Actor Hina Khan, who is bravely fighting stage 3 breast cancer, continues to inspire her fans with her positivity and regular updates on social media. She often shares glimpses of her life, including her dietary choices, which reflect her journey and cultural roots. Her courage and authenticity have made her a source of inspiration for many.
Recently, Hina delighted her followers by sharing a photo of her enjoying a cherished Kashmiri tradition-thani daar chochwor with a comforting cup of chai. This wholesome combination is more than just food; it represents the rich heritage of Kashmiri cuisine. Captioning the post, she wrote, “Noon chai tc thani daar chochwor. All things Kashmir. #KashmiriAtHeart.” Let's know more about this Kashmiri delicacy.
What is Thani daar chochwor? (Tchochwor)
Thani daar chochwor is a traditional Kashmiri bread that holds immense cultural and culinary significance in the Kashmir Valley. 'Thani daar' refers to the bread's soft, thick texture, while 'chochwor' highlights its unique circular shape with a hole in the center, which look similar to a bagel. This bread is typically enjoyed fresh and warm, paired with a cup of Kashmiri chai (noon chai or kahwa), making it a staple breakfast or tea-time snack in the region.
It was amazing to see & eat telliwour, a tandoori bakery at workshop at kupwara Kashmir
— Ravinder Pandita(Save Sharda) (@panditaAPMCC63) December 21, 2024
The workshop staff offered sheet chai/ noon chai also to make it a complete kashmiri delight in a chilling cold afternoon. Thanks to them. pic.twitter.com/VoFC0N3irN
How is it prepared?
The preparation of chochwor involves kneading a dough made from wheat flour, milk, yeast, and a pinch of sugar to achieve its soft and chewy texture. The dough is then shaped into rounds with a central hole and baked in a traditional tandoor or oven until golden and fluffy.
In Kashmir, every locality has a baker(Kandur in the local language)who bakes breads in a clay tandoor like this one. He starts his day very early in the morning & winds up only by evening. You can see the bread Telvor/Czochvor in d oven!#Kashmir #myphoto #bakery #PhotoOfTheDay pic.twitter.com/1xO0xla3rP
— SrinagarGirl (@SrinagarGirl) April 25, 2020
What makes it a Kashmiri delicacy is the regional touch-chochwor reflects the resourcefulness and craftsmanship of Kashmiri bakers, who have passed down this art through generations. This bread can be paired with a variety of accompaniments, from butter to chutneys. This makes it a versatile and cherished part of Kashmiri cuisine.
The Kashmiri bakers,locally known as Kandur, have introduced a new rate list for the year 2025, which has doubled the prices from Rs 5 to Rs 10/bread. How the prices have doubled without any notification from the @Director_FCSCAK ?. @nasirsogami @DrVeeri @peerashiq @DullooAtal pic.twitter.com/u0T7bgKhOk
— Hassan wani (@Hassanwanii) December 24, 2024
Morning breads!#Kashmir pic.twitter.com/I2ndMHH1Yr
— Asif Iqbal Burza (@aiburza) December 17, 2019
How chochwar's significance & health benefits go hand in hand?
Thani daar chochwor is more than just bread; it represents the simplicity and richness of Kashmiri heritage. In Kashmiri households, baking this bread is often a communal activity that fosters connections and celebrates tradition. Its ingredients, including wheat flour and milk, provide a wholesome and energy-rich food source, perfect for the cold climate of the valley. The pairing with noon chai, which is rich in antioxidants and essential minerals like potassium and magnesium, adds to the nutritional value, making it not just delicious but also beneficial for health.