Kashmiri cuisine has always carried a unique identity, rich in flavors, aromas, and heritage. Yet, for many years in Muzaffarabad, authentic traditional Kashmiri food was nearly impossible to find — neither in the markets nor in restaurants. That gap inspired Khizra Manzoor, a passionate food entrepreneur, to give Kashmiri cuisine a rebirth in Azad Jammu & Kashmir.
A Dream to Revive Kashmiri Cuisine
“Our main motive was to bring Kashmiri food back to life,” says Khizra. “Visitors were coming to this tourist spot, locals were also wishing for it, but no one was serving authentic traditional food. That’s when we decided to start, and Alhamdulillah, the response was excellent.”
With determination and courage, Khizra introduced a menu full of traditional delicacies, reminding people of the flavors of Srinagar and beyond.
Overcoming Challenges as a Woman
Starting out was not easy. As a woman opening a restaurant in Muzaffarabad, Khizra faced doubts and resistance. “In the beginning, many thought, ‘She’s a woman — what will she do? How will she run a restaurant?’ But with Allah’s blessing, the support of my family, friends, and community, we pushed forward. Whenever we made mistakes, we apologized genuinely, and people responded positively.”
Today, her restaurant is known as one of the few places in the region offering authentic Kashmiri dishes prepared with care and tradition.
Signature Dishes
The restaurant specializes in Kashmiri classics, including:
- Gushtaba Yakhni
- Rista
- Palak Paneer
- Tamatar Paneer
- Roghan Josh
- Tabak Maaz
In winter, one of the most loved dishes is Fish Kadam Mooli, attracting food lovers from far and wide.
From Muzaffarabad to Other Cities
As the demand grew, locals and tourists alike wanted the taste of Kashmir beyond Muzaffarabad. Khizra and her team first tested delivery in Islamabad, where the response was overwhelmingly positive. Now, Kashmiri food is regularly delivered to Islamabad, Peshawar, Abbottabad, and Murree. In Murree especially, loyal customers order Kashmiri food two to three times every month and even recommend it to others.
Women Empowerment Through Food
Khizra’s vision has always been about more than just food. She wanted to serve hygienic, homely meals while also empowering women. “That’s why I hired female chefs,” she explains. “Right now, four to five women are working with me. In the beginning, families only gave permission because they trusted me — a female entrepreneur. Today, more women are confidently joining.”
This initiative not only ensures clean, home-like food but also provides livelihood opportunities for women in Muzaffarabad.
Inspired by Family and Passion
Khizra’s journey began at home. After her marriage and children, she had left her professional job but discovered her true passion in cooking. “I always loved presenting food beautifully for my husband and trying new recipes. My sister motivated me to start food delivery, and by Allah’s blessing, everything came together.”
Facing Tourism Challenges
Despite success, challenges remain. The recent war-like situation and natural disasters in the region badly affected tourism, leading to losses. Yet, Khizra continues with resilience, determined to preserve Kashmiri cuisine.
A Taste of Occupied Kashmiri Cuisine
Being part of a Kashmiri family herself, with roots in Occupied Kashmir, Khizra understands the deep connection between food and culture. She recalls a compliment from her husband that inspires her:
“He says if the meat, spices, and vegetables of Kashmir were available here, then 70% of our food would match Occupied Kashmir. We already have the genuine, authentic recipes — the difference is only in the quality of ingredients.”
Keeping the Tradition Alive
Through her restaurant, Khizra Manzoor has not only revived Kashmiri cuisine in Muzaffarabad but also created a bridge connecting locals, tourists, and even people in other cities to the flavors of Kashmir. With dishes that reflect heritage, passion, and authenticity, she continues to keep Kashmiri culinary traditions alive.
