“I’m Aslam Al Katheri . My father started Nimrah Café in 1993 near Charminar. It was a small setup with chai and fresh biscuits. From the beginning, he was very particular about quality. Even if one biscuit didn’t come out right, he’d ask for it to be remade. That habit stayed with us.

My brother and I grew up here, around this counter. Our father never forced us to join. He just told us to watch and learn. Slowly, we understood this place isn’t just about tea or snacks. It’s about the people who come every day. Some have been visiting for years. They sit in the same spot, order their usual, and most of the time, we already know what that is.

We’re especially known for our Irani chai. It’s not regular tea. The milk is boiled slowly until it thickens. We make the decoction separately, then mix it when we serve. It’s rich, slightly sweet, and served in small cups, just enough to sip and enjoy without rushing. The biscuits complete the experience.

Osmania, coconut, fruit, jeera—all baked in-house, fresh every few hours. Some people come just to pack boxes, but for most, it’s about sitting here with chai in one hand, a biscuit in the other, and Charminar right in front of them.

Over the years, many people have visited—political leaders, actors, cricketers, travellers, chefs, foreign delegates, food bloggers. Even the US Ambassador visited. That day, the market area was closed for security, but Nimrah remained open. They had our chai, took biscuits back, and sent us a letter later. It felt nice, but what matters more is when regular customers say the taste hasn’t changed.

People ask why we don’t open in other cities. We do have a branch in Nampally, and we’re planning to send our biscuits to other places soon. But Nimrah isn’t just a shop. It’s the view of Charminar, the bustle of Laad Bazaar, and the way strangers become friends over chai. That’s what makes this place what it is.

For many, a visit to Charminar isn’t complete without a stop at Nimrah. My brother and I are just continuing what our father started. This café is a part of the city now. It belongs to Hyderabad.”