Page 35 - 2026 Cortland Travel Guide

FOOD & DRINK

A Taste of the
Kalash

It’s not every day that your meal is served to you by an
archaeologist, culture and climate change activist, museum
professional, storyteller, and field officer. But at Kalash
Kitchen, everything is a bit out of the ordinary!

Hailing from a remote region of Pakistan, Sayed Gul Kalash is part of the
Kalash community, a population of just 3,600 people. She made history as
the first Kalash archaeologist and remains the only Kalash woman with formal
scientific training in her field. Her work has carried her around the globe,
from UNESCO World Heritage sites to being named a National Geographic
Emerging Explorer.

And now, she continues to represent her community by sharing its flavorful
and unique dishes with Cortland County. The food at Kalash Kitchen is as
bright and rich as Sayed’s heritage. Heaps of tender lamb, aromatic chicken,
and crispy falafel are piled upon savory rice, topped with fresh salad and hum-
mus, and dressed in mouthwatering garlic yogurt and a vibrant green herb
chutney.
They also offer pillowy wraps stuffed to overflowing with chicken, lamb, or
fish, all made to order. Not to be missed are the masala fries, their zesty take on a
classic, best enjoyed dipped into their green chutney.

Dining at Kalash Kitchen is your chance to help preserve unique traditions and
connect with people whose stories are as captivating as their fare.

Scientist, activist, storyteller, and ambassador, Sayed Gul Kalash wears
many hats, all grounded in a deep commitment to her people. Through her
work, she is not only safeguarding Kalash culture but helping it thrive for
generations to come, generously sharing it with the world one flavorful plate at
a time.

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