046. Hyderabad Haleem

Hyderabad Haleem is basically a meat product especially prepared during the holy Islamic month of Ramzan for consumption after the dawn to dusk fasting (‘Roza’). This high calorie stew is considered to be a perfect way to end the fast during the evenings when the fast culminates (known as ‘Iftar’). 

The three main ingredients for ‘Hyderabad Haleem’ are 

• Gosht (Meat obtained from Sheep / goats slaughtered by Halal method) 
• Ghee (clarified Butter obtained from Buffalo milk) and 
• Gehun (Wheat of Sharbati variety). 

In local parlance ‘Teen Gaf Hamwazan’, which literally means equal measures of Gosht, Gehun and Ghee are to be used for preparation of Hyderabad Haleem. 

Apart from the basic ingredients, various spices, nuts, and Basmati rice along with aromatic substances enhances the taste and aroma of ‘Hyderabad Haleem’. Along with the garnishing and boiling ghee added to it, ‘Hyderabad Haleem’ has a brownish, golden yellow colour. It is served with lemon and mint leaves with a gravy.

‘Hyderabad Haleem’ is slow cooked in a Bhatti. (Cauldron covered with mud and bricks). It must be noted that authentic ’Hyderabad Haleem’ must be slow cooked with temperature never exceeding 80º C and only firewood is used for heating. It has been found out that Tamarind logs are convenient and efficient for heating of the furnaces (Bhattis) over which the copper utensils used for making of ‘Hyderabad Haleem’

The origin of Hyderabad Haleem can be traced to the days of the Asaf Jahi dynasty, which ruled the State of Hyderabad (Deccan) in India, from 1724 A.D to 1948 A.D. Since then it has been the traditional way in Hyderabad (Deccan) in India to have the ‘Iftar’ with ‘Hyderabad Haleem’ as an essential part. 

GI Tag Registration Date         : 03 September 2010

GI Tag Number                         : 193

Certificate Number                  : 132

Geographical Area                  : Telangana

Special Cover Release Date   : 07 August 2021

Cancellation                             : Raj Bhavan PO 500 041

Type                                          : GI Tag Special Cover

Cover Identification Number  : TS/18/2021

Enlarged View of Illustration

Enlarged View of Cancellation

Telangana Postal Circle has also issued a picture post card on Hyderabad Haleem as part of Presentation Pack on "Exquisite Cuisines of Hyderabad". Image of the same is furnished below.

Picture Post Card on Hyderabad Haleem
Issued on 26 June 2021

Back side of Picture Post Card 

with Hyderabad GPO Permanent Pictorial Cancellation