Ramzan 2018 - Best Places to enjoy Haleem in Hyderabad

It's the beginning of Ramzan, the holy month of fasting for Muslims, and I actually happen to be in Hyderabad. And when it's Ramzan and Hyderabad, the one thing that completes this trilogy is Hyderabadi Haleem - the quintessential Ramzan food that every non-vegetarian loves to binge on during this season.

Hyderabadi Haleem (image source: Gluebomb)


But wasn't I supposed to be a vegetarian? Well, I am absolutely one and intend to stay that way. But food fascinates me, especially when I am travelling, and it doesn't really matter whether it's vegetarian or non-vegetarian. I have written in the past as well (read more: Street food from Lucknow) about non-vegetarian food simply because I am fascinated by these stories and don't want to be limited by my own food preferences.

So here's the story of "Haleem"; read on till the end to know about some of the best places to eat Haleem this year in Hyderabad.

Story of Ramzan

Ramzan is the holy month in the Islamic calendar which leads up to the first revelation of Quran to Mohammed. Muslims across the world fast during the month rom early in the morning to sunset - no food, no water, no bad thoughts. The fast is broken with a simple prayer in the evening with a glass of water, along with something sweet, often a date.

On the last day of fasting with the sighting of the new moon, the fast ends and Eid is celebrated.

Story of Heleem

So what's the connection of Haleem in Hyderabad with Ramzan which originally started in the Arabian peninsula?

Well to understand that we need to understand the story of origin of Haleem. Haleem is actually variant of a dish called Harissa from the Arabian peninsula which was staple there and was adopted for Ramzan food as its rich in protein and provides excellent nourishment. Harissa was a simple dish made with coarse-ground wheat/ pulses with meat.

As Harissa travelled to the Indian subcontinent via Iran and Afghanistan, we embraced it and made it our own. We introduced Indian spices, dry fruits and ghee, and that's how the Hyderabadi Haleem was born.

The preparation is not simple and can take up to a day to make, however, if you are looking at making at home here's a good starting point - Hyderabadi Haleem at home.

Best places to eat Haleem in Hyderabad

Hyderabadi Haleem comes in all forms - mutton, chicken, fish and even vegetarian. However, in the most traditional form it's made with mutton. The following list of best places to eat Haleem in Hyderabad is compiled with the contribution of my generous friends from Hyderabad, Harish, Pratyusha and M, who have ample experience with the food there, both with the traditional as well as new joints. Enjoy :)

1. Hotel Shadab
If you intend to do a Haleem walk in Hyderabad, this is perhaps the best place to start. Located just a few minutes walk from the Charminar and right next to the Ashurkhana, Haleem here is supposed to be the best in the city.

The cost of Haleem this year is Rs 300/ kg and Rs 330/ kg for the special preparation.

Address Hotel Shadab:
Near High Court Road, Opp Madina Circle
Charminar, Hyderabad - 500012
Telangana

I also visited Hotel Shadaab on the first night of Ramzan - here's a video from the visit :)




2. Pista house
Follow up the visit to Shadab Hotel by walking to Charminar, and once you are done admiring the beautiful structure, walk straight ahead towards Pista House. The restaurant recently also acquired the GI status for Hyderabadi Haleem. It's beautifully decorated this season and it's impossible to miss. If you are lost, just ask anyone and they will show you the way.



Address Pista House:
Opp. Asra Hospital
Shalibanda Road
Hyderabad - 500002
Telangana

3. Shah Ghouse Café
Walk further down the road from Pista House and you will come across Shah Ghouse after a few minutes of walk.

I visited Shah Ghouse on my first visit this early this year and was charmed by the simplicity of the place. Though my vegeterian biriyani was strictly average, I have been told that the Haleem here is superb.

Address Shah Ghouse Cafe:
Near Petrol Pump, Charminar Rd
Syed Ali Chabutra, Shalibanda
Hyderabad - 500065
Telangana

4. Café Bahar
Cafe Bahar has a full air-conditioned restaurant to go with one of the best Haleem preparation in the city. Though it's a highly recommended place by my friends from Hyderabad, the online review seems to be a bit mixed.

Address Cafe Bahar:
Old MLA Quarters Road, Hyderguda
Hyderabad - 500029
Telangana

5. Sarvi, Banjara Hills
Located in the upscale Banjara Hills in Hyderabad, Sarvi is a popular choice for people living away from the old city. The Haleem is great and there is an option for take-away as well.

Address Sarvi:
No. 6-2-626, Opposite Care Hospital, Road No. 1
Banjara Hills
Hyderabad - 500034
Telangana

6. 555 cafe
Located in a lane close to Masab Tank, the haleem from 555 cafe has become quite popular in Hyderabad over the past few years. Here's a video from the cafe :)



Address 555 Cafe:
Road no. 1, Masabtank X Road
Hyderabad - 500028
Telangana

7. Golconda Hotels
Recommended by Pratyusha, Golconda hotels is great to enjoy midnight Haleem. This is a great option for those who might not be able to travel all the way to the old city or are apprehensive about the hygiene there.

Address Golconda Hotels:
10-1-124, Masab Tank, Banjara Hills
Hyderabad - 500028
Telangana

8. Greenpark Hotel
Greenpark Hotel is another great option to eat great Haleem away from the old city and in the comforts of a restaurant.

Address Greenpark Hotel:
7-1-27, Ameerpet Rd
Leelanagar, Ameerpet
Hyderabad - 500016
Telangana 

Comments

  1. Hyderabad is definitely the place to have the delicious Haleem. Have had biriyani from Shadab and Cafe Bahar. Am sure their Haleems would be equally delicious.

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    Replies
    1. I am sure too! I really want to visit Cafe Bahar...have heard so much good stuff about them 🙂

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  2. Hyderabad is famous for haleem. Also I relish Hyderabadi Biryani a lot. Golconda Hotels and GreenPark are my favourites.

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    Replies
    1. You are quite experienced Amit...that's awesome! Do you visit Hyderabad often? I just take some tips from you :)

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  3. This food looks amazing. And I love reading about the significance behind it too. I hope you find your perfect dish!

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    1. Absolutely! That's what I love about travel...food and stories, even if I can't eat the food I relish food-tales 🙂

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  4. the food looks all so good. I try to be vegan/vegetarian too but it's pretty difficult while traveling since food is a part of culture and I always really want to have the whole experience

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    1. I agree...it can be tough being a vegetarian during travels, but so far it's been ok for me. I do miss out on some experiences, but I make do with food-stories 🙂🙂🙂

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  5. This is something new to me, so thank you for introducing me to Ramzan and your dish Haleem. It is nice to learn more about other culture. I had to search the map to know where is Hyderabad so I know where I could get the best Haleem when I visit in the future.

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    Replies
    1. I hope hope you visit Hyderabad when you visit India...it's so full of stories 🙂

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  6. All that food makes me drool. Nice history on how Haleem came into being. I am always interested in such things. I have also heard that there is a veg version of Haleem. Bon Apettit!

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    Replies
    1. And you can actually eat it too...a bit sad that I can only look at it and click it 🙂

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  8. I tried my first Haleem at Muhhamadi Hotel Jaipur...at that time I felt it was not that awesome what I heard...but later I found it was Daleem(basically littele haleem mixed with dal in large amount).
    Now at this time in holy month of ramzan...I ate haleem at Hyderabad House,Hyderabad....OMG...it's really ultimate taste...
    Now I understand why it tastes best at Hyderabad.

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  11. Your article is too good for the food and showing Popular Restaurants across the hyderabad
    Rush sports Bar and Restaurant

    ReplyDelete

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