Where you can find the best Halim in Dhaka

Evening is a time of leisure and connection, and nothing thrills foodies more than a hot bowl of Halim. After a long day of fasting, Halim is one of the most popular and crowd-favourite dishes, which provides warmth and comfort.

Its rich, thick texture and deep, fragrant aromas make it an attractive option. Halim's slow-cooked combination of lentils, meat and spices is only one aspect of its appeal; another is how it's served.

Each bite has the ideal blend of crunch, tang, and spice, and it is topped with freshly sliced ginger, crispy fried onions, chopped green chilli, coriander and a squeeze of lemon. 

Here are the best Halim places in Dhaka that are worth trying during and after Ramadan.

Mona Mama Halim

Mona Mama Halim is located on Salimullah Road, mohammadpur. For over 40 years, they have been selling Halim at a very reasonable price. This tiny and always crowded shop sells Halim throughout the year. They have a unique way of serving Halim with a quail egg and mango pickle, which makes it more delicious and distinctive than others. The single serving will cost you 80 taka. The larger portion served in a clay pot, like 1 kg of mama Halim, will cost 300 taka.

Decent Pastry Shop

Decent Pastry Shop's 'Nawabi Halim' which is renowned for its Lahori-style cooking. They usually sell bakery items for over 2 decades, but during Ramadan, they serve a unique version of mutton halim. Unlike traditional Bangladeshi halim, this mutton halim is made using shredded meat without bone, ensuring meat in every bite. Decent Pastry Shop has multiple outlets in Dhaka, such as Dhanmondi and Wari. They also participate in various iftar bazaar. The price of the halim ranges from 300 taka to 700 taka.

Pagla Baburchi

Pagla Baburchi introduced their 'Jhura masher Halim' last year. This halim is similar to Decent’s halim. However, Pagla Baburchi Halim has more prominent flavours of spices. This halim also guarantees meat in every bite, unlike regular meat chunks. Pagla Baburchi is a well-decorated restaurant situated in  Banana, which is actually renowned for its mutton kacchi biriyan, but during Ramadan, they serve this delicious halim, which costs taka 700 for 1 kg of halim.

Mama Halim

The tale of Halim in Dhaka would not be complete without including Mama Halim, who is from Kalabagan. It is situated just across from Kalabagan Field. There is no denying that foodies year-round seek mama Halim. Traditionally, it has tiny, soft bits of beef, chicken or mutton which is little thick and full of spice. A special compliment to the Halim is provided by the chutney that is served with a bowl of Mama Halim. Per bowl will cost 120 taka and big malsha will cost 1200 taka.

Salam's Kitchen

Although it may not be as well-liked as some of the other Haleems, the one from Salam's Kitchen is underrated but quite delicious. Salam's Kitchen has locations all throughout Dhaka, like Banani, Dhanmondi, and Panthapath. It offers New Dhaka the flavour of Old Dhaka Halim.

Their specialty is large chunks of fiery meat in spicy thick lentil. They serve both beef and mutton halim. Beef halim will cost taka 400 to taka 1000 and Mutton halim will cost taka 500 to 1200 taka.

Halim is a traditional Ramadan dish that brightens and cheers up iftar tables all around Dhaka. Halim, whether prepared at home or from a well-known restaurant, is still an appealing dish that brings people together in a sense of togetherness.

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