Bonding over flavourful delicacy

Ramadan is a festival that is celebrated all over the world by Muslims. The process of praying and fasting is almost the same everywhere too. But what sets apart Hyderabad in the month of Ramadan is the Hyderabadi Haleem. It is a popular dish consisting of meat/lentils and wheat or barley. The origins of Haleem can be traced back to the 10th century where it was first cooked in the Arab countries.

It was initially called 'Harees' and was bought to Hyderabad during the time of the Sixth Nizam, Mahboob Ali Khan. By the time of the Seventh Nizam, Mir Osman Ali Khan, the Hyderabadi Haleem became famous on its own with its unique flavour. But it is not just the flavour that sets apart Hyderabad's Haleem – it's because of the bonds people form while sharing it. Let's take a look at some of the famous Haleem restaurants in Hyderabad where bonding happens

Pariwar's Have More Restaurant, SD Road

"We started this restaurant two years back. We wanted to do something unique unlike others, so we don't serve haleem only for the month of Ramzan, but we serve haleem 365 days. Customers loved this idea a lot and come here all year round to have our haleem," said Majaz Hussain, the owner of Pariwar's Have More Restaurant - SD Road, Secunderabad. Syed Rahim, a customer, shared: "I come here very often to have haleem knowing that this place serves haleem 365 days. Whenever I crave for haleem, I come here to have it as the haleem here is very tasty and flavourful." Mehek, another customer, too, lauds it: "The taste of their haleem is really very unique and is loved by everyone. Due to the 365 days availability one can come here anytime to have haleem."

LNS Grand 360, Alwal

"We've been serving haleem since the past five years for every Ramzan. After taking a lot of feedbacks and reviews from our customers, we have made few changes and improvement in the taste, service and quality. Now we serve what our customers love most. That's what has helped us to grow a lot," said Narsimha, owner, LNS Grand 360, Alwal. Suresh, a customer, said: "One can come here and have tasty haleem during Ramadan without fail. The haleem here is unique in taste with its spiciness and its very nicely cooked." Adds Sohail, another customer, "I've been coming here for the past three years and I'm in love with the food they serve, especially their haleem. I come here every day after iftaar to have haleem. Sometimes I bring my friends along with me and we all enjoy the haleem here."

Grill-9 Restaurant, Karkhana

"It's been 15 years since we started this restaurant to serve haleem every year during Ramzan. The response from our customers is very amazing as they often visit us with their friends and family. The best part is we see people from all faiths coming here and having haleem together with their families," according to Khaleel Ahmed, who owns Grill-9 Restaurant, Karkhana. Said Prashanth, a customer: "The ambiance here is very energetic as you can sense a contained chaos here all the time because of the crowd. The haleem here is the best, no doubt about that, and I love visiting here with my loved ones." Mohd Sameer, another customer, praised it thus: "I've been visiting this place for the past 7 years and the haleem here is very tasty. This is the best mutton haleem I've ever tasted here in Hyderabad. I love visiting here with my friends to have some fun and good times together."

The Best Green Bawarchi Restaurant, Lotukunta

"We started this restaurant in Lotukunta three years ago. The response and reviews by our customesr has been positive and everyone has loved our haleem a lot. Customers come here from Secunderabad and Alwal to have haleem with their friends and family," said Raju Yadav, the proprietor of The Best Green Bawarchi Restaurant located at Lotkunta. When contacted, a customer, Sudarshan, said: "I've been visiting this place since the past two years to have biryani and haleem. The taste here is very unique and rich and one will love it for sure." Sailu, another customer, said: "The taste of the haleem here is very delicious which one can't find anywhere else.

Aahar Restaurant, Old Alwal

"We've been continuously serving delicious haleem to our customers for the past six years. Seeing the popularity of the haleem and response by our customers, we have started serving veg millet (bajra) haleem for our veg customers so that they can also come here and enjoy haleem during Ramzan besides the regular meat eaters," said Rakesh, owner, Aahar Restaurant, Old Alwal. Lauding their dish, Chandrashekhar, a customer, said: "I love the taste of their haleem. That's the reason I come here every alternate day to have it. The taste is very authentic which one can't get anywhere else, except here." Mohd Sadiq said: "I come here to have haleem every day after iftaar. The taste is very flavorful and you will instantly feel the pure ghee and spices as you take your first bite."