Established in 1975, Kashmir is the first-ever Indian restaurant in Manila and the longest-running one at that. The 47-year-old family-run restaurant which first opened in Ermita has now opened in BGC under the new stewardship of Leon Araneta. What started as a means to pass the three sisters’ time has become a well-loved institution in the F&B industry.

Since then and over a long and colorful past, Kashmir has held on to the idea of “Introducing Indian Hospitality to Filipinos by turning Mystique into Magic.” For 47 years, they’ve been serving traditional North Indian dishes using high quality ingredients including curries, dried nuts and fruits, yogurt, ghee, paneer, fresh vegetables, and premium cuts of meats.

What to order at Kashmir?

One of the original founders, Sita Advani, created the recipes in Kashmir. “Having inherited such a wealth of decades-tested recipes from Sita were the greatest gift,” shares Leon Araneta, Kashmir’s new owner. “These recipes are the heart of the restaurant. Her food continues to charm our guests to this very day.”

At the new Kashmir, classic favorites like the Chicken Tikka Masala, Mutton Seekh Kebab, Palak Paneer, and Rogan Josh are still on the menu. But innovative dishes like Mutton Seekh Burger or the vegetarian-friendly Paneer Burger are also available.

In keeping with its North Indian roots, Kashmir is bringing its vegetarian and vegan offerings to the forefront. “After my own travels to India, I realized that we haven’t even scratched the surface of the wealth of plant-
based dishes,” shares Leon. Vegan and vegetarian dishes like the Organic Mushroom Tandoori, Dhal Chana, Okra Curry, and Kashmir Organic Green Salad will make any meat-loving guest happily reconsider their opinions on meatless eating.

Their delectable food and drink offerings are just a few things that you will swoon over when you visit. At the new Kashmir, design is what will complete your dining experience. They’ve commissioned a Bangalore and Delhi-based graphic designer, Smruthi Gargi Eswar, to share her India. Her art honors her culture’s historical and artistic past but is portrayed from a more contemporary perspective.

While most of the furnishings are new, Kashmir remains grounded, honoring its past. They have kept wall molding from the original restaurant, forty-year-old chairs from the founders’ homes, and have reused them at the new Kashmir. “These are small details. But they are part of our history that we should care for,” Leon adds.

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Kashmir is located at Level 3, One Bonifacio High Street, 5th Avenue corner 28th Street, Bonifacio Global City, Taguig City. For reservations or inquiries, visit kashmir.ph or call +639175316023. Follow Kashmir on Facebook and Instagram.