Habba Kadal Kashmiri Heritage Hub & Restaurant — Restaurant in Bengaluru

If you’re craving an authentic Kashmiri culinary experience in Bangalore, Habba Kadal is a hidden gem that transports you straight to the valley. We had the pleasure of indulging in their Habba Kadal Feast, a true celebration of both Pandit cuisine and Wazwaan specials. The feast included a wide range of traditional Kashmiri dishes, each more delicious than the last.

We began with the iconic Mutton Rogan Josh, a dish that perfectly encapsulates the essence of Kashmiri cuisine. The tender mutton, slow-cooked in a rich red gravy of Kashmiri spices, was flavorful without being overly spicy—a delicate balance that’s hard to achieve. Equally impressive was the Chicken Rogan Josh, offering the same depth of flavor with a lighter protein. The Matsch—a signature meatball preparation—was juicy and soaked in aromatic spices, while the Rista and Goshtaba (spiced meatballs and a creamy yogurt-based dish respectively) were superbly crafted, with a texture that melted in the mouth.

The vegetarian dishes did not disappoint either. The Chock Nadur (lotus stems cooked in tangy yogurt) brought a crunchy contrast to the rich meats, while the Lydir Paneer stood out with its earthy saffron flavors. The Rajma was comforting and well-seasoned, paired perfectly with the traditional Kashmiri Dum Aloo, which had a subtle spiced gravy that allowed the potatoes to take center stage. The fragrant white rice acted as a perfect base for soaking in the rich gravies and sauces.

Alongside these dishes, the accompaniments added another layer of authenticity. The Haak (stir-fried collard greens) was fresh and flavorful, balancing the richness of the other dishes. The Moojh Chutney, made from radish, added a refreshing crunch and tang to the meal, offering a unique contrast to the robust flavors of the mains. For dessert, the creamy Phirni rounded out the meal, its gentle sweetness and silky texture providing a perfect end to the feast.

The ambiance of Habba Kadal reflects the warmth of Kashmir, with simple yet elegant décor that sets the tone for a comforting dining experience. The service was prompt, and the staff was more than happy to explain the dishes, enhancing the overall experience of trying something new and different.

In a city as diverse as Bangalore, Habba Kadal stands out for its dedication to bringing an authentic taste of Kashmir to the South. Whether you're familiar with Kashmiri food or new to the cuisine, the Habba Kadal Feast offers a truly immersive and flavorful journey. Highly recommended for anyone looking to explore the rich culinary...

Over past few months, I have been to the restaurant a few times already now. And there is absolutely no doubt, thats an ethnic Kashmiri - this is closest to home. The food at Habbakadal is what authentic kashmiri cuisine is expected to be - both the Pandit cuisine and the wazwan items. For non-Kashmiris reading this - if so far u believed that you have tried kashmiri cuisine (coz some restaurant served u Kashmir Dum-Aloo, Pulav or roganjosh, its time to unlearn that experience and update to the real one!). Kashmiri cuisine is no doubt an elaborate one... (no offence meant to any other cuisine, but there are very few quick cook items in this) - and the restaurant has taken utmost care to still keep it authentic. From DumAloo to rogan josh, from all items veg to non-veg... done to perfection that brought a lot of nostalgia and good memories of childhood and home. (To the dude below - who wrote a comment below criticizing the dumaloo. Dude! Just coz u have been sold baby potatos boiled in tomato gravvy all your life, that is NOT Kashmiri dum-aloo! This is the real deal)

In Summary:

PROS: AUTHENTIC AUTHENTIC AUTHENTIC For non-Kashmiris especially to note - there is ample to choose from both Veg and Non-Veg. (Many Veg folks mistake Kashmiri cuisine as only non-veg centric). Tastes as good as it was back home Portion sizes are good and ample Ambience is good (but ...see below) Ample space, closed to open - so space for all kinds of groups. Even parking is so much hassle free around the inner circle 8, can go on...

CONS: The sitdown room ambience is great. But the lighting was a bit too dim for dinner setting. Combined with the lighting - the black background Menu card was difficult to read. Portions sizes on thalis' - good to warn customers if they are overordering (saw this happening with some folks around) Waiters could be trained a bit more... Complimentary welcome kehwa is always good. But it would be a good idea to check for sugar levels customer wants... And yeah... kashmiri music in background is great. But not sure all customers will enjoy that. Personally, I found the mixing of all kinds of songs...when going from a wedding folk song to romantic song next to leela thereon in rapid succession,.. a...

I have had the pleasure of visiting numerous Kashmiri authentic restaurants and food festivals in Bangalore. As a Kashmiri myself, I have always been on the lookout for authentic flavors that truly satisfy my palate. Recently, I had the wonderful opportunity to dine at HABBA KADAL in Whitefield, and I must say, it was an incredible experience! From the moment I stepped inside, I was captivated by the mesmerizing ambiance – it was truly a sight to behold.

When the food arrived, I was not only impressed by its beautiful presentation but also blown away by the authentic taste. The flavors transported me back to Kashmir, and I felt an immense sense of satisfaction. If anyone were to ask me for a recommendation on a good Kashmiri restaurant, without a doubt, I would enthusiastically suggest HABBA KADAL.

The impeccable service further enhanced my dining experience. Every staff member went above and beyond to ensure my satisfaction. They took the time to explain each dish with passion and warmth. To my delight, they even showed me around the entire property I was really happy the way they have projected Kashmir unlike what you see these days.

One of the highlights of my visit was the live KANDUR (Bread Maker) in action. I didnt get any opportunity in Bangalore in last 20 years to enjoy the authentic Kashmiri bread in Bangalore, and this experience was nothing short of magical.

What touched my heart the most was the thoughtful gesture of the staff. They recognized that I had traveled a long way to be there, so they generously packed a variety of Lawasa, Girda, and Bakirkhani for me to take home (Needless to say, without any additional cost). This gesture made my visit even more memorable.

If you are a looking for an authentic Kashmiri cuisine, I wholeheartedly recommend visiting HABBA KADAL. The exceptional ambiance, delightful flavors, and outstanding hospitality make it a must-visit destination for anyone seeking an...