Kamal Vaishno Dhaba

Located at Pantha Chowk, right at the main junction in Lasjan, our dhaba is a bit of a landmark for travelers in the area. Srinagar can get incredibly cold, especially in the winter months when the wind bites. Kamal Vaishno Dhaba is where we try to keep things warm and simple. We are a strictly vegetarian place, which is what 'Vaishno' means for our customers. The kitchen has a big stove that stays on most of the day to heat the room. We serve tea and basic meals like rajma, rice, or dal. The chairs are simple wooden ones, and we have some thick curtains over the door to keep the draft out. It’s a busy spot because Lasjan is a main point for people heading into or out of the city. We see a lot of truck drivers and families traveling in their cars or buses. The noise of the engines and the horns is just part of our daily life here. My hands are usually stained with turmeric and the smell of spices. We don't have a menu printed on fancy paper, just a board on the wall with the prices written in chalk. It’s hard work when the snow starts to fall and we have to clear the path to the door every few hours. We don't have many staff members, so we do everything ourselves, from the cooking to cleaning the floors and dishes. It’s just an honest way to earn a living in Lasjan.