Ramadan brings along a delightful indulgence of food, and the joy multiplies when had with your friends and family. To name a few popular Ramadan foods, you have the Mohabbat ka Sharbat, juicy kebabs, Sheermal, Nalli Nihari, and much more. But this one dish truly stands out for its simplicity yet jam-packed flavors. Yes, we’re talking about Haleem. Let’s understand the rich history of this porridge-style dish and where you can find the best Haleem in Hyderabad.
Hyderabadi Haleem: History And Top Spots
Let’s first understand what exactly this dish is, shall we? Haleem is a porridge-style dish made with meat, lentils, and broken wheat, as well as plenty of flavorful and fragrant spices like cinnamon, cardamom, black pepper, and red chilli powder among others. The lentils, meat, and spices go gradual and slow cooking before being topped with fried onions and garnished with mint and coriander.
The dish finds its roots in the Arabian Peninsula, where it is known by the name of Harees. Through Arab immigrants and traders over the years, Harees traveled to India where it was loved the most in Hyderabad. The city was already known for its rich Deccan-style cuisine and the city added its own touch to Haleem as well when it arrived here.
The local chefs and cooks in Hyderabad added their own touch to the traditional Haleem, blending flavorful spices from the Indian soil into the dish. Under the Mughal rule in Hyderabad, the dish as well as the cuisine became what they are known as today.
So, if you too crave for some piping hot Haleem, here are some top spots in Hyderabad:
Hotel Shadab
Located on the Ghansi Bazaar Road, Hotel Shadab is an iconic spot in Hyderabad to try out authentic Hyderabadi food. Their biryani is to die for, and people from all over the country flock to this hotel to try out their Hyderabadi Biryani and Haleem. While you’re here, don’t forget to try the famous Chicken Haleem, a crowd favorite. Even though the place is quite crowded throughout the day, you must definitely visit the place when in Hyderabad to try authentic Haleem.
Address: Madina Circle, 21-1-140-144, Near High Court, High Court Rd, Charminar, Ghansi Bazaar – 500012
Timings: 6:30 AM to 1:00 AM
Pista House
A lot can be said about Pista House’s Haleem that has been enticing guests for well over two decades. Here, you’ll find the most authentic and flavorful Haleem in Hyderabad. The joint has maintained its consistency over the years, even though the recipe took years to master. With its skilled chefs and cooks and feedback from its customers, Hyderabad’s Pista House has emerged as one of the go-to spots for Haleem. But, not just Haleem, the place is also famous for its delectable Halwa, Shahi Tukda, and many other sweetmeats.
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Address: 20-4-132, Charminar Rd, beside Pista House, Shalibanda – 500002
Timings: 11:00 AM to 11:30 PM
Cafe Bahar
Situated in Basheerbagh, Cafe Bahar is a spot that must definitely be on your Ramadan Iftar spots, especially when in the ‘City of Pearls’. The establishment is famous all over the city for its ghee-infused Mutton Haleem that is silky, smooth, and velvety in texture – it simply melts in your mouth! But not just that, the place is known for its chicken specialities like Chicken Biryani. So, when are you visiting Cafe Bahar?
Address: 3-5, 815/A, Old MLA Quarters Rd, Avanti Nagar, Himayatnagar – 500029
Timings: 10:00 AM to 12:00 AM
Cafe 555
Cafe 555’s Haleem perfectly captures the essence of the dish – its traditional slow cooking method requiring you to be patient. And during Ramadan, the place becomes a hotspot for trying out Hyderabadi Haleem in its most delicious way. They have a variety of haleems for you to try, from Nalli Gosht Haleem to Chicken 65 Haleem. But, we recommend that you try their Talewa Gosht Haleem served with meat chunks and a boiled egg. Overall, if you’re looking for some tempting variety in Haleem, Cafe 555 is the right spot for you!
Address: Maheshwari Complex, CF32+8V6 Road Number 1 banjara hills, x road, Masab Tank – 500028
Timings: 11:30 AM to 12:00 AM
Grand Hotel
Some eateries in a city grow along with it and carry generations worth of stories with them. The Grand Hotel is one such place in Hyderabad. Established in 1935, the hotel has been serving some of the most delicious food to generations of families. The hotel is known for its Mughlai food, including the likes of haleem and biryani. During Ramadan,, the place becomes a go-to spot for a hearty Iftari meal. Come here for the delicious and creamy Chicken Haleem and you’ll go absolutely head over heels for the dish!
Address: 4-1-395, Bank St, near General Post Office, Troop Bazaar, Abids – 500001
Timings: 12:00 PM to 1:00 AM
Zouq
Craving for some Middle Eastern food but can’t travel to the Middle East? Zouq has got you covered. The place is known for its amazing fusion of Persian, Turkish, and Lebanese cuisine. Zouq in Hyderabad aims to serve top-quality and authentic Middle Eastern food with the freshest ingredients and meticulous attention to each flavor. Here, we recommend trying out their delicious platters of Lebanese, Turkish, and Persian food. Oh, and of course, you must try out their haleem and do not forget to end the meal with a delicious Turkish milk cake!
Address: Imran Plaza First floor, Between LV Prasad and Park Hayat Road no 2 Banjara Hills
Timings: 12:30 PM to 11:30 PM on all days
Summing Up
For many, Haleem is their go-to comfort dish made with the most delicious and velvety smooth meat and topped with the crunchy goodness of onions. The dish is especially famous in Hyderabad and if you too are visiting this city, you must definitely try out its Haleem!
FAQs
What Kind Of Meat Is In Haleem?
Usually, there’s either chicken, goat meat, or beef included in the Haleem. It is then mixed with broken wheat, ghee, lentils, and an array of spices.
Is Haleem Healthy?
It can be said that Haleem is comparatively healthy due to its high protein content, thanks to meat, and the inclusion of nutrient-rich lentils and dried fruits.
Are Haleem And Khichdi The Same?
No, the dishes are not the same. However, the two dishes share a similar consistency. While meat in Haleem is finely mashed and mixed, meat chunks in khichdi are kept intact. Moreover, khichdi has been a majorly vegetarian food dish as opposed to the meat-based haleem.
