Quick answer Taj Restaurant and Banquet at 247 S Bolingbrook Dr, Bolingbrook, IL serves Beef Nehari: slow-braised beef shank in a deep, spiced gravy, the traditional morning pot. The beef is certified Hand Zabiha Halal. Eat it with hot naan from the tandoor, dine in or order online for pickup.
What is nihari?
Nihari is a slow-braised meat stew from the Mughal kitchens of Delhi and Lucknow, now just as much a part of Pakistani food, especially in Karachi and Lahore. The name comes from nahar, morning: it was cooked overnight and eaten at dawn, which is why it is still known as a breakfast dish even though most people now eat it any time of day.
Our Beef Nehari (you will see it spelled nihari, nehari and nahari) is made with beef shank, braised slowly in a deep, spiced gravy until the meat is tender. It sits on the Specials part of our menu, with the other pots that take all day.
How do you eat nihari?
With bread, and with the garnishes that cut through the richness. The traditional way:
- Naan — tear it and use it to scoop up meat and gravy. Plain or butter naan is the classic; garlic naan works well too.
- Lemon — a squeeze over the top brightens the whole bowl.
- Ginger — thin shreds of fresh ginger add a clean, sharp bite.
- Green chilli — sliced over the top for anyone who wants more heat. Chilli naan does the same job from the bread side.
Take a little of each in every mouthful rather than mixing everything in at once. Nihari is rich, so a cold drink helps: salted lassi is the traditional match, and a sweet lassi or a Pakola works too.
What is the difference between nihari and haleem?
Nihari is a stew of whole pieces of beef in gravy; haleem is a smooth porridge of wheat, lentils and meat. Both are slow-cooked specials, but they eat very differently.
- Beef Nehari — beef shank in a deep, spiced gravy. You eat it with naan, and the meat stays in tender pieces.
- Taj Haleem Special — wheat, lentils and mutton pounded to silk over hours, topped with fried onion, mint and lemon. You eat it with a spoon, on its own or with naan.
If you like a dish with plenty of gravy for your bread, start with nihari. If you want something thick, smooth and comforting, go for haleem. At a table of two or more, order one of each and share.
Is the nihari at Taj halal?
Yes. Every piece of meat at Taj is certified Hand Zabiha Halal and monitored by Halal Monitoring Services (HMS), a division of the Shariah Board of America. That includes the beef in our nihari.
When can I get nihari near Bolingbrook?
Nihari is one of our Specials. Because it takes all day to cook, call (630) 808-1832 to check what is on today. We are at 247 S Bolingbrook Dr, Bolingbrook, IL 60440, about ten minutes off I-55 and an easy drive from Romeoville, Woodridge and Naperville. We are open Sunday, Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday 11 am–10 pm; Friday and Saturday 11 am–11:30 pm; closed Monday.
You can dine in, order on our website for pickup (most orders are ready in about 30 minutes), or get delivery through DoorDash, Uber Eats or Grubhub.
Nihari questions
What meat is in the nihari at Taj?
What do you eat with nihari?
Is nihari the same as haleem?
Can I order nihari for pickup?
More guides
Haleem near me: Hyderabadi haleem in Bolingbrook
Hyderabadi haleem in Bolingbrook, IL: what haleem is, how it's slow-cooked, how to eat it, and Mutton Haleem trays for parties. Hand Zabiha Halal at Taj.
Read the guide
Where to get real Hyderabadi biryani near Bolingbrook
Real Hyderabadi dum biryani in Bolingbrook, IL: what makes it Hyderabadi, chicken vs mutton vs 65 biryani, family sizes and trays for parties — all Hand Zabiha Halal at Taj, 247 S Bolingbrook Dr.
Read the guide
Irani chai, lassi and desserts in Bolingbrook
Irani chai, lassi and desserts in Bolingbrook, IL: Hyderabadi-style tea, sweet or salted lassi, tres leches, cheesecake cups, and kheer and shahi tukda trays.
Read the guide