Srinagar, Apr 9: The surge in domestic tourists visiting Kashmir has not turned into significant benefits for local food establishments as the majority of tourists opt for vegetarian dhabas owned mainly by outsiders.
Tourists flock to vegetarian food stalls in large numbers, as almost all the stalls in tourist places are owned and operated by outsiders who are taking full advantage of the tourist boom.
Tourists throng many destinations like Dal Lake, Boulevard, Sonwar, Munawar, and Khayyam, where vegetarian food shops owned by outsiders do brisk business. Although these stalls are not new to the valley, they have benefited greatly from the current tourist rush.
The majority of non-vegetarian food streets and stalls spread throughout the valley hardly benefited from the influx of vegetarian tourists, as they couldn’t cater to them. “The local food market in the valley doesn’t thrive from domestic tourists,” said Muhammad Yaqoob, a restaurant owner.
He explained that the significant opportunity to cater to domestic tourists is only seized by outsiders, as locals have little interest in making a living from the vegetarian food market.
Tourists also enjoy chaat, and even locals have become addicted to its sour and spicy taste, as well as its affordability, which is sold by outside chaat vendors.
Observers in the field suggest that tourists visiting the valley should familiarize themselves with Kashmir’s traditions, from food to handicrafts and other rich heritage, to truly experience the essence of the place.
“Visitors should appreciate the true value of the place. When we visit a new place, we try new dishes and savor the traditional foods, which can make the food of that place famous elsewhere. However, in Kashmir, the trend is reversed, as tourists rarely sample Kashmiri cuisine due to the easy availability of Indian recipes,” said a tour operator Ishfaq Ahmad.
