Hyderabad: Ramzan's star cuisine stages comeback

Hyderabad: Rejoice, oh, the lovers of the flavourful and delectable 'Haleem,' for, the favourite dish of the faithful as well as all faiths during the month is back. Several restaurants are serving it across the city, to satiate the still hunger of the city for this star delicacy.

Corona-induced lockdown robbed the denizens of the yummy dish. They seem to still pine for it. Rekindling their passion for it during a non-season, given their still strong appetite for it, some restaurants including Cafe 555, Sohail Hotel, Shahi Dastarkhan, Hotel Peshawar, Shah Ghouse Cafe, Fanooz, Shehzaan and many more are offering it to the connoisseurs. It is odd that Pista House and Hotel Shadab, which are big names in the business, are not serving haleem to their customers. "This year the Ramzan had undergone lockdown restrictions and haleem which is usually available only in Ramzan was missed badly this year. Thanks to hotels and restaurants that have started preparing it again," said Md Khizar, a customer taking away haleem from an eatery.

Unlike previous year, the dish is now sold at a bit higher amount. While regular haleem would sell for Rs 160-180, now it costs for Rs 200 to Rs 260. The family pack which was priced at Rs 550 is now sold for Rs 700.

According to restaurant owners, they are preparing haleem in less quantity, depending on demand. "After receiving several calls from the customers for haleem, Cafe 555 started preparing haleem from June 13 for a month," said Ali Reza Jowkar, MD of Cafe 555 in Masabtank. "Despite the ease in the restrictions imposed, the people must still uphold social distancing norms when consuming the dish. The dish is usually kept for takeaway," he added.

"Earlier, we used to prepare around 4-5 handis of haleem, but now we are preparing haleem in only one handi for the customers who demand it," said Syed Mudassir, Manager Sohail Hotel at Malakpet. Hotels are mainly making the dish, keeping in view their loyal customers who developed a liking for their preparation and are demanding it.