Most top businesses have a rag to riches story. Well, at least, mostly. And Pista House, which has become synonymous with haleem not just in Hyderabad but the world over, is one such story. The family was into a textile business that went bust with the entry of traders from other states. That’s when they decided to try their luck in the food business, which is evergreen. So that’s how Mohammed Abdul Majeed set up Pista House.

It was started in Shalibanda in 1997, and its first dish was haleem, which was considered a Saudi Arabian dish then. Once they introduced it, they experimented with the taste for a good two years. They took feedback from the elderly to children before coming up with the final recipe. And voila, it was a huge hit and validated their grit and determination.

Similarly, they experimented with various dishes on their menu. Majeed gives late prime minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee credit for making Pista House haleem world-famous. The late prime minister facilitated the haleem to be exported to various countries through the postal department. Around that time, they also realized someone was using their brand name in New Delhi and immediately sought a geographical identity (GI).

Now Majeed intends to open 100 branches in Hyderabad and 1000 branches across India, along with his sons Mohd Abdul Mohsi and Mohd Mohddis Ali. Majeed says his cuisine is for all of Hyderabad, irrespective of one community.

But it was no cakewalk for Majeed, as mentioned earlier. COVID time was equally critical as the crash of their textile business. His son got affected, and so did many of his employees. But Majeed, as always, did not let go of hope and did a lot of charity during the time. He recalls a time when his daughter was very ill, and all he could do was give her a tablet as he could not afford a hospital. However, God has been kind to him, and the Duas of his well-wishers worked, and he is back on track and waiting to take on the world.

Majeed says his outlets in the US and Canada will put his establishment on the world map. They recently added two new items – Zafrani chai and fried chicken – which have become huge hits with the customers. Now, it’s about finding our way ‘through the world,’ concludes Majeed.