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Hyderabad is the City of Pearls and it is hard to contest that fact. The city which has seen the most royal Nawabs adorn the throne back in the day, is quite used to the idea of pearls, precious stones and jewels. Ruled by the Qutb Shahi dynasty for a long period of time, the Golconda fort is still a landmark site in the city. Then there’s the charming Charminar which as an epitome of the end of a fatal disease. From forts to mosques and structures of historical lineage, you’d find plenty of digging do to do when you visit Hyderabad. The rustic architecture of the buildings is symbolic of their rich cultural heritage.
If you’re an avid traveler who likes to enjoy the journey, you can take a train from Delhi to Hyderabad as they run on a daily basis from the capital. It would take you a day’s time to reach so you can plan your trip accordingly. You can also go by air and save time as it takes approximately two hours to reach via flight. In the city, you may not find the super-efficient metro line like Delhi but most locals rely on public transport to go from one place to another. This includes buses, autos and cabs. You can also try their rail mode for commuting which is a quick and affordable method to travel locally.
Since Eid is here, we cannot expect you to leave the city without savouring the best Ramadan food. From biryanis to kebabs, you will be spoilt for choice. However, if you miss out on the famous Hyderabadi haleem, it is considered to be a sin. A Ramadan-special dish that is usually only available during festive season, haleem is a rich and flavourful meat stew that has a touch of Hyderabadi spices to it. Did you know that haleem was actually an Arab dish that came to Hyderabad through the Mughals and since then, has got a Hyderabadi twist?
Best Places To Eat Hyderabadi Haleem In The City
Here’s your guide to the places that serve the best Hyderabadi haleem in the city of its origin.
1. Pista House
The pioneer of Hyderabadi haleem, Pista House has been accorded the status of being the first to bring haleem to our plates. Spread across over 10 outlets in Hyderabad, it is hard to find anyone who hasn’t tasted Pista House ka haleem at least once during their stay. Since haleem is a seasonal item, you might not find it on the menu but their Badamiya haleem is to die for.
Where: Shop 20, 4-140, Shalibanda Road, Charminar, Hyderabad
Timings: 12:00 pm-11:30 pm
Cost For Two: ₹1,000
Cuisines Offered: North Indian, Arabian, South Indian, Chinese
Source: Rani Food Stories/Instagram
2. Sarvi Restaurant
A fine-dining Iranian place that has been carrying on the legacy of authentic food for 33 years now, Sarvi is perfect for your Ramadan feast. The flavour of their mutton and Iranian haleem is unmatched. Beyond haleem, their biryanis and phirni are also worth-trying.
Where: 8-2-626, Road 11, Banjara Hills, Hyderabad
Timings: 11:30 am-4:30 pm
Cost For Two: ₹850
Cuisines Offered: Mughlai, North Indian, Chinese
Source: Hyderabad Food Trip/Instagram
3. Café Bahar
Just like the spring festival blooms with flowers, this famous café serves the best haleem and biryani in the city during Ramadan. With simple and nicely-done interiors, the place offers a ghee-loaded mutton haleem that queues up people outside the eatery till late night.
Where: 3-5/815-A, Hyderguda, Basheer Bagh, Hyderabad
Timings: 10 am-12 pm
Cost For Two: ₹700
Cuisines Offered: Mughlai, Hyderabadi, Seafood
Source: P Nath/Instagram
4. Once Upon A Time
Situated inside Hotel Green Park, Once Upon a Time is one of the finest restaurants in Hyderabad. The place boasts of a brightly-lit interior and chandeliers hanging from the ceiling along with delectable food. What makes their haleem special is the fried cashews that are added to it to make it a rich affair. Don’t skip the biryani because the mutton biryani is quite a treat.
Where: Door 7-1-26, Green Lands Area, Begumpet, Hyderabad
Timings: 7:30 pm-11:30 pm
Cost For Two: ₹1,500
Cuisines Offered: Kerala, Hyderabadi, Mughlai
Source: Once Upon A Time Hyd/Instagram
5. Chicha’s
Did you know that haleem is known as khichda too? This delicate slow-cooked preparation is a must-have at Chicha’s. While they are the only place to serve haleem throughout the year on Fridays, it is during the festive season that you can grab a bite any day.
Where: 6-2-39, AC Guards Road, Opposite Kun Hyundai, Lakdikapul, Hyderabad
Timings: 12:30 pm-1 am
Cost For Two: ₹900
Cuisines Offered: Hyderabadi, North Indian, Mughlai
Source: Chichas Hyd/Instagram
