At 2 pm, it’s the busiest time at Hotel Marjaan in Vijayanagar Colony, with orders ranging from a soft drink to a mutton handi and an irani chai. A customer requests “Spice thoda kam dalna”, another at the takeaway counter murmurs “Order thoda jaldi chahiye” while the one behind awaits change for his order. Proprietor Syed Ali, son of the hotel founder Haji Syed Hussain Ismaily, handles them all with a smile. The 26-year-old hotel underwent a renovation only a year ago; the air-conditioned dining section was added resulting in improving its turnout among family crowds. The word ‘marjaan’, mentioned in the Quran, signifies a pearl and the name seems apt for the residents of this area who’ve appreciated its authentic Hyderabadi biryani and chai over the years.
Scores on authenticity Scenes at Hotel Marjaan, Vijayanagar Colony
Marjaan is a formidable landmark for many Banjara Hills residents who take the Vijayanagar Colony route to head towards the Nampally railway station. A regular visitor at Marjaan recollects that chai here was first priced ₹3.50 Located amid a range of tuition academies, schools and colleges, irani chai here serves as a tonic for teenagers after a demanding day. It is relished with typical Hyderabadi snack options, given Marjaan positions itself as a bakery as much as hotel. Sometimes people come here from farther parts of the city like Uppal for a full-course meal too.
Syed Ali reveals that politician Akbaruddin Owaisi doesn’t forget to stop by Marjaan for its biryani whenever he is at Vijaynagar Colony. Other popular visitors to Marjaan include Hyderabadi actors Aziz Naser (known to dub for Hindi-speaking villains in Telugu films) and Mast Ali (popular as Saleem Pheku) who arrive mostly at nights. This place isn’t complete without its haleem, especially during Ramzan season when the atmosphere is the chirpiest, opening at 4 am in the morning and closing at 1 am. “We need at least three hours to crash,” laughs Ali.
While the entrance at Marjaan offers you a vibe of a quintessential irani chai place that doesn’t compromise on hygiene, the remodelled interiors at other sections work right for lunches and dinners.
“The balance of quality and huge quantity has made us what we are now. We don’t offer catering services or home delivery, but we keep the orders ready with a phone call,” Ali says.
Hotel Marjaan
Established: 1991
Famous for: Biryani, chai
At: Vijayanagar Colony
