In Hyderabad, savoury haleem gets dearer this Ramzan

HYDERABAD: With less than a week left for the Ramzan, hectic activity is seen across the city as many hotels are either in the final stages of setting up their haleem bhattis or opening their sales counters to cater to the demand.
A marginal rise in the prices of Haleem - anywhere between 50 and 70 - are more likely this year due to the increase in the cost of most ingredients that go into making this lip-smacking Ramzan-special dish. Be it ghee, dry fruits, mutton or even eggs which are used in special haleem, vendors say all of it is now costlier than before forcing them to jack up prices.

"Hotel associations are still discussing what price range should be maintained this year. One thing is clear that anything priced above 250 can't be affordable to a common man so prices will be more likely between 200 and 250 for classic haleem," said Junaid Azeez, proprietor of Hotel Nayaab, located near Charminar who will commence sales from Thursday. To widen their reach, for the first time ever, they will tie up with food aggregator apps to reach markets in other parts of the city.
Haleem sellers reiterated that they will ensure most people can afford a plate of the dish they so eagerly wait for all year. "Everything has become expensive, right from grains to mutton. However, our attempt is to ensure that the public does not feel the pinch and give haleem a miss," said Mohammed Rabbani, proprietor of Shah Ghouse who will also start sales on Day 1 of Ramzan.
Hotels that have started sales say they have kept their regular haleem untouched, but were forced to change the price tags on their special offerings.
However, some say a higher price this season will also work owing to rising concerns of hygiene and health. "We have a higher price than most Haleem places with a plate costing 300 but have seen a growing demand for it nevertheless as the health consciousness and need for good meat and ghee is also rising," said Fauzan Khan, managing partner at Chicha's.
The popular haunt Cafe Bahar which is in its 50th year of operations, has increased the price of two of their popular Ramzan specials by 30 each. Sarvi, which is yet another popular choice for foodies, has increased cost of special haleem from 280 to 300, but left regular haleem still priced at 250. Those like Paradise and Cafe 555 are among the few that have retained their 2022 price list.