In Old Delhi, where lanes are crowded with shops selling everything from brassware to kebabs, there is a tiny place that has spent more than a century selling just one thing; kheer. At Bade Mian Ki Old Kheer Shop, Jamaluddin Siddique still sits behind a large vessel of the family’s famous, sweet dessert. The shop dates back to 1880, when his great-grandfather, Azim Baksh, a jeweller, accidentally found himself in the kheer business. The family kept buffaloes, and with milk left over, Jamaluddin’s grandmother began making kheer at home. People tasted it. They wanted more…and a shop was born.
Bade Mian Ki Old Kheer Shop Serves Kheer Since 1880
There is no secret ingredient with a fancy name. It is essentially milk, rice and sugar, cooked slowly over a wood fire until the milk thickens and takes on that unmistakable brownish, caramel-like colour. The smoke from the fire slips into the kheer too, giving it a flavour that is difficult to recreate on a modern stovetop. Depending on the account, the cooking takes several hours, sometimes through the night.
Jamaluddin’s own explanation is much sweeter than any recipe: “Doodh, kheer aur mohabbat.”
Also Read: This 125-Year-Old Delhi Halwai Has A Malai Ghewar Worth A Chandni Chowk Detour
How A Jeweller’s Family Accidentally Started A Kheer Shop
And even the journey from kitchen to shop is part of the family routine. His brother prepares the kheer, while Jamaluddin carries the fresh batch to the shop on his head, something his father taught him to do. He has joked about being able to walk with the precision of a tightrope walker because hot kheer once used to trickle down his arms.
The shop has also found fans beyond Old Delhi’s regulars. Chef Ranveer Brar has visited and spoken about the old kheer tradition.
Jamaluddin recalls one exchange with him that sounds almost too perfect for a kheer shop. Ranveer asked, “Kya chal raha hai?”
Jamaluddin’s answer: “Kheer chal rahi hai.”
Also Read: Kartik Aaryan Visits THIS 86-Year-Old Legendary Eatery In Delhi, And You Must Too!
And that really is the story. The city around it has changed. Generations have come and gone. But the bhatti, the recipe and the kheer keep going.
Where: 2867, Bazar Sirkiwalan, Chawri Bazar, Old Delhi
When: 10 AM-11 PM
Cost: Starting at ₹40
Cover Image Courtesy: Internal
FAQs
How Old Is Bade Mian Ki Old Kheer Shop?
Bade Mian Ki Old Kheer Shop dates back to 1880 and has been serving kheer for more than a century.
Where Is Bade Mian Ki Old Kheer Shop?
The shop is located at 2867, Bazar Sirkiwalan, Chawri Bazar, in Old Delhi.
What Is The Kheer At Bade Mian Ki Old Kheer Shop Made Of?
The kheer is made with milk, rice and sugar, and is slowly cooked over a wood fire.
