‘Nothing Has Changed’: Old Delhi Stall Serving One Dish Since 1953

New Delhi: In the rapidly changing food scene of Delhi, one Old Delhi stall has stayed remarkably consistent for more than seven decades. Bundu Haleem, located on Matia Mahal Road facing Jama Masjid, has been serving the same dish since 1953.

The stall was started by Naimuddin’s grandfather, and the family recipe has continued across generations. Today, Naimuddin runs the stall and prepares the slow-cooked haleem using the same traditional approach.

Unlike modern eateries that constantly change their menus, Bundu Haleem focuses on just one speciality. The simplicity of the menu has become part of the identity of the small food stall.

Naimuddin prepares around 25–30 kg of haleem every day for customers who come from different parts of Delhi. Many of them are regular customers, including people whose families have been visiting the stall for decades.

The stall has also retained an affordable approach to its food. A serving is priced at around Rs 50, while Naimuddin also accommodates customers who can afford to pay only Rs 10.

For the people who visit regularly, the attraction is not just the dish but also the familiarity of the place. The recipe, preparation style and simple presentation have remained largely unchanged over the years.

Located in the historic Matia Mahal area near Jama Masjid, Bundu Haleem is part of the food culture that has made Old Delhi famous. The neighbourhood is known for its traditional eateries, many of which have continued to serve generations of customers.

For Naimuddin, maintaining the family recipe is more important than constantly changing the menu or chasing food trends. The stall’s longevity shows how a single well-preserved recipe can become a part of a city’s culinary heritage.

More than 70 years after it first opened, Bundu Haleem continues to attract customers with the same dish that made the stall a part of Old Delhi’s food history.