Dh10, secret recipe: Watch this Sharjah kitchen sell over 4,500kg harees, biryani daily

Khaleej Times

21-03-2025

Arriving in luxury cars, motorcycles and on foot, with hot pots in hand, people start gathering outside Al Qaiem Public Kitchen in Al Ghafeya, Sharjah, as early as 1 pm.
The demand is so high — the kitchen prepares 4,500 kilos of harees and biryani daily — that a policeman is stationed nearby to manage the crowd.
As soon as the gates open at 1:30 pm, customers rush in to secure their share of harees, both chicken and mutton, for iftar. In a matter of just four hours, by 5:30 pm, it is all sold out. Likewise, mutton biryani, another crowd favourite, is usually over by 2:30 pm with people often buying in bulk. The kitchen also has chicken biryani on its menu.
Watch: A day at Al Qaiem Public Kitchen, Sharjah
Even as customers disperse by evening, the work of the day isn't over. The team begins cleaning, and by 7 pm, preparations for the next batch begin. Ingredients are prepared, spices measured, and massive vessels filled. After the taraweeh prayers, harees is left to simmer over a low flame for more than 10 hours, ensuring the dish reaches its smooth texture. Early next morning, the final process begins, grinding the harees to perfection and then packing it into containers by 11 am.
10-man team feeds thousands
From cooking and procurement to serving and distribution — all is managed by a team of just 10 people. 'As soon as our vessels are empty, customers ask why we don't prepare more. Many travel from far-off places for the sake of taste,' said Amaan Hyder, the owner of the kitchen.
The scale of operations is massive. Harees is cooked in eight massive vessels, each with 450 kilograms of the dish. Biryani is prepared in four additional vessels.
Especially during Ramadan's peak demand, there's hardly any food left by evening. Any remaining portions are quickly packed and delivered to nearby mosques for the faithful breaking their fast.
Secret recipe
Amaan attributes the kitchen's massive popularity to a secret spice blend created by his late father, Jamshed Abbas, who passed away four months ago.
'My father started the kitchen and built strong relationships with our customers over the last 20 years. Many have been with us for decades. After taking over a few months ago, I realised the reason why our harees stands out is the quality of raw ingredients, something my father never compromised on, nor do we today,' said Amaan.
Amaan said his father, originally from Multan in Pakistan, moved to the UAE in 1989 and worked in the banking sector before following his passion for cooking. He started a couple of businesses including Al Qaiem Public Kitchen over two decades ago..
Zuhair Shah, who has worked at the kitchen for over 15 years, said of his employer: 'Jamshed sir always cared about people. He wanted meals to be affordable, yet he insisted on using the finest ingredients. Over time, we built a loyal customer base, from the richest Emiratis to labourers. Everyone leaves satisfied,' said Shah.
Affordable meals
One of the biggest attractions at the kitchen is its pricing. Despite serving premium-quality harees and biryani, the cost of a meal is just Dh10.
'For Dh10, anyone can enjoy a fulfilling meal. We serve everyone, wealthy families, blue-collar workers, and delivery riders. The goal is to provide good food at a price that anyone can afford,' said Amaan.
Recently, the kitchen started offering deliveries via apps, making it even easier for customers to get their favourite dishes.
The kitchen's reputation extends beyond taste and holds strict hygiene standards. 'During a recent surprise inspection by Sharjah Municipality, officials were so impressed that they awarded Al Qaiem a 100 per cent clean and hygienic rating,' said Amaan.
'It was a proud moment for us. Cleanliness was always my father's priority, and we continue to instill that and continue with it,' added Amaan.
Ramadan tradition
For many customers, visiting Al Qaiem is more than just about food, it's part of their Ramadan tradition. Abdul Aleem Al Suwaidi, an Emirati resident of Al Khan, has been a regular for years. 'The taste is great. The food is always fresh, and no matter how busy they are, the quality never changes,' he said.
Customers travel from Ajman, Umm Al Quwain, and beyond just to get their hands on the harees. Yahya Matab, an engineer who lives in Umm Al Quwain and works in Ajman, said: 'On my way home, I always stop by to buy harees. It is like a routine for me. I was introduced to this place by a friend last year.'
Similarly, Sarmad Sharif, who lives in Ajman, visits every Thursday and weekend. 'The harees is a dish commonly consumed in Ramdan at our homes, and I come here for the quality and quantity they offer. The biryani is packed with flavour and makes it a hearty meal for my family.'