"What Should I Eat in Bhopal?"
The Question That Led Ayesha Khan to Lazeez Hakeem

On the morning of 13 February 2025, actress and Bigg Boss fame Ayesha Khan shared a reel that quickly went viral across Instagram.

In the video, she said:

"Hi everyone, I am in Bhopal. And I am so so so happy. Ab... main aap logon se... main aise hi bol rahi hoon jaise main koi interview, ya kuch aise khulasa karne wali hoon. But... main aap logon se sirf ek darkhast karna chahti hoon ki please mujhe bataiye ki main yahan kya kha sakti hoon kyunki jisko bhi maine kaha ki main Bhopal ja rahi hoon, usne kaha, 'Wahan ka khana zaroor khana.' But kya khana? Please batao ki kya khana hai."
Watch the Reel

That simple question stayed with me throughout the day.

Like every proud Bhopali associated with food, I hoped that among the many recommendations she would receive, Lazeez Hakeem would be one of them.

Then, around 7:30 PM, while overseeing operations at the restaurant, I saw a familiar face approaching the entrance.

It was Ayesha Khan.

I welcomed her and escorted her to Table No. 19. Before even opening the menu, she smiled and asked,

"What should I eat that is special to your restaurant and truly memorable?"

I recommended some of our signature dishes:

• Mutton Tandoori
• Nalli Nihari
• Keema Kaleji
• Khameeri Roti

She agreed immediately but requested that everything be served quickly, as she was short on time.

Our team coordinated efficiently, ensuring that the food reached her table promptly without compromising quality.

What was expected to be a quick meal gradually turned into a relaxed dining experience. Accompanied by her manager, hairstylist, and colleague, she spent well over an hour enjoying the food and the atmosphere.

For us, that was the biggest compliment.

As she prepared to leave, I requested a selfie, which she graciously agreed to.

While walking her to the car, we spoke about the history and journey of Lazeez Hakeem. It was heartening to hear that our restaurant's name had repeatedly come up among the recommendations she received while planning her visit to Bhopal.

As her car pulled away, I stood there reflecting on what the evening meant.

Out of countless suggestions and countless choices across the city, she had chosen Lazeez Hakeem.

Moments like these remind us that recognition is not an achievement alone—it is a responsibility. A responsibility to preserve quality, uphold hospitality, and continue delivering experiences worthy of the trust people place in us.

That evening, I thanked Allah for allowing us to be a part of Ayesha Khan's Bhopal journey and for giving us another reason to continue serving with passion and dedication.

The Story Didn't End There...

That evening, Ayesha Khan shared an Instagram story from Lazeez Hakeem.

Holding a plate of food, she captioned it:

"Bhopal ke pure luft uthate hue"
(with the song "Dil Ne Dastarkhwan Bichhaya, Dawat-e-Ishq Hai" playing in the background.)
View Story

The story quickly became a topic of excitement among our team and guests.

The next day, a call came from Ayesha ji's manager.

A food order. Then another. And then several more.

That's when we realized her first visit wasn't just a visit. Our food had truly connected with her.

Three days later, she returned. This time, accompanied by renowned actress Smita Jaykar.

The atmosphere was very different now. News of her previous visit had already spread, and as people learned she was back, a crowd began gathering outside the restaurant.

Inside, however, everything remained the same—warm hospitality, great food, and a relaxed atmosphere.

This time, along with non-vegetarian specialties, several vegetarian dishes were also ordered and enjoyed.

Then came a moment we will never forget. Smiling, Ayesha ji said:

"I am a huge non-vegetarian food lover, especially mutton. But I have never tasted mutton this delicious in my entire life."

For us, that single sentence meant more than any award. Because at Lazeez Hakeem, food is not just a business. It is our passion, our responsibility, and our identity.

After the meal, she took photographs with our team and with the guests waiting outside.

As she left, we thought the evening had come to an end.

But a few seconds later, her car stopped. The driver stepped out and asked loudly:

"Who is Salman?"

Everyone looked around. As I stepped forward, Ayesha ji opened the car door herself and gave me a warm hug.

In front of the guests. In front of the entire staff.

It was more than just a hug. It was a gesture of appreciation for our food, our service, and the hospitality we strive to deliver every day.

The Final Night: When Lazeez Hakeem Sparkled with Stars

Some relationships are not built over time. They are built through memories.

By now, Ayesha Khan and her team were no longer just guests at Lazeez Hakeem. During their extended shooting schedule in Bhopal, food orders from the team became a regular part of our day, and with every order, our connection grew stronger.

Then came 6 March 2025—their final day in Bhopal.

To celebrate, Ayesha ji decided to host a special dinner for her entire crew. Among the guests were several well-known personalities from the film industry, including Abbas–Mustan, Jamie Lever, Sushant Singh and other distinguished members of the team.

To ensure privacy and comfort, our owner Tahir Husain arranged the gathering at our newly developed rooftop extension, away from the public eye.

That evening felt less like a restaurant dinner and more like a film set.

There was laughter, conversation, warm hospitality, and the aroma of freshly prepared food filling the air. Our team served every dish with dedication and care.

Among all the dishes, two became clear favorites: Mutton Tawa Masala and Nalli Nihari.

The appreciation was so overwhelming that some dishes were even packed and carried back to Mumbai.

One particularly memorable moment came when a member of the team, delighted by the service and hospitality, presented our waiter with a ₹2,000 tip as a token of appreciation.

As the evening came to an end, Ayesha ji shared words that meant a great deal to us:

"Whenever you come to Mumbai, call my manager. And don't forget to meet us at the premiere."

Before their departure, the entire Lazeez Hakeem team presented Ayesha ji with a chocolate hamper and conveyed their best wishes for her future success and happiness.

What began with a simple Instagram reel had, within just sixteen days, turned into a memorable relationship built on respect, warmth, trust, and genuine hospitality.

This journey reminded us of a simple truth:

When you put honesty, passion, teamwork, and heart into your work, the reward is far greater than business.

You earn respect.
You earn affection.
And most importantly, you create memories that stay with you forever.

Perhaps that is why some stories are more than just stories. They become memories that last a lifetime.