Hyderabad is synonymous with haleem, at least during this season. Very few can resist the temptation of the aroma wafting out of the eateries, of the crisp onions, dollops of ghee and the all-encompassing richness of this Ramzan delicacy. We speak to foodies, chefs and restaurateurs around the city to know where the best haleem is served.
Taj Khan, owner of Aadaab Restaurant, Nampally, predictably says, “I would obviously list my own restaurant’s haleem as the best. The secret is that Aadaab’s haleem has been a bit more Indianised and specifically tweaked to suit the Hyderabadi palate. So it is a bit more spicy.”
Khan’s restaurant is also known for other iftar food and stars often order from here. “During Ramzan, we prepare Nalli Gosht, made of bone marrow. This dish is particularly a favourite among Tollywood stars like Rana.” The other popular dishes during Ramzan are paya (lamb shank soup) and nahari (slow-cooked beef or lamb stew),” says Khan.
Tennis ace Sania Mirza also swears by Aadaab. She says, “Ramzan is the month I’d love to be in Hyderabad. Besides the buzz in the build-up to Id, I am particularly fond of Nalli Gosht from Aadaab. For haleem, Shadaab Hotel tickles my taste buds. The Four Seasons, at Toli Chowki is another favourite eatery of mine.”
For Fusion 9’s owner Maya Shankar, Sarvi is the place to go. “I feel the taste of their food is stronger and the spices are used aptly for the aromatic flavour of the food. Since they have a bakery as well, I love their puffs.”
Well-know foodie Jasmine Pillai has a couple of favourites when it comes to haleem. Jasmine, whose family owns the Radisson Blue Hotel, says, “I live in Jubilee Hills and visit the food joints in Tolichowki with my family quite often. I like the taste of the haleem at Shadab and Shah Ghouse; we also like their kebabs, payas and the tandoori rotis.”
Socialite and foodie Iffat Khan also swears by Shah Ghouse’s haleem. “Every year a bunch of us get together and we go to the Old City late in the night. The haleem at Shah Ghouse, Tolichowki, is one of my favourite because it’s not as spicy. The sheekh kebab from Shadab’s is another of my favourites. Another place that one shouldn’t miss is Aadaab’s which has the best Nalli Ka Salan in Hyderabad.”
Executive chef at The Park, Chef Mandaar, says, “I haven’t done the regular haleem rounds, but the word around is that the best haleem is to be found at 555 and Shah Ghouse.”
