A food that brings cultures together

Haleem centres are teeming with life in Guntur. As the evening dawns and the fast is broken, people are thronging to the centres to have the Haleem. It is not just the Muslim community that is visiting the stalls. Youth of the city irrespective of their faiths are finding in Haleem a reason to visit the food courts and Haleem points are the cynosure of all eyes.

The hot and ever boiling Haleem is enticing even passersby to step into the Arabian ambience and enjoy the mouth watering aroma of the dish. Families and friends and teenagers are finding Haleem a reason for outing, dating, chating and Ramzan get-togethers. Haleem centres are doing roaring business from 6.30 pm onwards and until late in the nights.

“The Haleem culture originated with the Ramzan fasting in Syria, Saudi Arabia and Iran and goes back to 3000 years BC. Right from the time of Moses of Biblical era and down to era of prophets including Mohamed and Jesus Christ was familiar with Haleem as it is associated with break-fasting and the idea to prepare Haleem was hit upon, as nutritious food was needed after breaking the fast, “says the master of Paradise Haleem House Sk Bashe while chatting with the 'City Tab'.

“Haleem in a way promotes national integration as the love for the Middle Eastern dish brings all communities to one table during the 40 day fasting period,” he adds. Added to the rich Haleem dish is the Kubani sweet made of Kubani fruit imported from Afghanistan.

The Kubani fruit liquid juice mixed with milk maid is also highly mouth sweetening and gives one an enriching experience. Taking Kubani sweet after eating Haleem is the best combination of an Arabian treat. Cooks from Hyderabad trained in Arabian countries are giving a rich treat to the Gunturites at the Paradise Haleem House, near Andhra Christian College.

By Ravi P Benjamin