The disputed region of India that bakes bread to rival France

Synopsis: In Indian-administered Kashmir, a region known for its stunning landscapes and turbulent history, a rich bread-making tradition thrives. Local bakers, or *kandurs*, prepare a variety of breads using clay *tandoor* ovens, reflecting a culinary legacy influenced by the ancient Silk Road. These breads, such as *girda*, *lavasa*, *tschowor*, and *bakarkhani*, are integral to Kashmiri culture and daily life, with each bread serving a distinct purpose and time of day.

Despite this vibrant tradition, Kashmir's bread culture remains largely undocumented and underappreciated compared to French or European baking traditions. Filmmaker Mehvish Altaf Rather and chefs like Jasleen Marwah and Prateek Sadhu are working to highlight and preserve this heritage, incorporating Kashmiri breads into modern menus across India. This culinary legacy, deeply tied to family, tradition, and local culture, could potentially qualify as a UNESCO intangible heritage, showcasing Kashmir's rich, yet overlooked, contribution to global gastronomy.

Written By: Smitha Menon, CNN
Photo Credit: Faisal Khan/Anadolu Agency/Getty Images
Published: November 20, 2024