Given Lucknow’s history of having a profusion of thick Awadhi curries and gravies, having a variety of bread alternatives to soak it all up is only logical. Despite all of the various breads that were either born here or have gained popularity in the city, “Sheermal” remains a preferred choice with any Mughlai main meal!
It’s more of a royal bread that can be bought in practically every market in old Lucknow, and it’s often served alongside spicy qormas and kebabs. If you’re looking for the greatest sheermal in town, or even the oldest business that invented this flatbread, Ali Hussain Sheermal is the place to go.
But what exactly is Sheermal?The term “Sheermal” is derived from the Persian words “sheer” for milk and “malidan” for to rub. Sheermal literally translates to “milk rubbed”. Sheermal, for those who are unfamiliar, is a tandoor-cooked flatbread with a saffron dressing that pairs well with practically any spicy Mughlai main meal with a foundation of rich gravy or hot liquids. Sheermal was acclaimed as an upper-class cuisine whose origins can be traced back to the Nawabi rasois, as its name implies (‘sheer’ meaning milk and’mal or maal’ loosely connotes to ‘rich food’). When paired with a platter of nihari, this delicately sweetened bread becomes even more substantial than it is.
Even now, it is one of the most popular purana Lucknow goods! Some people even eat this bread dipped in chai as a snack, and when sprinkled with sugar grains and dry fruits and offered to youngsters, you may become their favourite adult.
Everything You Need to Know About Ali Hussain SheermalThis establishment began as “Mohammadu’s Jaanashin” in 1830 and is today regarded as Lucknow’s oldest sheermal stop, giving this bread its genuine reputation. The store is currently operated by the 6th generation of this family, and the employees have also been with the company for decades.
Legend has it that during the reign of Nasiruddin Haider in Lucknow, a man named Mahmood operated a tiny eatery at Firangi Mahal where nihari was the main attraction. He supposedly invented a new type of paratha to pair with a bowl of nihari, which became known as Sheermal. Ali Hussain, Mahmood’s top chef, then opened his own stall, and Ali Hussain Sheermal has been a vital part of this city ever since.
Aside from Sheermals, the alley where this shop is located is known as the ‘Sheermaal Wali Gali’ and the shop’s specialties include Sheermaal, Baaqar Khani, and Naan in flavours such as Apple, Pineapple, Kaju, Pista, Badam, and Mixed Dry Fruit. They provide the finest sheermal in Lucknow.
According to the expert, the Bakkarkhani roti, which was counted among the royal food, was a very special bread of the Dastarkhan of the rich. It contains a mixture of nuts and cream. It enhances the enjoyment of tea at breakfast.
