Hyderabad: Haleem, who is the ubiquitous Ramzan in the city, took a turn after a gap year due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic last year. However, the Iranian dish will also be more expensive due to the rising prices of petrol, mutton and other products. The cost of Haleem per plate will usually easily be around R 200, and this has left foodies crippled.
In 2019, before the COVID-19 pandemic hit the city, Haleem was sold for about Rs 170. Post Ramzan, during the annual Numaish or exhibition held in Hyderabad, Pista House sold its Haleem for Rs 190. Sources from Pista House said the rate of Haleem has not yet been determined, while other businesses in the city that Haleem has already started selling have priced it at R200 per plate.
Café 555 and Sarvi, which started selling Haleem a week ago, have the basic Haleem plate for R 200, but the latter also sells the ‘special’ Haleem for Rs 250. Cheaper places like the Royal Food Court at Lakdikapool have the rate of mutton Haleem at Rs 180 for a full pack, mini Haleem for Rs.100 and family package for Rs 300.
Rising prices make customers unhappy
‘Ramzan is not just a holiday for Muslims in Hyderabad, but a holiday for everyone in Hyderabad. Haleem unites the whole city during this time, “Faraaz Farshori, who heads the Hyderabad (The Hard Foodies) group, said on Facebook. He added that the rise in prices is the pinch of inflation as the cost of electricity and mutton has risen. “GST also has a stake in this peak,” Farshori said.
Farshori further said that the ongoing pandemic is also responsible for this increase as the restaurants have hired new staff. ‘There are several factors influencing the increase in Haleem. It is a domino effect, “he said. siasat.com.
Md.Aftab Khan, an entrepreneur in Hyderabad, said restaurants were trying to make up the losses for last year’s Ramzan when they could not sell Haleem due to the closure. He added that Rs 200 / – is a bit too expensive for ordinary people as they are still dealing with losses and trauma after lockout. “In Ramzan where all people enjoy Haleem, it is very unfortunate to see prices rise and out of reach for people who are less fortunate,” he pointed out.
Source: The Siasat Daily