Hamour (Ghissar)

Introduction

If there’s one fish that screams luxury on the dining table, it’s Hamour — locally called Ghissar. This premium Arabian Sea fish is loved for its firm, white flesh and mild, slightly sweet flavor that works beautifully in both desi curries and international recipes. Its thick fillets and excellent meat yield make it a restaurant favorite and a must-have for anyone who enjoys top-quality seafood.

Hamour is especially prized during the winter season, when its flavor and texture are at their best. From a Karachi-style masala curry to grilled fillets with lemon butter, Hamour adapts to almost every cooking style while keeping its signature taste intact. With its firm texture, it holds up well on the grill, in stews, or even oven-baked with herbs.

Similar Fish to Try: If you love the premium taste of Hamour, you may also enjoy Red Snapper (Heera) for its delicate sweetness, Seabream (Safaid Dandia) for its buttery texture, or Emperor (Mulla Fish) for its firm, flavorful flesh.

Flavor Profile

Hamour fish is a lean, moist fish with a distinctive yet mild flavor. Hamour (Ghissar) meat has large flakes and a firm texture. Hamour’s flavor profile is like a cross between Barramundi and Halibut Fish. Even though it is lean, this fish is forgiving during cooking and can be rather difficult to “overcook” in the sense of drying out. Fillets hold together well enough for poaching if handled gently and they flake apart very easily on the plate. It is easy to de-bone completely and an ideal fish for the most delicate culinary situations.

Nomenclature

• English Name: Hamour , Grouper
• Local Name: Gissar , Chunni, Nambo, Lotari
• Scientific Name: Epinephelus bleekeri
• Family: Serranidae

Habitat

Hamour (Ghissar) is a Sea fish that lives in the benthic region on shallow banks and adjacent soft substrate in depths of 30–105 m.

Catching Method

Hamour Fish is caught using Gillnets and Line Gears.

Physical Attributes

Hamour fish has Scales on the body. Body depth is 3.0–3.5 in SL, preopercle serrate with 2–9 enlarged serrate at the angle, anal fin with 3 spines and 8–9 soft rays, 17–19 pectoral-fin rays, caudal fin margin truncate to slightly rounded.

Color

Brownish to purplish grey with numerous Black-Brown spots (about half pupil diameter in adults) on head, body, dorsal fin, and upper third of caudal fin.

Size

On average, the Hamour fish size range is 1 kg to 5 kg per fish. However, other sizes are also occasionally available.

Cutting Preferences

Hamour (Ghissar Fish) is preferred for slices, boneless billets, boneless biscuits, and boneless finger

Approx. Cutting Yields

• Whole: 100%
• Gutted: 84%
• Headless and Gutted: 61%
• Slices: 67%
• Boneless: 38%

Why Choose Hamour (Ghissar)?

• Premium Quality – One of the most sought-after Arabian Sea fish.
• Firm, White Flesh – Mild and slightly sweet flavor.
• Excellent Meat Yield – Thick fillets, fewer bones.
• Versatile Cooking – Great for frying, grilling, baking, or curries.
• Fresh & Hygienic Delivery – Daily catch, cleaned, and chilled to preserve freshness.

Health Benefits of Hamour

• Omega-3 Rich – Supports heart and brain health.
• Lean Protein – Builds muscle and keeps you energized.
• Bone & Teeth Strength – Vitamin D, calcium, and phosphorus packed.
• Boosts Immunity – Selenium and vitamin B12 enhance body defenses.
• Low in Calories – A healthy yet indulgent seafood option.

Cooking Inspiration

• Hamour Masala Curry – Karachi-style spicy, tangy, and comforting.
• Grilled Hamour Steaks – Smoky, juicy, and perfect for BBQ nights.
• Oven-Baked Fillets – With garlic, herbs, and olive oil.
• Hamour Stew – A hearty, flavorful dish for family meals.

Hamour (Ghissar) — FAQ