Haleem Meets Biryani in KP’s Vibrant Iftar Scene!

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Peshawar: Known as the city of hospitality, Peshawar’s food outlets have become renowned for their delectable offerings during Iftar parties in Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa (KP).

Haleem and Biryani, in particular, have been drawing in a significant number of buyers due to their mouthwatering taste and appeal.

Bazaars such as Qisa Khwani, Namak Mandi, and Fawara Chowk are bustling with activity as food enthusiasts flock to indulge in the irresistible combinations of haleem, biryani, and other culinary delights during Iftar gatherings.

Zard Ali, an expert in haleem-biryani fusion dishes, can be spotted supervising his staff as they prepare a rich stew in a large cauldron at Namak Mandi.

Customers gather around the food stalls, savoring the haleem-biryani combinations and other tantalizing cuisines during Iftar.

Haleem, with its origins traced back to the Arab world, is a sumptuous blend of meat, wheat, and pulses slow-cooked to perfection, resulting in a thick and flavorful stew.

Introduced to the Indo-Pak subcontinent by Arab expatriates, haleem has evolved into a beloved dish in Pakistan, infused with local spices that enhance its distinct flavor profile, making it a preferred choice for Iftar parties.

On the other hand, Biryani, a quintessential South Asian dish, consists of fragrant rice cooked with meat, vegetables, and an array of spices. Its vibrant colors and aromatic flavors have become a staple at Iftar gatherings in KP.

For many, including Riazul Haq, a former PST teacher, the combination of haleem and biryani is the ultimate favorite during Iftar, adding an essential touch to the evening meal.

Food vendors in Peshawar have capitalized on this preference by offering a fusion of the two dishes, catering to the discerning tastes of foodies at outdoor Iftar parties.

Rehman Ullah, proprietor of a restaurant in Qissa Khwani, has been serving this special blend since 1955, witnessing its popularity soar during festive occasions such as weddings, newborn celebrations, and engagements.

In essence, the fusion of haleem and biryani has become a cherished tradition in Peshawar, adding to the vibrancy and culinary richness of Iftar gatherings in the region.

Rehman expressed his pride in upholding the culinary traditions passed down by his forefathers, renowned for their expertise in preparing mixed dishes like biryani and haleem, which even entice food enthusiasts from Afghanistan.

The recipe, initially brought from Karachi, was perfected in Peshawar by his grandfather, and now, with the support of his sons, the legacy continues.

Having been a Ramadan staple for over seven decades, the unique blend has garnered attention from food bloggers and social media users, resulting in a surge of customers flocking to Peshawar to experience it firsthand.

Zeeshan, a 28-year-old who had served in the KP government, attested to this, having traveled from Nowshera solely to taste the renowned Haleem-Biryani mix.

“I heard a lot about it on social media, and my friends couldn’t stop raving about it, so we decided to come here for the first time to savor the Haleem-Biryani combination, which exceeded our expectations,” Zeeshan remarked.

This fusion has undoubtedly introduced a new dimension of flavor to the city of hospitality, drawing food enthusiasts from various districts of the province to indulge in its irresistible appeal.