Our go-to Kashmir, after months of lockdown, we ate out. Very satisfying. They don't have aircon at this time because of the protocols.

Kashmir is practically the best and most authentic way you can go as far as indian cuisine can go. The best indian food is always cooked at home, but Kashmir has always been an exeption to me especially their Chicken Tandoori and Punjabi Dahl. I seriously live for those two dishes. Recently I've tried their Rogan Josh too and it's a current favorite. The service at the restaurant may be slow during non-peak hours though at the right time you do get tip top service. If you ever get the chance to check it out, i say you should! Or if you're looking for a more convenient way to enjoy indian food and don't have time to sit down at the restaurant Kashmir also has a take out counter right infront of Dasma along McKinley road! How convenient is that! I'm personally so guilty of abusing that privilege of a take out counter.

Since the time I tried on an Indian sari, I have always had a fascination with Indian culture and their food. Over the past few years, I have been blessed to be the go-to photographer of a group of Indian ladies for their intimate social events. This would usually mean that I get to eat at the restaurants where they throw their baby showers, bridal showers, birthdays, etcetera. For events like the chatthi, or the prayers before or after marriage, they would usually have it at home. This usually meant I was going to have delicious Indian food, prepared by no less than Kashmir 90% of the time. After countless events, I have my personal favorites which includes their papad - lentil crisps usually served with masala, but is equally great with mango chutney. The palak paneer is also a favorite of mine. It was a bit funny because I only found out that it was cottage cheese after about 3 events. Being the cheese lover that I am, I love everything about this dish that also has spinach in a rich creamy, tangy sauce. The rogan josh may look a bit similar, but it so so different. It's made with mutton (meat of adult sheep), which has a bit of aftertaste, but is negated by the mix of spices and herbs making a seriously saporous sauce that is distinctly Indian. Last but not the least, goodness gracious, is the gulab jamun - deep fried milk balls so soft and chewy in a saccharine syrup with hints of cardamom and other Indian ingredient. It's kinda gross, but I swear I could have eaten about 4 pieces (after a full meal) at one time. That's how good their gulab jamun is!

I always find myself entering the quaint little restaurant of Kashmir in San Antonio whenever I'm in the area. Of course there are times when I intend to visit Kashmir for a refill of Mango Chutney or to grab a samosa to go, but I tend to gravitate towards Kashmir without any former plans of doing so for one reason: Shawarma Rice. Manila is filled with Shawarma hubs and local versions of the well-loved snack, but I have finally found my favorite in Kashmir. Although it is a little pricy, and one order is never enough (because it's that good), I can never refuse a visit to Kashmir to have my fix. I often pass by for a quick take-out because I never intended to stay long in the first place, but sitting in the cozy Kashmir seats next to the bottle of garlic shawarma sauce is always a great experience.