Come Ramzan, it is the clash of titans at Diamond Cafe opposite Ek Minar masjid in Nampally. The popular Irani chai at this six-decade-old cafe and restaurant takes a back-seat to make way for haleem, the other favourite. In fact, chai lovers too endorse that haleem is the winner here during Ramzan. We drop in during a cloudy evening and the crowd start trickling in. An auto rickshaw parks near the haleem counter and two men ask for a takeaway but in a jiffy change their mind and have haleem sitting in the auto.
The cafe was first started in 1956 near Hotel Madina with Irani chai as their special attraction. The craze picked up as their chai gained popularity, informs Syed Ali Raza Shafi of the café. The chai’s popularity encouraged the family to establish one at Nampally. He mentions the names of his uncles Naimath Ullah Danish and Ahmed Ali Khan as the family elders.
Syed notes chai was initially sold at ₹5. “The chai had made quite an impression on the people. Travelling long distances to have this chai became a norm in those days,” he smiles and shares drinking chai at this café is a family tradition among many Hyderabadi families. “Four generations of people have enjoyed the tea and haleem here. From grandfathers to their grandchildren, the joy is shared by all, ” he states. Bakery items and soft drinks are also available here but it is the chai and haleem which brings in more food lovers.
Syed Hur Raza Shafi manning the haleem counter explains 40 % of their customers are non-Muslims. “The haleem that is prepared everyday, we also give it to poor people. We are not here to participate in any contest or win any award,” he states. Although the brothers are professionals, they are present at the café during Ramzan to continue the family tradition. “This is our family treasure and we carry it forward.”
Syed Hur shares their Irani haleem is unique. “We still source our ingredients from Iran,” he reveals. The café’s proximity to Nampally railway station is an advantage. “Many travellers who have heard about Diamond Café’s tea from their family members or friends from the city come here when they visit Hyderabad.” Syed Ali states unlike the Polystyrene (thermocol) bowls available in the market, they serve in a ceramic bowl and hence the quantity is also more. Syed Ejaz from Mehdipatnam who runs a flour mill shares he has been having haleem here for the past 20 years. “Coming here during Ramzan is a part of the family tradition. My father used to eat haleem and now I enjoy coming here. The good thing is haleem here doesn’t upset the tummy,” he smiles.
