Shujaat Mir
MUZAFFABAD: Located in the heart of Muzaffarabad of Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK), the market at Upper Adda has a street known as ‘Kulchon Wali Gali’, or The Street of Kulchas. For more than two hundred years, this place has been the hub of Kashmiri kulcha, an age-old traditional delicacy. This craft is so old and has been practised for so long that it is now facing the threat of high costs and economic issues.
What is Kashmiri kulcha?
Kashmiri kulcha is a unique baked good with a distinctive sweet and salty flavour. Unlike conventional bread, it is made using a special dough that consists of flour, ghee, eggs, and salt. This dough is kneaded thoroughly to give the perfect texture before being shaped into small, round discs. These are then baked slowly in a traditional clay oven, locally known as tandoor, with a low flame for over an hour. When done, it comes out crispy outside with a lightweight crumbly inside, making it a really good snack.
The Kashmiri kulcha has two main varieties
Sweet kulcha
It is the kulcha with a less sweet taste, usually eaten with tea.
Salty kulcha
It has the perfect salty flavour, which suits those who prefer savoury flavours.
The Process of Preparing Kashmiri kulcha
Kulcha preparation involves patience and expertise, which have been passed on from generation to generation. Dough is kneaded to perfection without being too soft or too hard. Once molded into discs, they are baked in the tandoor with slow-cooking. This even texture makes the outside crispy while the inside is tender.
In Kashmir, kulchas are mostly consumed with traditional butter tea or noon chai, and sometimes milk tea. Kashmiri kulchas are full of flavor and rich, giving them a wonderful texture, so they complement the warmth of a beverage during chilly mornings and evenings.
Kulcha in Kashmiri Culture
Kulcha is not just a snack; it is a symbol of Kashmir’s rich culinary heritage. Traditionally, the Kashmiri household would enjoy kulchas as part of breakfast accompanied by tea, butter, and in some cases, homemade jams. Many years ago, these baked delicacies were also served during get-togethers and celebrations.
The families of Kashmiris, both inside and outside of Kashmir, keep this tradition close to their hearts. Many a Kashmiris order kulchas in foreign countries because they want to stay connected with their roots and heritage through the food they consume. This further shows how attached Kashmiris emotionally and culturally have been to the simple yet wonderful baked item called kulcha.
Challenges for the Kashmiri kulcha Industry
It has become a booming industry, yet the kulcha industry is at a struggling end. The hike in ghee, flour, and egg costs has placed severe financial stress on traditional bakers. Many bakers have no choice but to raise their rates, which makes it unaffordable for locals to buy this one-time affordable snack.
In addition, new products by modern bakeries and fast-food chains have driven consumers away from traditional kulchas. Since very few youngsters take up the craft, there is a strong apprehension that this age-old tradition may eventually fade into oblivion. The collapse of this industry will result in not only losing a crucial identity in Kashmir’s culinary tradition but also render a lot of skilled artisans unemployed, which in turn increases unemployment.
Conservation of Kulcha Heritage
Local and national steps have to be taken in order to salvage this tradition. Subsidies for traditional bakers will be provided by the government. This will help them tackle the predominant rise in cost. Awareness campaigns can also help the newer generation take up this craft.
More importantly, social media and online platforms can be used to promote Kashmiri kulcha globally. As more people learn about its cultural significance and unique taste, there could be an increase in demand, and it would surely survive.
Kashmiri kulcha is not just a baked delicacy but a heritage food carrying centuries of tradition and history. Its distinctive taste, cultural significance, and craftsmanship make it an irreplaceable part of Kashmir’s identity. However, the growing economic challenges threaten its existence. If steps are not taken to support traditional bakers, we may witness the decline of this beloved Kashmiri treasure.
Kashmiri kulcha is an age-old delicacy which would be preserved and promoted so future generations can continue to enjoy it and keep the spirit of Kashmir’s culinary traditions alive.
