Haleem-Hyderabad's taste for Ramadan

When we walk through the streets of Hyderabad, It always gives an enchanting feeling. The blend of cities old and new varieties ranging from bazaars, palaces, forts, minarets to the new hi-tech buildings, flyovers, stadiums, malls, etc, is the beauty of the twin cities. The cuisine of Hyderabad, add up to the delight of visitors. A variety of tastes, starting from the famous Hyderabad biriyani to the special fruit biscuits of Karachi bakery, make the mind full of food lovers. And when we are down the streets, during the holy month of Ramadan, our eyes will catch the sight of colourful line up of sign boards, with display of special dish, which we haven’t met throughout the year. And when we reach to it, a delightful smell from a big pot, and the sight of a hot dish welcome us, it’s “Haleem”- Hyderabad’s unique special dish for Ramadan. Each and every corner of the city is piled up with the shops, selling this delicious food. Cities star restaurants to the small vendors equally enjoy in the making and selling of this dish.

Haleem is made from meat, along with ghee, a variety of spices and dry fruits. This semi-liquid food is enjoyed by the people mainly after Iftar (breaking of the fast). While majority take it as a secondary food, some who cannot compromise with its taste, take as much to fill their stomach. It is made on large scale, in big pots with specially designed fire place. And the work over it starts from morning and is ready to serve by the time of Iftar. The line up in front of shops after sunset shows the peoples response to its taste. Moreover, it provides much satisfaction after a day’s fasting. Haleem is also prepared in households for Iftar. During the season, variety of competitions is organized like eating Haleem and preparing it.

The origin of Haleem in Hyderabad has many opinions. Mainly it is believed to have reached from Persia, during the period of Nizam, along with many other dishes like the Iranian tea. However Haleem is unique to Hyderabad in India. Now its sale has been extended to Mumbai and Bangalore airports. Old city-the Charminar area is best place to have Haleem in the city. There is large number of vendors selling it there. King Koti is another area which lines up with a number of Haleem shops. The desire of the city’s residents for this delicious dish has made the season a hub for the vendors. The immigrants of the city, from various parts of India and other countries, have it, first for curiosity and then, caught with its taste. If you are in the city during Ramadan, then don’t miss the taste of Haleem.