What is Halal Food? A Guide for Foodservice Professionals

Table of Contents

1. What Does Halal Mean?
2. Halal vs. Haram
3. Common Halal Foods
4. What is Halal Meat?
5. Halal Recipes
6. Running a Halal Restaurant
7. Frequently Asked Questions

For restaurant owners and food service professionals, diving into the world of halal food is not only a way to expand culinary offerings, but it’s a strategic necessity in today's multicultural market. Understanding the specifics of halal cuisine is a gateway to unlocking new opportunities, broadening your customer base, and aligning your establishment with the cultural and dietary preferences of a growing and diverse market.

What Does Halal Mean?

Halal is an Arabic term that means "permissible" or "lawful," and is applied to indicate what is acceptable to eat, according to Islamic teachings and dietary law.

Halal food is prepared and consumed with specific conditions, including:

• The animal must be slaughtered by a Muslim who is of sound mind and has reached the age of maturity
• The name of Allah (God) should be invoked at the time of slaughter
• The animal should be healthy at the time of slaughter; it must be free from diseases or defects
• The blood must be drained from the carcass, as consuming blood is prohibited

The term "halal" goes beyond its literal meaning; it defines broader ethical and moral principles in Islam. Originating from the Quran, the holy book of Islam, the distinction between halal (permissible) and haram (forbidden) is outlined.

Zabihah, the Arabic word for “slaughter,” is used when referring to halal meat from animals slaughtered under permissible guidelines.

For those who aren't part of the Muslim community, understanding what halal means is more than just figuring out what's allowed to be eaten. It's a glimpse into the cultural and religious values that shape the lives of many around the globe. When you start noting halal from haram, there can be a deeper understanding of the spiritual and ethical considerations within the Islamic faith.

Halal vs. Haram

Differentiating between halal and haram is a founding principle in Islamic dietary laws, and using the terms defines what is permissible (halal) and prohibited (haram) to eat as outlined in the Quran.

Defining food as halal or haram goes beyond the ingredients themselves, as you need to consider other elements of the halal definition, including the food preparation, the food storage and the cleanliness of the utensils and surfaces. Everything needs to be free from contamination with haram substances.

Common Halal Foods

Halal food, with its roots in Islamic traditions, now goes beyond borders and has become a global culinary phenomenon. With the growing Muslim population and increasing cultural diversity, halal food has found its place in restaurants and on tables across the globe.

Halal Foods:

• Meats and fowl (examples include beef, lamb, goat, turkey, chicken) from animals slaughtered according to Islamic principles
• Fish and seafood are generally considered halal
• Fruits and vegetables
• Grains, nuts and legumes like rice, wheat, beans, and lentils
• Eggs from halal animals
• Milk and dairy products from halal animals
• Water and most non-alcoholic beverages

Common Haram Foods

While checking for halal certification is always recommended, verifying the ingredients list can also be crucial, especially if no certification is present. Foods may be considered haram or halal depending on Islamic interpretation, but there are certain foods with a clear haram certification. Haram foods and ingredients are forbidden when considering a halal dietary restriction.

Haram Foods:

• Pork and pork products like bacon, ham, sausage
• Carrion (meat from animals that died of natural causes or were not slaughtered according to Islamic law) and blood
• Amphibians
• Carnivorous animals and birds of prey
• Alcoholic beverages or anything that causes intoxication
• Rennet (enzyme used in cheese production) if derived from non-halal animals
• Foods containing ingredients such as gelatin (if derived from non-halal sources)

This is not an exhaustive list, and it’s important to consult with local religious authorities or scholars for specific guidance on halal and haram foods, as interpretations may vary.

Always inspect the labels or packaging of a product to see if it’s halal or not. If there’s no explicitly stated certification, check the ingredient list. Pay close attention to ingredients that may raise concerns, including:

Animal-derived: Gelatin, lipase, pepsin, animal fats, animal blood, animal rennet, mono and diglycerides (if from an animal source), whey powder.

Alcohol: Some vanilla extracts use alcohol in the extraction process, however; some Islamic scholars say vanilla extract is permissible (halal) as the alcohol does not have any intoxicating effect. To be safe, you can always look for alcohol-free alternatives or brands with halal certification.

Other potentially problematic ingredients: Sodium stearoyl lactylate (SSL) and L-cysteine can be derived from animals or plants. Research the specific source used in the product.

Popular Dishes Made with Halal Foods

What is Halal Meat?

Halal meat is meat prepared under Islamic dietary laws, following the specific guidelines outlined in the Quran. The preparation of halal meat involves an exact process, where the animal must be slaughtered by a Muslim who is of sound mind and has reached the age of maturity. The name Allah (God) must be invoked during the slaughter at the time of sacrifice, and the animal must be healthy and free from diseases. The blood from the carcass must also be drained, as consuming blood is prohibited.

Halal meats include:

• Lamb
• Beef
• Chicken
• Goat
• Venison
• Rabbit

Non-halal (haram) meats include:

• Pork
• Carnivorous animals (Animals that primarily eat other animals, such as certain predators and scavengers, are considered non-halal)
• Animals not slaughtered according to Islamic principles
• Diseased animals (Meats from animals that are not in good health or have diseases are considered non-halal)

It's important to note that the definition of “halal meat” itself depends on the method of slaughter and that it adheres to the specific conditions outlined under Islamic dietary laws.

Halal Recipes

Explore halal with some of these easy-to-follow recipes that can bring the flavors of Islamic cuisine to your kitchen.

Hummus

Indulge in the creamy goodness of hummus, a versatile and nutritious dip. Blend chickpeas, tahini, olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, and a pinch of salt until smooth. Serve with warm pita bread or as a side to fresh veggies.

• Zucchini Cilantro Hummus
• Red Lentil Hummus with Harissa and Toasted Almonds
• Green Chickpea Hummus

Falafel

Enjoy the crispy exterior and tender interior of falafel. Blend chickpeas, parsley, garlic and spices, then form into small patties. Fry until golden brown and serve in pita pockets with a dollop of tahini sauce.

• Falafel in Chickpea Wrap
• Southwest Falafel

Tabbouleh

Try making tabbouleh, a vibrant salad with many flavors. Combine chopped tomatoes, cucumbers, parsley, mint and bulgur. Dress with olive oil and lemon juice for a zesty finish.

Spring Tabbouleh with Beets, Sugar Snap Peas, Cucumber, Walnut and Pomegranate

Running a Halal-Friendly Restaurant

How is Halal Food Prepared?

For restaurant owners wanting to include halal options, understanding the processes of preparation is essential. Since halal food is prepared in line with Islamic dietary laws, operators and restaurateurs need to monitor their sourcing practices, carefully select suppliers, and train kitchen staff to follow these principles. Integrating halal food preparation practices not only expands menu offerings, but can also appeal to a diverse customer base.

What are the rules for halal storage?

Halal guidelines go beyond the kitchen and its preparation to include storage practices. Some essential rules for halal storage include:

• Segregation: Ensure strict separation between halal and non-halal items to prevent cross-contamination
• Labeling: Clearly label storage areas to distinguish between halal and non-halal ingredients
• Utensils and Equipment: Use dedicated utensils and equipment for halal food preparation and storage to avoid any potential contact with non-halal items
• Verification of Suppliers: Regularly verify that suppliers adhere to halal standards throughout the storage and transportation process

Halal Symbol on Food For Your Menu

Incorporating the halal symbol on your menu items is vital for transparency with your customers.

The halal symbol, often a small "H" or a crescent moon, signifies that the dish has been prepared under Islamic dietary laws. It's typically placed next to menu items containing halal ingredients, assuring your diners of the culinary integrity of their choices.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why do people eat halal?

Primarily, people choose to eat halal to adhere to Islamic dietary laws and follow their religious beliefs. Islamic dietary laws are a fundamental aspect of the Muslim faith, and many people choose to consume only halal as a way to demonstrate their religious commitment. Some people also opt for halal food due to health considerations, as the method of slaughter and the avoidance of certain ingredients align with dietary practices that some perceive as healthier.

What does halal chicken mean?

Halal chicken refers to chicken that has been slaughtered according to Islamic principles. The process involves a Muslim performing the slaughter, invoking the name of Allah, ensuring the chicken is healthy, and draining the blood from the carcass. This method aligns with the guidelines outlined in the Quran for permissible (halal) meat.

Is kosher the same as halal?

While halal and kosher dietary laws share similarities, they are not the same thing. Kosher dietary laws originate from Jewish traditions, and halal dietary laws stem from Islamic practices. Some key differences include the method of animal slaughter, restrictions on specific ingredients (such as pork in halal and the separation of meat and dairy in kosher), and the religious authorities overseeing the certification process for each. Additionally, the criteria for kosher/halal certification and the permissible foods vary between the two dietary guidelines.