Hyderabadi Haleem: Craving of food lovers in city of pearls

Haleem, one of the few rare GI tagged mutton preparations relished during Ramzan in the city of pearls is one of the most hunted delicacies in the state capital these days. It attracts food lovers from across the country to visit Hyderabad for enjoying the cookery.

Hyderabad: Haleem, a mouth-watering meat preparation adored during the holy month of Ramzan is a famous and typical cuisine of Hyderabad. As it's aroma wafts through the air no foodie can afford to miss a bite of Hyderabadi haleem with its ability to pull mutton lovers towards food joints across the city these days.

Adapted from the Arabian culture, Hyderabadi haleem was earlier prepared only at a few places in the old city. It got the market in the late 90s when it was served with a spicy flavour at a few restaurants.

Mohammed Abdul Majeed, director of the Pista house talking to ETV Bharat said "The Hyderabadi haleem became more popular after the Indian spices were added into it increasing its demand across the country. We sell haleem in different cities of India including Mumbai, Delhi, Kolkata, Chennai and Bengaluru."

The dish also received the Geographical Indicator tag in 2010. Traditionally, it is being prepared with mutton, wheat, dry fruits, lentils and spices.

After the dish came on the radar of Goods and Services Tax (GST), reports came over many restaurants and haleem outlets evading the tax. Clarifying the matter Majeed said, "Most of the restaurants in Hyderabad are paying the GST as it's unavoidable since they do their business online. Therefore, there is very less room for tax evasion in the business following the cashless trend."