Indian fast bowler Mohammed Siraj has added a new feather to his cap by launching his dream culinary venture – ‘Joharfa Restaurant’, a premium Hyderabadi and Arabic cuisine outlet located in the heart of Hyderabad’s Banjara Hills. The inauguration took place on Monday night in the presence of his family, close friends, and select teammates, even as the ongoing India vs England Test series remains in full swing.
🔎 Why ‘Joharfa’?
The name ‘Joharfa’ is derived from the Urdu word ‘Johar’ (meaning gem or essence) and ‘Fa’, the initials of his mother Farzana, to whom the venture is dedicated. Siraj shared during the opening:
“My mother always dreamt of opening a family restaurant. This is my tribute to her, celebrating Hyderabad’s culinary traditions with modern hospitality.”
🏏 Siraj Balances Cricket Commitments & Entrepreneurship
While juggling national duty, Siraj has actively overseen:
- Menu curation focusing on authentic Hyderabadi biryani, pathar ka gosht, and Arabic grills.
- Interiors featuring Hyderabadi art, Islamic geometric patterns, and a memorabilia corner displaying his signed jerseys and trophies.
🔬 Inside Joharfa: Cuisine, Concept, and Seating
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Cuisine | Hyderabadi, Mughlai, Arabic fusion |
| Specialties | Dum Biryani, Mandi, Mutton Raan Roast, Kunafa |
| Seating Capacity | 110 |
| Design Theme | Nizami architecture, wood panelling, brass chandeliers |
| Private Dining | Two enclosed family cabins for VIP guests |
🗣️ Reactions From The Cricketing Fraternity
Virat Kohli:
“Siraj always spoke about this dream. Happy to see him open Joharfa. Will visit soon for mutton biryani.”
Rohit Sharma:
“Congratulations Miyan. Save some haleem for me when I visit Hyderabad next.”
🔬 Siraj’s Recent Performance Snapshot
| Series | Matches | Wickets | Best Figures |
|---|---|---|---|
| England Test Series 2025 | 2 | 9 | 5/63 |
| South Africa Tour 2024 | 3 | 11 | 6/50 |
| ICC World Test Championship Final | 1 | 4 | 3/78 |
Despite his busy training schedule at Uppal Stadium, Siraj attended the late-night opening ceremony, saying:
“My cricket focus remains absolute, but opening Joharfa was an emotional commitment.”
🏦 Investment And Business Model
According to hospitality analysts, the total investment is around ₹5 crore, with Siraj as sole investor and his cousin managing operations.
| Expense Category | Estimated Cost (INR Crore) |
|---|---|
| Interiors & Design | ₹1.8 |
| Kitchen Setup | ₹1.2 |
| Licensing & Compliance | ₹0.5 |
| Staff Hiring & Training | ₹0.8 |
| Launch & Marketing | ₹0.7 |
🔍 Employment Opportunities Created
| Role | No. of Employees |
|---|---|
| Chefs | 12 |
| Service Staff | 18 |
| Management | 5 |
| Housekeeping & Security | 8 |
The restaurant aims to employ local culinary graduates and train them in traditional Hyderabadi recipes.
🏆 Signature Dishes At Joharfa
| Dish | Description | Price (INR) |
|---|---|---|
| Dum Gosht Biryani | Traditional mutton biryani slow-cooked with saffron and ghee | ₹480 |
| Lamb Mandi | Arabian rice with charcoal-grilled lamb shank | ₹720 |
| Pathar Ka Gosht | Spiced mutton fillet cooked on stone slab | ₹420 |
| Chicken Majboos | Arabic spiced rice with roasted chicken | ₹460 |
| Kunafa | Arabic dessert of vermicelli, cheese, rose syrup | ₹290 |
🔎 Celebrity Restaurant Trend Among Indian Cricketers
| Cricketer | Restaurant | Location |
|---|---|---|
| Virat Kohli | One8 Commune | Mumbai, Delhi, Pune |
| MS Dhoni | Hotel Mahi Residency | Ranchi |
| Zaheer Khan | Toss | Pune |
| Suresh Raina | Raina Indian Kitchen | Amsterdam |
Siraj becomes the latest cricketer-entrepreneur, with Joharfa marking his entry into hospitality alongside his cricket career.
🗣️ Hyderabad Residents React
Local food blogger Nihal Ahmed shared:
“Joharfa’s biryani is aromatic and authentic. The mutton raan is outstanding. Interiors reflect Hyderabadi grandeur.”
Food vlogger Hyderabadi Food Diaries posted:
“Finally a restaurant by Siraj that keeps traditional biryani alive while adding Arabic flavours.”
🔮 Expansion Plans
Siraj mentioned in his opening speech:
“If Hyderabad loves Joharfa, we will expand to Bangalore and Mumbai by 2026.”
🔬 Siraj’s Vision For Joharfa
- Preserve Hyderabadi culinary heritage for Gen Z and tourists.
- Create an inclusive space for families, cricketers, and fans.
- Blend food with cricket through memorabilia displays and themed decor.
🏏 Upcoming Cricket Commitments
Despite his entrepreneurial commitments, Siraj remains focused on cricket with:
| Series | Dates |
|---|---|
| Remaining England Tests | July 5 – July 22 |
| Sri Lanka Test Series | August 10 – August 28 |
| ICC Champions Trophy | October 2025 |
He emphasised:
“Cricket is my passion. Business is my family’s dream. Both will get my best.”
💡 Key Takeaways
- Mohammed Siraj opens Joharfa restaurant in Hyderabad amid England series.
- Named after his mother Farzana, Joharfa combines Hyderabadi and Arabic cuisine.
- The ₹5 crore venture employs 43 people and offers premium interiors and authentic food.
- Siraj continues to balance cricket commitments with entrepreneurial dreams, following cricketer-entrepreneur precedents set by Kohli and Dhoni.
📌 Disclaimer
This report is based on official statements by Mohammed Siraj, restaurant management interviews, and public domain culinary data. Prices are indicative and may vary with seasonal menus.
