Price hike fails to curb Vijayawada’s craving for Haleem
Vijayawada:The holy month of Ramzan has ignited a Haleem frenzy in Vijayawada, with food lovers thronging Haleem Street in the Old City. Despite a steep 30% price hike compared to last year, the demand for the rich, slow-cooked delicacy remains undeterred.
During Ramzan, members of Muslim community fast from dawn to dusk and break their fast with nutritious meals at Iftar. Haleem — a hearty blend of tender mutton, wheat, ghee, cashews, and almonds— has become the centerpiece of Iftar feasts. Introduced to Hyderabad by Irani cafes in the late 1940s, Haleem found its way to Vijayawada in 2009 and quickly became a local favorite. Over the years, One Town’s Panja Center has evolved into a bustling hub for Haleem and Iranian cuisine during the festive season.
Preparing Haleem is no easy feat. The laborious process requires hours of slow cooking to achieve its rich, velvety texture. Last year, a 200-gram plate of Haleem cost Rs 180, but this year it’s priced at Rs 250, driven by the soaring cost of mutton. Traders point to increased demand for mutton — following a decline in chicken sales due to bird flu — as a major reason behind the hike. “High-quality mutton was Rs 900 per kg last year; now it’s Rs 1,150. We had no choice but to raise the price,” explained Sk Irfan, a Haleem vendor at Panja Center.
Yet, the rising costs haven’t curbed the appetite for Haleem. Sales have already surpassed last year’s figures. To entice customers, vendors are offering an array of meat delicacies, including Shami kebabs, tandoori chicken, quail fry and fish kebabs alongside Haleem.
Every evening, One Town and Panja Center come alive with the aroma of spices as food lovers brave traffic jams to savour these Ramzan specialties. “We wait all year for this season — nothing compares to the taste of freshly prepared Haleem,” said one enthusiastic visitor.
