Halal Food Guide
Discover the best destinations and dishes for Halal travelers.
🌙About Halal Cuisine
Halal cuisine adheres to Islamic dietary laws, avoiding pork, alcohol, and requiring specific methods of animal slaughter. It encompasses a wide variety of culinary traditions across Muslim-majority countries.
Halal options are available in larger cities, particularly in areas with significant Muslim populations.
Benefits of Halal Eating
Ensures ethical treatment of animals
Promotes cleanliness and hygiene in food preparation
Avoids consumption of harmful substances
Encourages mindful eating practices
Supports cultural and religious traditions
✈️Travel Tips for Halal Travelers
Research halal-certified restaurants before traveling
Use halal restaurant finder apps
Consider vegetarian options when halal isn't available
Pack halal-certified snacks for travel days
Connect with local Muslim communities for recommendations
🍽️Must-Try Halal Foods
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Pilau (Spiced Rice)
Kenyan Pilau, distinct from other pilaf variations, is a fragrant rice dish cooked with an array of spices, including cumin, cardamom, cinnamon, and cloves. Meat (beef, goat, or chicken) is often included, along with onions, garlic, and ginger. The rice absorbs the rich flavors of the spices and meat, creating a flavorful and aromatic dish. Pilau is often served during special occasions and celebrations, adding a festive touch to the meal.
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Kabsa (كبسة)
Kabsa is considered the national dish of Saudi Arabia, deeply ingrained in its cultural heritage and often served during celebrations and gatherings. This mixed rice dish is prepared with fragrant long-grain rice, a variety of spices (like cardamom, cinnamon, cloves, and black pepper), and usually meat (lamb, chicken, camel, or fish). The meat is often marinated in a blend of spices and then slow-cooked to achieve tenderness. The rice is cooked separately with the spice mixture, often incorporating onions, tomatoes, and raisins. The distinct flavour comes from the "baharat" spice blend and the method of cooking the meat. Kabsa boasts a rich, savoury taste with a subtle sweetness from the raisins. You can find Kabsa in virtually any Saudi restaurant, from street food stalls to upscale dining establishments.
Allergens: Gluten (sometimes), Dairy (sometimes), Soy (sometimes)
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Jareesh (جريش)
Jareesh is a comforting and nourishing Saudi porridge made from cracked wheat or coarsely ground barley. It holds a significant place in traditional Saudi cuisine, particularly during colder months and Ramadan. Preparation involves slow-cooking the grains with milk or broth, often with the addition of spices like cumin and turmeric. Some variations incorporate meat (usually chicken or lamb), which adds depth and richness to the dish. Jareesh has a creamy, porridge-like texture with a mildly savoury flavour. It is typically garnished with fried onions, clarified butter (samneh), and sometimes a sprinkle of fresh herbs like parsley. Jareesh can be found in traditional Saudi restaurants and is often made at home.
Allergens: Gluten, Dairy (sometimes)
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Saleeg (سليق)
Saleeg is a popular rice dish, particularly prevalent in the Hijaz region. It's often associated with special occasions. Short-grain white rice is cooked in milk or broth, often with butter and spices. Chicken or lamb is usually added, and the dish is known for its creamy, risotto-like consistency. Some regional variations include the addition of local vegetables. Saleeg is mildly savoury with a rich, creamy taste from the milk or broth. It is often garnished with fried onions and clarified butter. You can find Saleeg in many Saudi restaurants, particularly those specializing in Hijazi cuisine.
Allergens: Dairy, Gluten (sometimes)
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Matazeez (مطازيز)
Matazeez is a traditional Saudi dish that showcases the unique culinary heritage of the region. It's primarily made with pieces of dough (similar to gnocchi) cooked in a rich meat broth, usually lamb or mutton. The broth is often flavoured with tomatoes, onions, and spices like cumin and coriander. The dough provides a hearty texture, absorbing the flavours of the broth. Matazeez is a comforting and satisfying dish, particularly enjoyed during colder months. It's often garnished with fresh parsley or coriander. Matazeez is best enjoyed at local restaurants specializing in traditional Saudi dishes or in homes where it's often prepared for special occasions.
Allergens: Gluten
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Martabak (مرتاب)
While martabak has roots in other parts of the Middle East and Southeast Asia, the Saudi Arabian version boasts distinct characteristics. This savoury stuffed pancake or pan-fried bread is a popular street food item. The dough is typically made with flour, water, and yeast, and filled with spiced ground meat (often lamb or beef), eggs, onions, and sometimes leeks or chives. It's pan-fried until golden brown and crispy. The Saudi Arabian Martabak is uniquely flavoured with local spices and is served hot, often with a side of yogurt or a spicy dipping sauce. You can easily find Martabak at street food vendors and local restaurants throughout the Kingdom.
Allergens: Gluten, Eggs, Dairy (sometimes)
More Halal Dishes to Try
Shawarma
Middle Eastern Cuisine
Thinly sliced meat cooked on a vertical rotisserie, served in bread with vegetables
Biryani
South Asian Cuisine
Fragrant rice dish with meat, vegetables, and aromatic spices
Kebabs
Middle Eastern Cuisine
Grilled meat skewers with various spices and marinades
Tagine
Moroccan Cuisine
Slow-cooked stew named after the earthenware pot it is cooked in
Mandi
Yemeni Cuisine
Meat and rice dish with a special blend of spices
Top Countries for Halal Food
Almost all food in Egypt is halal, as it is a predominantly Muslim country.
Almost all food in Morocco is halal, as it is a predominantly Muslim country.
Most food in Turkey is halal, as it is a predominantly Muslim country.
Halal food is widely available in India, especially in areas with significant Muslim populations. Ma...
Halal food is widely available, especially in areas with significant Muslim populations like souther...
All Countries with Halal Options
France
Europe
Capital: Paris
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Egypt
Africa
Capital: Cairo
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Morocco
Africa
Capital: Rabat
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Turkey
Asia
Capital: Ankara
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United States
Americas
Capital: Washington D.C.
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India
Asia
Capital: New Delhi
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Thailand
Asia
Capital: Bangkok
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Mexico
Americas
Capital: Mexico City
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South Africa
Africa
Capital: Pretoria
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Portugal
Europe
Capital: Lisbon
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Sweden
Europe
Capital: Stockholm
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Singapore
Asia
Capital: Singapore
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Peru
Americas
Capital: Lima
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Lebanon
Asia
Capital: Beirut
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Colombia
Americas
Capital: Bogotá
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Kenya
Africa
Capital: Nairobi
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Russia
Europe
Capital: Moscow
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Philippines
Asia
Capital: Manila
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Ireland
Europe
Capital: Dublin
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Netherlands
Europe
Capital: Amsterdam
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Austria
Europe
Capital: Vienna
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Ethiopia
Africa
Capital: Addis Ababa
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Saudi Arabia
Asia
Capital: Riyadh
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Jordan
Asia
Capital: Amman
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Indonesia
Asia
Capital: Jakarta
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Rwanda
Africa
Capital: Kigali
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