Srinagar, April 18 -- In a city where wazwan has long ruled the culinary scene, a chef from North Kashmir is popularising Afghan and Uzbek cuisines among foodies.

Meet Sahil Ahmed Wani, a young chef from Gingal in Baramulla, whose knack for preparing Central Asian cuisine has turned heads - and appetites - at The Cherry Cafe, tucked inside Srinagar city's bustling City Mall.

While his culinary resume includes everything from Indian to Lebanese, it is the warmth of Afghani platters and the fragrant depth of Uzbek plov that have set him apart. With 12 years of experience behind the apron, Chef Sahil said he wanted to bring new tastes to the Valley.

"I wanted to bring something new to the Kashmiri palate - something we're not used to, but...