Haji Ghulam Qadir Senoo, the 66-year-old pickle shop owner, popularly known as the ‘ Pickle king of Kashmir’, did not lose hope even after having lost three family members and a thriving transport business to the 20-year conflict in the Valley. He instead looked ahead to transform his gloom into something good and set an example for others.
Determined to fight all odds, he is a living example of optimism, faith and progress- setting benchmarks for others to follow.
Senoo took over the business from his brother and 30 years into it, he has transformed a small pickle vending shop into a famous brand, ‘Senoo Kashmir Pickles’ – home to almost 100 different varieties of mouthwatering pickles.
As one steps into his shop in Habba Kadal area in Old City here, it welcomes visitors with a tantalizing aroma that instantly creates a desire to taste the colourful delicacies. What also leaves a lasting impression is the way the old man opens up with a warm heart, despite the magnitude of loss he has experienced.
Senoo serves a whole range of pickles with wide varieties, as many as 100, each with a different flavour. The varieties of pickles include chicken, mutton, vegetable, fish, mango, cherry and as he says “you name it, I have it”.
He proudly says no one else prepares Apricot-pickle in Kashmir as he displays it and “Ahmedabad is the only other place in India where mutton-pickle is available.”
His pickles have enticed the taste buds of one and all – from local Kashmiris to customers from Saudi Arabia, Bangladesh, Germany, Italy, France and Indonesia. Apart from the non-vegetarian variants, which are most wanted, Senoo’s preparations include the much in demand bitter gourd, which helps to keep blood sugar level in check.
Other mouth-watering and medically beneficial pickles which Senoo prepares include ‘amla’, apple, plum, garlic and a host of other varieties. He plans to add more varieties, like turnip and chillies.
The pickles are prepared in refined oil and cleanliness of the utensils and surroundings is taken care of properly.
