Nihari (Bengali: নিহারী, Urdu: نہاری, Hindi: निहारी) is a stew from the Indian subcontinent consisting of slow-cooked meat mainly shank meat of beef or lamb and mutton, goat meat and chicken, along with bone marrow.
According to the Sushruta Samhita, lightly spiced meat broth using vida salt, zeera and asafoetida was highly rated in the early medieval period of ancient india.
According to many sources, Nihari either originated in Hyderabad or Old Delhi in the late 18th century during the last throes of the Mughal Empire or in the royal kitchens of Awadh, in modern-day Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh, India.
Nihari developed with the overall cuisine of Muslimsof the Indian subcontinent. It has been an old popular delicacy in parts of Bangladesh, particularly Dhakaand Chittagong. People cooked it for one whole night and they got it in the early morning at sunrise. The dish is known for its spiciness and taste. It was originally more of a delicacy with myriad variations on spiciness and texture.
Nihari is a traditional dish of Muslims of Delhi, Bhopaland Lucknow. After the creation of Pakistan in 1947, many Urdu speaking Muslims from northern India migrated to Karachi and Dhaka, and established restaurants. In Karachi, Nihari became a roaring success and soon all over Pakistan. Now Nihari is available in Pakistani restaurants around the world.
In some restaurants, a few kilos from each day's leftover Nihari is added to the next day's pot. This re-used portion of Nihari is called taar and is believed to provide the unique flavor. Some Nihari outlets in old Delhi boast of an unbroken taar going back more...
Read moreZahid Nihari, nestled in the heart of the Saddar area, has been a cherished dining destination for me for many years. I've been a loyal customer since the days when a plate of their delectable nihari used to cost just Rs.170, and I've seen this culinary gem evolve while maintaining its core excellence.
What keeps me coming back to Zahid Nihari, despite the price increase to Rs.430 per plate, is their unwavering commitment to quality and taste. The nihari here is nothing short of a gastronomic masterpiece. The rich blend of aromatic spices and the tender, flavorful meat is an absolute delight for the senses. Each bite is a reminder of why this place holds a special place in my heart.
One thing that truly sets Zahid Nihari apart is their thoughtful gesture of providing a complementary refill. It's a small but meaningful touch that makes the dining experience even more enjoyable. The generosity in portion size and flavor never disappoints.
While the price has indeed gone up over the years, I believe it's a testament to the consistent excellence of Zahid Nihari. The culinary journey they take you on is worth every penny, and the nostalgia of those Rs.170 plates adds an extra layer of appreciation for their enduring quality. If you're in the Saddar area and seeking an unforgettable nihari experience, Zahid Nihari is the...
Read moreZahid Nihari, with its distinctive and unparalleled flavor, stands out amidst the culinary landscape of Karachi. Nestled on the enchanting Mansfield Street in the heart of Saddar Town, Zahid Nihari's delectable essence leaves patrons yearning for more, an irresistible temptation that beckons them back time and again. What truly distinguishes Zahid Nihari from the rest is their generous offering of extra curry, bestowed upon their discerning customers without any additional charge. For fervent aficionados of saalan, this is nothing short of a gastronomic delight.
The legacy of Nihari traces its roots back to the illustrious Mughal era, an era steeped in opulence and culinary excellence. As the sands of time have swept over the ages, Nihari's allure has only burgeoned, an unwavering testament to its enduring charm. The burgeoning number of establishments now gracing our city's culinary landscape, all proudly serving this gastronomic masterpiece, serves as irrefutable evidence of its...
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