Best places for Hyderabadi Haleem

In the background sirens resonate as the sun sets in Hyderabad. The sirens announce the sighting of the moon during the holy month of Ramzan, which is the time for self purification, devotion and penance; a time to observe the month long fast (Roza) in anticipation of Id-Ul-Fitr. The siren also announces the breaking of the fast with the commencement of Iftar (evening meal).

 

During Ramzan, after the evening prayer, every devotee awaits the arrival of a sumptuous Hyderabadi delicacy Haleem which is a generous mix of wheat, ghee and meat (beef, mutton or chicken) mixed for over eight hours with cashew, raisins, garlic paste and spices and garnished with freshly cut onions and lime. Haleem is available in both meethi (sweet) and khari (salty) variety.

 

For the aficionados of Haleem here is a list of restaurants which serve the best variety in Hyderabad.

 

All the restaurants known for their Biryanis also serve some of the best Haleem. The secret to their success is the authentic taste and the recipes which have been passed on from generations. This includes Madina Hotel (Patterghatti, Charminar) which catered to the Nizams as well. It serves reasonably priced sumptuous Haleem, and is known to have had celebrity clients like Salman Khan, Aamir Khan and Allu Arjun too. Then there’s Shadab Hotel, where you get one of the richer varieties of Haleem with a generous amount of cashews and rich pieces of meat. The hotel is so crowded during Iftar that it is difficult to find a place to stand.

 

You should also try the Pista House. Though it is headquartered in Charminar the Haleem is available in almost every nook and corner of Hyderabad with strategically placed stalls. One of its specialties is the Vegetarian Haleem which substitutes the meat with dry fruits. Pista House is an ISO 9002 company and the Haleem they serve is available at every post office across Hyderabad. They also have a Haleem by post service which extends the delivery across India and to places in Europe and even the United States. One can also order the Haleem online to be delivered to the desired location. Talk about Hyderabadi Haleem going international!

 

Some old favourites also include Niagara Hotel in Chaderghat and Basheerbagh which serves the most aromatic Haleem. Though on the pricier side, the Haleem comes with a free 500ml soft drink bottle to quench your thirst. For those living in Secunderabad area, Paradise could be a good option for its interesting varieties of Haleem. It has a special chicken mutton mixed Haleem and the special boneless Haleem. They also have a special parcel counter at the Hyderabad airport for all the air travellers. Those closer to Assembly Road, could try Nizam Club. This is available only to its members but the cooks at the club have been featured on national news networks and on travel and lifestyle channels. It is also one of the places where Haleem is served every Friday all year round. So if you happen to know a member of the club, you should give it a try.

 

Sarvi Hotel on Road No. 1, Banjara Hills, Hyderabad has the best Haleem combo meals (akin to a fast food restaurant). Cold Drinks, French Fries, Pastries and ice-creams you name it and there is a combo available. Four Seasons has also earned a reputation for serving some of the best Haleem with a traditional touch. This place is packed till the wee hours of the morning. They also have the largest serving amongst the other restaurants.

 

Alfa Hotel at Secunderabad Railway Station is the ideal place to take a travel parcel for an overnight journey. Café Bahar at Hyderguda / Himayat Nagar has a combo meal with a soft drink and dessert (khubani ka meetha with ice cream).

  

Do let us know if you have been to any other good Haleem joint as well. Look forward to your comments.