Cheese lovers, rejoice! If you relish your sandwiches, pizzas, burgers, and pasta smothered in gooey cheese, then it’s time to explore a desi cheese alternative that has taken social media by storm. US food vlogger Karl Rock recently introduced his followers to the scrumptious Kaladi Kulcha, dubbing it “India’s very own Cheeseburger.”
In a captivating Instagram video, Rock showcased this unique street food from Jammu, featuring Kaladi, a traditional ripened cheese celebrated for its dense and stretchy texture. The cheese is pan-fried to a crispy golden brown and paired with Kulcha, a soft and slightly crispy leavened flatbread.
View this post on Instagram
“This is Jammu’s famous Kaladi Kulcha,” Rock enthusiastically captioned his video. “It features Kaladi, a traditional ripened cheese known for its dense and stretchy texture, pan-fried to a crispy golden brown, paired with Kulcha, a soft and slightly crispy leavened flatbread.”
The video vividly depicted a vendor skillfully frying bread buns in a pan, toasting them, and layering them with a generous portion of Kaladi cheese. After sprinkling masalas and adding other vegetable fillings, the vendor completed the assembly with another bread bun. Rock elaborated that Kaladi, made from raw milk, either cow or buffalo, has a flavor that intensifies when fried.
Rock’s culinary adventure in Jammu left him surprised and somewhat disappointed that Kaladi Kulcha is not widely available outside the region. He shared, “This combination is often enjoyed with various chutneys and a sprinkle of spices, offering a delightful contrast between the gooey, savoury cheese and the fresh bread, making it a unique and flavorful culinary experience.”
The response to Rock’s video has been overwhelmingly positive. One user commented, “Jammu food is highly underrated. Thank you, Karl, for covering this.” Another agreed, saying, “Finally Jammu’s street food is getting the recognition it deserves.” A third foodie simply admitted, “This made me so hungry.”
Karl Rock also noted the hospitality he experienced in Jammu. Despite the Kaladi Kulcha being sold for Rs 60, the vendor refused to let him pay, showcasing the warmth and generosity of the local people. The video has since garnered over 6 million views, capturing the hearts and appetites of viewers worldwide.
As the popularity of Kaladi Kulcha continues to soar, this distinctive and flavorful dish from Jammu is set to become a new favorite among food enthusiasts everywhere.