they serve single person portion size, you are not allowed to split a trami between two people. The Wazwan is served on a trami here to maintain the authenticity of the dish.

Cost of a Wazwan trami per person at Ahdoos Restaurant is Rs. 1000.

During the British colonial era, one of the cooks in Ahdoos, Abdul Ahad Bhat, was trained by a Swiss baker in making English baked goodies. Ahdoos were the pioneers in English bakery in Kashmir for over a century. They continue this legacy through its cafe by the name Creme Bakery and Café located as a separate attachment to the Kashmiri restaurant.

Stream Restaurant

Nestled opposite the iconic Dal Lake, Stream Restaurant is one of the best restaurants in Srinagar for Wazwan. Located on Boulevard Road, Stream offers fine food with great ambience, friendly staff, and spacious parking. This culinary gem offers both Kashmiri, North Indian, and Chinese cuisine. They are also popular for seafood, especially, trout. Given its proximity to Dal Lake, you can enjoy your food with a great view of the city.

Stream Restaurant serves individual items of Wazwan separately and not as a trami. This means, you can order only as much as you like and customize. The downside is that, you don’t get the “real” Wazwan experience.

Mughal Darbar

Established in the late 1970s, Mughal Darbar in Lal Chowl is one of the most popular Kashmiri restaurants in Srinagar.

It is one of those places that grew so big that they finally split up and now run two separate restaurants, competing each other. Sadly, both Mughal Durbars are in the same building, both claiming to be the “original one.”

When we visited Kashmir, our driver led us to the ground floor Mughal Darbar. The place has dim lighting and crammed seating, but the Wazwan was absolutely lip-smacking. The ground floor Mughal Darbar also has a bakery with local Kashmiri delicacies.

I can’t say which Mughal Darbar is the original as I am not sure myself, but I can vouch for the Wazwan in the ground floor restaurant.

Here, you can order the individual items of Wazwan separately or order a full or half trami. The full trami, serving four persons (can actually feed six people) will cost Rs. 4800, while the half trami, serving two persons (can serve at least 3 persons) will cost you Rs. 2400. We were a group of four adults and one toddler and ordered a half trami, which was more than enough for us.

Kareema Restaurant

If you were to look for heritage Kashmiri restaurants, you will find all the above-mentioned restaurants, but you will not find Kareema on the list. This is a hidden culinary gem I found through my research. This is where the local Kashmiris eat Wazwan! Kareema Restaurant on Residency Road as the most affordable Wazwan and they are really good.

They serve single person portion sized trami for just Rs. 700. Not just Wazwan, almost every dish on their menu is much cheaper than all the other more popular Kashmiri restaurants in Srinagar.

So, in my opinion, Ahdoos Restaurant, Stream Restaurant, Mughal Darbar, and Kareema Restaurant are the best Kashmiri restaurants in Srinagar for Wazwan. Two other options are Shamiyana Restaurant and Linz Café.

Vegetarian Restaurants in Srinagar

Vishal Dhaba

If you are looking for a Punjabi vegetarian restaurant that serves homey dishes at dirt-cheap prices, then Vishal Dhabha is your best bet. It is a great option for affordable lunch and dinner. But keep in mind that the place is small with huge crowd during peak time.

Vishal Dhaba Must-Try Dishes

Parathas

Rajma Chawal

Krishna Dhaba

Krishna Dhaba, or Krishna Vaishno Bhojanalaya is a popular restaurant, located right next to Vishal Dhaba. This is a good place to try south Indian breakfast in Srinagar. Krishna Dhaba has both good south Indian and north Indian dishes. The prices here is slightly higher than Vishal Dhaba, but also more spacious and better maintained.

Krishna Dhaba Must Try Dishes:

Aloo Paratha

Pav Bhaji

Mixed Vegetables and Tandoori Roti

Kake Di Hatti

Located on Srinagar-Ladakh Road and next to Dalgate, Kake Di Hatti is one of the best rated upscale vegetarian restaurants. The restaurant has great ambience and service with scrumptious vegetarian food. Surprisingly, the food is reasonably priced at this restaurant for the kind of ambience and setting you get.

Kake Di Hatti Must Try Dishes

Naan

Dal Makhni

Special Thali

Mrs.Veg Kitchen

Mrs.Veg Kitchen is another hidden gem near Dalgate serving vegetarian food. An interesting aspect of this restaurants is that it serves local Kashmiri vegetarian dishes, which you will not find in most other restaurants. They have a beautiful place with great ambience and warm hospitality.

Mrs.Veg Kitchen Must Try Dishes

Kashmiri Haak

Nadru

Kashmiri Dum Aloo

Other Popular Restaurants in Srinagar

Lhasa

Lhasa is a multicuisine garden restaurant serving the best Tibetan food in Srinagar since its inception in 1976. Located near Boulevard Road, this restaurant has beautiful indoor and outdoor seating. Although Lhasa is known for its Tibetan and Chinese food, they also serve north Indian, Kashmiri, and Tandoori.

Lhasa Must-Try Dishes

Momos

Thukpa

Soups

Amigo’s Foods & Hospitalities

Amigo’s Foods & Hospitalities is a popular choice, especially among the younger crowd for its pizzas. This vibrant eatery offers a diverse menu ranging from pizzas and burgers to continental and Indian dishes. It’s the go-to spot for those craving Western fast-food.

Amigo’s Foods & Hospitalities Must-Try Dishes

Cheese Burst Pizza

Amigos Special Pizza

Shawarma

Lazeez

Lazeez is a chic multicuisine restaurant near Boulevard Road with the most beautiful white -themed setting. This restaurant is a great spot for continental and kebab dishes. They also serve traditional Kashmiri Wazwan dishes. While they are popular for their mutton dishes, they also have a good array of vegetarian dishes.  With both indoor and outdoor seating, this restaurant provides a charming ambiance for your dining experience.

Lazeez Must-Try Dishes

Lazeez Kabab Plater

Fruit and Cream Mocktails

Mutton Barra

Little Persia

Little Persia is a unique addition to Srinagar’s culinary scene, offering Parsi cuisine with Persian-themed interior design. This fine dining restaurant takes you on a journey through the flavors of Persia with its meticulously crafted dishes. The fusion of Parsi and Persian cuisine, combined with the fine dining experience and themed décor, creates a unique and memorable dining adventure.

Little Persia Must-Try Dishes

Afghani Chicken

Irani platter

Kabuli Burrah Chicken

Conclusion: Best Family Restaurants in Srinagar

As we conclude our exploration of the best family-friendly restaurants in Srinagar, it becomes abundantly clear that this charming city is not just a visual treat but also a culinary haven waiting to be savored. From the aromatic spices of Kashmiri cuisine to the delightful surprises hidden in the international offerings, Srinagar’s culinary landscape is a delightful tapestry of flavors and traditions.

With every bite, you’re not just indulging in a meal, but you’re embracing the traditions and heritage of a land that has, for centuries, celebrated the art of cooking. In Srinagar, the food isn’t just a meal; it’s a celebration of life and a symbol of the city’s resilience and vibrancy.

So, the next time you find yourself in the heart of the Kashmir Valley, don’t forget to embark on this culinary journey. Let the flavors and aromas of Srinagar’s best family restaurants transport you to a world of tastes that are as diverse and vibrant as the city itself. Bon appétit!