Rogan Josh: A Taste of Srinagar's History and 5 Best Locations (2024)

Deepali Verma

Updated:Sep 15, 2023

Explore the rich history and exquisite flavors of Rogan Josh, an iconic dish from Srinagar. Discover the top five locations to savor this culinary masterpiece in the heart of Kashmir.

Rogan Josh is a highly regarded dish in Indian cuisine, known for its culinary excellence originating from the region of Kashmir. The dish is commonly known as Rogan Josh, which derives its name from the Persian language, where it translates to red meat. This translation accurately reflects the nature of this delectable dish. This renowned Indian curry is well-known for its rich and aromatic gravy, as well as its tender meat chunks, usually consisting of lamb or goat. In addition to its exquisite flavour, Rogan Josh describes the layered flavours, rich heritage, and culinary artistry that characterise Kashmiri cuisine. Let’s learn the origin, varieties, and preparation techniques, and highlight the top five destinations in Kashmir renowned for offering this exceptional delicacy.

Origin

Rogan Josh, a staple dish in Kashmiri cuisine and a key part of the highly regarded wazwan, has a long history. It was first brought to Kashmir by the Mughals, whose food was heavily influenced by Persian cuisine. The Mughals often went to Kashmir, which is higher up and cooler than the Indian plains, to get away from the stifling heat of the plains. Rogan Josh, with its Persian roots, found its way to Kashmir several centuries ago, enriched by Persian and Mughal influences. Kashmir's culinary maestros, known for their artistry, further embellished Rogan Josh with local ingredients and techniques, creating a distinct fusion. The dish's striking crimson hue owes its brilliance to the infusion of Kashmiri dry red chilies and an array of spices, embodying the harmonious amalgamation of Persian and Indian culinary traditions.

Techniques and Key Ingredients

Rogan Josh is renowned for its meticulous preparation. The dish begins with marinating the meat in yoghurt and a blend of aromatic spices such as cardamom, cinnamon, cloves, and bay leaves. The use of dried Kashmiri red chillies is a key in imparting the signature fiery-red colour to the gravy without overwhelming the palate with excessive heat. The name rogan itself refers to the oil or fat that rises to the surface during the slow-cooking process, which is an essential element of the dish's flavour.

Slow cooking is the essence of Rogan Josh's preparation. The meat simmers in a flavorful mix of spices, tomatoes, ginger, and garlic until it becomes tender and succulent. The use of saffron, kewra and dried fenugreek leaves, or kasuri methi, adds layers of complexity to the dish.

5 Best Places to Savor Rogan Josh in Kashmir:

Ahdoos, Srinagar:Ahdoos, an iconic restaurant in Srinagar, is renowned for its Rogan Josh. They prepare this dish with utmost authenticity, using the finest Kashmiri spices and locally sourced meat, creating in a delectable masterpiece.

Address: Residency Road, Regal Chowk, Munshi Bagh, Srinagar, Jammu and Kashmir 190001

Time: 10 am–11 pm