T'is The Season! Where To Get The Best Haleem In Hyderabad

Our first pick obviously has to be Sarvi in Banjara Hills. This 33-year-old Irani cafe gets quite crowded during the Ramzan season. With cars are parked till a km away as people drop by to pick haleem and phirni, these folks also set up takeaway joints in a few parts of Hyderabad. While their haleem is thick and a burst of flavours, we can never enough of their phirni. This sweet dish is served in pots, which adds a certain flavour to it. For a proper meal this Ramzan, don't forget to head here. 

Must-try haleem: Mutton Haleem

Cafe 555 in Masab Tank is a 52-year-old Irani cafe and it's generally crowded. But the Ramadan month is when it attracts people from every possible corner of the city. As the clock strikes 6 pm, people gather at Cafe 555’s haleem stall awaiting their turn to grab some. What makes their haleem one of the best haleems in Hyderabad is they add rose petals, shah jeera, saffron along with the traditional spices. In addition to Irani haleem, this cafe makes Special Haleem which has a full goat tongue and topped with chicken 65 and a slice of boiled egg. 

Must-try haleem: Irani Haleem, Special Haleem

If you like GreenPark's midnight biryani, you'll love their haleem too. Of course, they are completely unrelated but the quality is just the same — top-notch. They serve up per plate and also, by kilo. Their slow-cooked mutton haleem brings together myriad flavours. Done with fried cashews and rogan, this haleem is creamy and loaded with ghee. If you cannot visit the hotel, you can also order in; we don't mind ordering in from GreenPark because the packing is completely leakproof and unlike other hotels, it doesn't get lukewarm by the time it arrives.

Must-try haleem: Mutton Haleem

Perhaps one of the first Irani cafes in Hyderabad to have sold haleem commercially, Hotel Nayaab has begun their Ramzan festivities and from 3 am onwards, you'll find people queuing up for Malai Paya, Nihari, Khichdi Khatta Kheema, Bheja Fry. At the storefront, you'll spot a bhatti where the haleem is prepared. This cafe in the Old City attracts food lovers right from the moment the haleem is served, i.e. 6pm and it's got the right balance of meat, flavours (this one is spicier than the usual haleem), and crunch. If there's one place you've got to eat at in the Old City, it's this. 

Must-try haleem: Mutton Haleem

We’ve been crushing on Mehfil for its biryani, and now we found more reasons to stay hooked – we’re talking about their authentic haleem. While the restaurant is open until 12 am, we recommend you order 6 pm onwards because the fresh batch is always the best. If you’re interested in ending your meal on a sweet note, we think you must try the Kaddu Ki Kheer (a pudding made with bottle gourd) or Qubani Ka Meetha.

Chicha's serves up haleem throughout the year, but only on Fridays. But at the moment, you can eat up their wicked dish every day. Tucked away in Lakdikapul, their Mutton Haleem is as authentic as it can get. In fact, some people even claim that Chicha's serves asli Hyderabadi haleem. During the Ramzan season, these folks set up haleem counters at a few locations too. So, check out your closest one and head out (or order in) a plate of haleem.

Must-try haleem: Mutton Haleem

Secunderabad — we've got some news for you! If you’re from A.S.Rao Nagar or Sainikpuri and think you need to travel all across the city to find the best haleem, you’re wrong. Located in your neck of the woods is Parivaar, a Mughlai restaurant that whips some epic haleem. Order a plate of it tonight and ring a perfect ending to your Friday night. You’ll keep going back for more – we assure you.

Must-try haleem: Mutton Haleem

Hit up any branch (Tolichowki, Shalibanda, Raidurgam) and you will find a long queue with people impatiently waiting for their haleem. Shah Ghouse’s haleem is a perfect combination of crunch and tender. The mutton is well-cooked and extremely soft with layers of bones (some are chewable) and spices that introduce you to different flavours with every bite. We got ourselves a round of haleem at their Tolichowki branch. Dollops of ghee are added on top of the dish and served piping hot with crispy fried onions and cashew nuts, this heavenly dish kept us occupied for a while.

Must-try haleem: Mutton Haleem

Pista House has over 10 outlets in the city and has branches globally too. Well-packed in dabbas with tight lids, Pista House’s haleem travels to different parts of the world, wooing food lovers for all the right reasons. While their mutton haleem is something that’s found anywhere, Pista House has earned brownie points for its Badami Haleem — their specialty. 

Must-try haleem: Badami Haleem

Located in Santosh Nagar, Lucky Restaurant is yet another Irani restaurant that has been stealing the hearts with its specialties like Al Faham (Arabian grilled chicken), Mutton Biryani etc. But this season, you cannot miss out on haleem from Lucky. Cooked to perfection, and garnished with chopped coriander, fried onions, and lemon, this is sure to send you into a delightful frenzy. 

Must-try haleem: Mutton Haleem