The legacy of the disappearing Naan, from 1851 to the present.

 The Khadeem Munshi Naan in the old city. A naan store which is going to bid farewell very soon.

Hyderabad, Aug 2025 : Hyderabad’s cuisine is renowned for its distinctiveness and abundance of flavours. In addition to its biryani, the city is well known for its confections and desserts. One of the most popular and famous offering in the city are the naans which are particularly noteworthy.

The recipes of the naan were brought by the Mughals, Arab traders, Persians and Afghans. As they started to settle down in the city many cuisines were adapted and modified and naan has become a mainstay in many households.

The city is renowned for its wide selection of naans, and many streets of the old city have numerous shops lined up that cater exclusively to naans. They are freshly baked and most of the shops follow the traditional method. Khadeem Munshi Naan which is located in Pattar Gatti is one of them. Although there are other naan stores all around, this one is particularly famous.

The Khadeem Munshi Naan and its history

Located amidst the busy old alleys of the city near the Purani Haveli, The Khadeem Munshi Naan has stood firm since 1851. It was established under the reign of Bahadur Asaf Jah, the 4^th Nizam of the realm. According to the narrative, the late Mohammed Hussain was working as a ‘Munshi’ (Account clerk) for the Nizam. He started a naan business in 1851 at Purani Haveli and hence the name ‘Munshi Naan’, previously it was referred to as Haveli Khadeem. They have been serving their customers from the past 173 years. It was sold for two annas back in those days and is currently Rs. 20 per one naan.

The procedure of making the naan

This naan’s preparation method differs greatly from that of the others. All- purpose flour, oil and salt are the basic ingredients used in its preparation. After kneading the dough and letting it rest for a bit, it is flattened and cut into squares. They are then covered with a damp cloth and allowed it to rise for an additional hour.

In the meantime, the tandoor is prepared which is placed near the store’s entrance. Blocks of coal are placed inside the tandoor and heated till iron hot. The naans are smeared with jaggery water to help them stick to the tandoor and are positioned inside the tandoor with the assistance of long iron rods.

Around 7 to 8 naans are baked at a time, water is sprinkled on them sporadically to give the naans a shiny texture and keep them fresh. After 5 to 7 minutes the naans are carefully removed and laid out on a white cloth. They are a bit crispier on the outside and nice and fluffy on the inside. They stay fresh and can be stored for up to two to three days

The current scenario

Unfortunately, the metro train project will result in the demolition of this legendary shop. “The government did not give us any other location, despite knowing that this is a very old shop. We are trying to find a new place for the shop, we will relocate once we find one” says Abdul Hameed (4^th generation) the current owner of the shop. If you are someone who is wandering in the city then do not miss this iconic naan store.

By R Aakanksha.

About the Writer: An aspiring feature reporter, passionate about exploring the intersections of lifestyle, food, science & technology, culture, and fashion. She loves covering stories that showcase the beauty of everyday life while highlighting the people, trends, and innovations that shape our world. With a curiosity-driven approach and a keen eye for detail, she aims to bring fresh perspectives and insights to her reporting.