The term ‘Halal’ has gained much attention in western countries and has undergone much debate and scrutiny in the past many years. Still, the undeniable fact is that many people are turning towards halal food irrespective of faith. Halal food is used for the carnivorous food that Muslims of faith throughout the world are allowed to eat as per their religious beliefs; this may be chicken, turkey, or cow meat; the only requirement is for it to be halal.
So What Exactly is Meant By Halal?
Halal is derived from the Arabic word that means lawful or permissible. Islam only allows halal food to all its followers. Many scientific and religious reasons back this. Halal food is not just about meat. It is about the way the food is slaughtered or prepared. Halal food benefits are many, and from being healthy to being environmentally friendly, halal food has become a popular choice for Muslims and those looking for healthier eating options. The most common sources of halal meat in the United States are chicken and beef, but there are also many types of seafood and lamb available. The most common source of halal poultry (chicken and turkey) comes from either free-range or organic farms, which do not use animal by-products in their feed.
Increasing Popularity Of Halal Food In USA
There are many reasons for halal food and restaurants becoming so popular in the US. The foremost is that many Muslims live in America, and they want to eat their traditional food without worrying about it being contaminated by pork or other forbidden meats. Another reason is that some people believe that halal beef tastes better than regular meat due to its slaughter process and preparation. Halal food can be found at restaurants, grocery stores, farmers’ markets, or online. The popularity of halal food in Texas and across the United States has increased over the last few years due to an increasing Muslim population. This comes with a surprising change where a growing number of westerners are seen at Indo/Pak food restaurants, enjoying great food and loving the explosion of desi spices on their tastebuds, something they had been missing much of their lives.
Halal Food Benefits
Other than being full of flavor, halal food has other benefits too; some of them are:
Healthier Option
Halal food is healthier than other types of meat because it is usually slaughtered and taken for consumption, thus requiring no additives or preservatives; this fact adds a considerable health benefit to all those consuming it.
Halal Food Is Environmental Friendly
The meat industry accounts for 18% to 19% of total global greenhouse gas emissions; this number comes from three primary sources: deforestation for livestock feed production, methane emissions from animal digestion and manure, and carbon dioxide emissions from fossil fuels used in meat processing and transportation. Nevertheless, halal food laws worldwide are environmentally friendly because they require a minimum carbon footprint to be left behind to keep our environment healthy and well sustained.
Ethical Slaughtering Methods Employed
In addition, the production process of halal meat is more ethical. Halal meat is produced by animals slaughtered humanely and instantly, without pain or suffering. The slaughter method is an essential part of the Halal food industry. Slaughtering animals is a common practice in many cultures around the world. However, the Quran states that animal slaughter should be done in a way that causes the least amount of pain and suffering to the animal.
In Islam, the slaughtering process must be done specifically for an animal to be considered halal. First, all four limbs and the head must be cut off with a sharp blade while invoking Allah’s name. The animal must then bleed out before being skinned and butchered into smaller pieces for consumption or sale, making the meat halal.
The word “haram” means “forbidden.”The term is used in Islamic dietary restrictions to refer to any food that is not halal. According to Islamic law, this includes pork, alcohol, and animals not slaughtered. Muslims are forbidden from eating haram food because it goes against the teachings of the Qur’an. Some people believe that it is not prohibited for Muslims to eat haram food, but this is not true. In Islam, some rules and regulations govern what is halal and what is haram for Muslims. The Quran has clarified that all foods are considered halal unless they contain alcohol, blood, or pork.
Ever Rising Popularity of Halal Food Restaurants In TX.
The USA is considered a popular multicultural hub in the world. While all states have a diverse mix of people from all nationalities, religions, and walks of life, Texas is one state that attracts Muslims in hordes and has the largest population of Muslims living in it; this calls for an ever-increasing demand for Halal food. In addition, the Muslim population of Texas is quickly approaching the size of the state’s third-largest religion, Christianity.
Boasting the most significant number of the Muslim population, the ‘best Halal food in Houston’ is always a hot trending debate amongst the local Muslim community. Although the standards of living and work opportunities are excellent in Houston, one thing every Muslim misses is halal, perfectly seasoned, and traditional food which tastes as authentic as the one back home. Houstonian Muslims always search for new Halal food restaurants on delivery apps such as Yelp, Zomato, and foursquare. UberEats, GrubHub, and doordash drivers are busy meeting the delivery demands of halal food restaurant owners. May it is for the most succulent kebabs, tender chicken karahi, or the ever-popular spicy chicken tikkas; if they can’t deliver it, they travel distances to indulge their halal food cravings.
For this reason, the demand for halal food is in great demand in Texas. Along with demand comes a need for supply, and hence Asian grocery stores, halal slaughterhouses, and halal food restaurants have sprung up in every neighborhood. People travel from far to tantalize their tastebuds with authentic food from the subcontinents.
Asrar Saeed, the CEO of one such trendy restaurant, Tempura Halal, is a success story. Using his mother’s best traditional recipes and authentic Pakistani spices, he has earned fame and great repute in the Texan food industry. However, there are no limits when passion knows no bounds; this belief kept him going. He proudly collaborates in semi-partnerships with leading hotels like JW Marriot and Hilton America. The popularity that Houston has gained for its halal food restaurants is missed by those living in states such as Colorado or DC, where these restaurants are scattered afar. It won’t be wrong to agree with those labeling Houston as ‘Mini Pakistan’ because of the convenience of finding halal food restaurants. The scarcity of such halal food Indo/Pak restaurants can only be met if more dedicated food lovers step out and invest in the halal food restaurant business, or you never know, with how fast it is growing, we see a Halal Tempura chain all over the US.
