Chattu Ram’s: Hyderabad’s 80-year-old bun malai legacy still drawing crowds

For over 80 years, Chattu Ram’s in Begum Bazaar has charmed Hyderabadis with its signature bun malai and heritage setting. The fourth-generation-run eatery continues traditional methods, vintage furniture, and milk-based treats that attract loyal customers daily.

Hyderabad: Eight decades on, this small little place with a distinct aura continues to retain its charm.

Years have rolled on, lifestyles have metamorphosed and tastes have changed but this eatery has changed very little with adoration for the tastes it offers remaining unchanged.

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In the narrow lanes of Chudi Bazaar at Begum Bazaar, occupying traditional wooden furniture in this small eatery, seated are a group of people and savoring ‘bun malai’ and ‘bun maska’.

Chattu Ram‘s has always been known more for two things – its heritage furniture and the snacks it offers to the customers. It was started in 1944 at the same place by Chattu Ram, and is now run by the fourth generation family members.

“The business is now carried out by Yogesh Yadav and Ritesh Yadav, great grandsons of Chattu Ram,” said Bharaat Lal, grandson of Chattu Ram.

The shop is popular among the Hyderabadis, who come down to relish milk made snacks such as bun malai, bun maska, kalakand, pedha, lassi etc. “We were the ones who introduced ‘bun malai’ and ‘bun maska’ to the city commercially,” said Bharaat Lal.

The business was conducted in a small shop and later the family took up expansion of the property following demands from customers for a family section.

Another highlight is the old wooden furniture dating to the 1950s. “We retained the old furniture in the hotel and added a few more chairs. People who visit the shop try to sit on the old traditional furniture and relish the snacks,” he said.

The milk used for preparing the snacks is boiled on fire wood following the traditional methods to enhance the taste. Chattu Ram’s business hours start at 9 am and continue till late evenings drawing people from all over the city.