11 Fast Food Chains Serving Delicious Halal Fast Food in the USA
As a Muslim, finding halal food in a foreign country can be a challenge. Especially in the USA, where the majority of the population follows a different dietary law.
However, over the years, the USA has seen a rise in halal fast food chains, making it easier for Muslims and non-Muslims alike to enjoy delicious halal food.
In this article, I’ll share an overview of halal food in the USA, the rise of halal fast food chains, and the top 12 halal fast food chains in the USA.
Halal food in the USA – an overview
Halal is an Arabic word that means permissible or allowed. In the context of food, it’s used to describe food that is prepared and consumed according to Islamic law. Halal food is free from pork and its by-products, alcohol, and any other ingredients that are not deemed permissible in Islam.
Muslims in the USA have been facing challenges in finding halal food for a long time. However, the situation has improved over the last decade, especially in big cities like New York, Chicago, and Houston, where there is a significant Muslim population.
The rise of Halal fast food chains in the USA
The rise of halal fast food chains in the USA can be attributed to the growing Muslim population and their demand for halal food. The first halal fast food chain in the USA was The Halal Guys, which opened its first food cart in New York City in 1990. The Halal Guys became an instant hit, and soon other halal fast food chains started popping up across the country.
Halal fast food chains have not only gained popularity among Muslims but also among non-Muslims who are looking for healthier and fresher fast food options. Halal food is known for its strict preparation and hygiene standards, which make it a healthy and safe option for everyone.
Top 11 halal fast food chains in the USA
There are many halal fast food chains in the USA, but in this section, I’ll share the top 12 halal fast food chains that are serving delicious halal food across the country.
1- Kennedy Fried Chicken
Kennedy Fried Chicken is a chain of fast-food restaurants in the USA that specializes in fried chicken and other fast-food items such as burgers, sandwiches, and seafood[1]. The chain has locations in several states across the USA, including New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, and Connecticut[1].
One of the reasons Kennedy Fried Chicken is popular among Muslim customers is that many of its locations are halal-certified[2]. This means that the food served at these locations meets the dietary requirements of Muslim customers who follow halal practices. Some of the halal food options available at Kennedy Fried Chicken may include halal fried chicken, halal burgers, and halal sandwiches[2].
It is important to note that not all Kennedy Fried Chicken locations are halal-certified, and halal certification can vary by location. Therefore, it is recommended to contact the specific Kennedy Fried Chicken location you plan to visit to inquire about their halal certification status and any halal food options they may offer.
Overall, Kennedy Fried Chicken is one of the halal fast food options available in the USA for Muslims who are looking for halal-certified food options.
2- Tex’s Chicken and Burger
Looking for a delicious halal burger joint in the USA? Look no further than Tex’s signature chicken burger!
Formerly known as Texas Chicken and Burger, this renowned halal fast-food chain (that just rebranded to Tex’s Chicken and Burgers) in the USA, is known for its flavorful chicken and burger options.
Tex’s chicken burger is a popular halal fast food option in the USA. Made with fresh, juicy chicken and a secret blend of spices, this burger is a standout menu item that is sure to satisfy your cravings.
What sets Tex’s chicken burger apart is its halal certification, which ensures that the chicken used in the burger adheres to Islamic dietary guidelines. This makes it a safe and delicious option for Muslim diners who are looking for halal fast food options.
With its mouthwatering flavor and halal certification, Tex’s chicken burger is the perfect choice for anyone looking for a tasty and authentic halal dining experience.
3- The Halal Guys
The Halal Guys started as a humble food cart in New York City, serving halal food to a diverse range of customers. They initially catered to Muslim cab drivers looking for halal food, and word spread quickly from there.
Their flavorful and affordable meals quickly gained popularity, leading to a loyal following. Their specialty lies in their iconic platters and gyros, featuring fragrant basmati rice topped with tender halal chicken or gyro meat, fresh vegetables, and their famous white and red sauces.
Known for their generous portions and consistent quality, The Halal Guys became a staple in the street food scene of NYC.
Due to their success, The Halal Guys expanded beyond food carts and now operates brick-and-mortar locations across the United States and internationally.
They continue to delight customers with their flavorful halal dishes, staying true to their roots as a beloved street food vendor while achieving global recognition.
With their commitment to quality and affordability, The Halal Guys have become a culinary sensation, serving delicious Middle Eastern-inspired cuisine to a diverse customer base.
4- Pizza Twist
Known as America’s favorite Indian Pizza Delivery, Pizza Twist is a pizza franchise that caters to various dietary preferences, including halal food.
This Indian-fusion franchise was founded with the goal of crafting healthy, tasty pizza that breaks through with distinctive ingredients and techniques from different parts of the world.
They offer vegan, vegetarian, keto, gluten-free, and halal options, with everything made fresh and locally sourced.
Pizza Twist’s unique menu includes traditional pizza, Indian-fusion pizza, and plant-based pizza twists. Some of their unique pizza toppings include tandoori chicken, paneer tikka, butter chicken, and lamb kebab. They also offer a variety of sides, salads, and desserts.
As of 2023, Pizza Twist is the fastest-growing halal fast food franchise in the USA with locations across North America. So if you’re craving to eat Pizza in the USA (which is normal and a must!), you know where to find your halal pizza in the USA.
5- Hangry Joe’s Hot Chicken
Hangry Joe’s Hot Chicken is a fast-casual restaurant chain that specializes in Nashville-style hot chicken. Their unique selling proposition (USP) is their signature spice blend, which is made in-house and gives their chicken a distinctive and addictive flavor[1].
In addition to its delicious chicken, Hangry Joe’s is also known for catering to various dietary preferences, including halal food. They use only halal-certified chicken, which means that the chicken has been raised and processed according to Islamic dietary laws and is permissible for consumption by Muslims[2].
Hangry Joe’s Hot Chicken has several locations across the United States, including California, Texas, and Arizona[1]. They offer dine-in, takeout, and delivery services, making it easy for customers to enjoy their delicious hot chicken wherever they are.
6- Krispy Krunchy Chicken
Krispy Krunchy Chicken is a quick-serve fried chicken chain that is famous for its signature Cajun-style chicken, which is made with a secret blend of spices and seasonings that give it a unique and addictive flavor[1]. The chain has over 2,700 locations across 47 states in the United States and is mainly offered in convenience stores and gas stations[1][2].
In addition to their delicious chicken, Krispy Krunchy Chicken is also known for catering to various dietary preferences, including halal food. They use only halal-certified chicken, which means that the chicken has been raised and processed according to Islamic dietary laws and is permissible for consumption by Muslims[3].
Krispy Krunchy Chicken’s commitment to halal food has made it a popular choice for Muslims in the United States who are looking for fast-food options that meet their dietary requirements. With its expanding presence and delicious food, Krispy Krunchy Chicken is quickly becoming a household name in the United States.
7- Dave’s Hot Chicken
Dave’s Hot Chicken is a fast-casual restaurant chain in the USA that specializes in Nashville-style hot chicken. The chain is famous for its spicy and crispy chicken, which is made with a secret blend of spices and served at various heat levels[1].
In addition to its delicious chicken, Dave’s Hot Chicken is known for catering to various dietary preferences, including halal food. All Dave’s Hot Chicken locations are certified halal, and the chicken served is 100% halal-certified[2][3].
Founded in Los Angeles in 2017, Dave’s Hot Chicken has expanded rapidly and now has over 100 locations in four countries[1]. The chain’s commitment to halal food has made it a popular choice for Muslims in the United States who are looking for fast-food options that meet their dietary requirements.
8- Ike’s Love and Sandwich
Muslim tourists visiting the USA must try Ike’s Love and Sandwiches because it is one of the few chain restaurants that provide a halal option[1]. The establishment provides a shredded chicken breast that is boiled, which is halal-certified, and is a great option for Muslim tourists who are looking for delicious and halal food options while traveling in the USA.
Ike’s Love and Sandwiches was founded in San Francisco in 2007 and has since expanded to over 70 locations across the USA[3]. The restaurant is known for its innovative offerings and iconic flavors, making it a popular choice for food lovers of all backgrounds.
In addition to its halal options, Ike’s Love and Sandwiches also offers a range of vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free options, catering to various dietary preferences and restrictions. With its diverse menu and commitment to providing halal options, Ike’s Love and Sandwiches is a must-visit for Muslim tourists traveling in the USA.
9- Popeyes
Popeyes’ halal status in the USA varies by location. Some locations are halal-certified, while others may not use halal ingredients[1][2]. It is important to check with the local Popeyes restaurant to find out the exact status of the food served there. Additionally, patrons should be aware of the ingredients used in the meals, as some items may not be halal even if the restaurant is halal-certified[1].
According to some sources, Popeyes chicken is not halal-certified in the United States[2][6]. The gravy served in US restaurants also contains pork, and both the gravy and red beans & rice contain pork-derived ingredients such as pork, gelatin, and lard[2][6]. However, there are a few Muslim-owned Popeyes franchises in the United States that do offer halal chicken[4].
In summary, Popeyes’ halal status in the USA is not consistent across locations. Muslim customers should check with their local Popeyes restaurant to determine if they serve halal-certified food.
10- Pita Mediterranean
Pita Mediterranean is a halal-certified restaurant in the USA that offers a variety of Mediterranean-inspired dishes such as falafel, shawarma, and kebabs.
They use fresh, high-quality ingredients to prepare their dishes in accordance with Islamic dietary guidelines. Pita Mediterranean is a standout option for Muslim diners who are looking for delicious and authentic halal food.
The restaurant’s commitment to quality ingredients and delicious flavors has made it a favorite among Muslim diners in the USA. Customers rave about the juicy and flavorful kebabs, savory spices of the shawarma, and the crispy crunch of the falafel.
If you’re a halal food enthusiast looking for a new dining destination, Pita Mediterranean is the perfect choice to experience the best of halal cuisine.
11- Adel’s Famous Halal Food
Adel’s Famous Halal Food is a popular food truck and one of the halal restaurants in NYC. It serves a variety of Middle Eastern and Mediterranean-inspired dishes such as falafel, shawarma, and kebabs[1][2].
One of the most popular dishes on the menu is the chicken over rice platter, which consists of tender chicken served over a bed of seasoned rice, topped with a flavorful white sauce and spicy red sauce[1][3].
Customers also rave about the lamb over rice platter, which features succulent lamb and the same delicious toppings as the chicken over rice[3].
In addition to its mouth-watering food, Adel’s Famous Halal Food is known for its fast and friendly service, as well as its convenient location. The food truck is often parked in busy areas of New York City, making it easy for customers to grab a quick and satisfying meal on the go[1][2].
Overall, Adel’s Famous Halal Food is a must-try for anyone looking for delicious and authentic halal cuisine in New York City. Its popularity and positive reviews are a testament to the quality of its food and service[1][2][3].
Is KFC Halal in the USA?
KFC, or Kentucky Fried Chicken, is a popular fast-food chain known for its crispy fried chicken. For Muslims living in the USA, the question of whether KFC is halal or not is a common one.
In the USA, KFC does not have halal certification from a recognized Islamic organization.
However, some KFC locations may serve halal chicken that has been certified by a local halal certification agency. It is important to note that these locations are not officially endorsed by KFC and may vary in their level of adherence to halal standards.
For Muslims who are concerned about halal certification, it is recommended to check with the individual KFC location to see if they offer halal chicken and what certification they use.
It is also important to note that even if a location offers halal chicken, other menu items may not be halal.
In summary, KFC does not have halal certification from a recognized Islamic organization in the USA. However, some KFC locations may offer halal chicken that has been certified by a local halal certification agency. Muslims who are concerned about halal certification should check with individual locations for more information.
Is McDonald’s Halal in the USA?
McDonald’s is one of the largest fast-food chains in the world, and its halal status is a common question for Muslims in the USA.
The answer is that McDonald’s does not offer halal food in the USA. In 2013, McDonald’s officially announced that it would no longer be serving halal chicken and halal beef in its US restaurants due to low demand.
While McDonald’s does offer halal food in some countries, such as Malaysia and Saudi Arabia, it is not available in the USA.
Is Arby’s and Whataburger Halal in the USA?
According to sources, Arby’s and Whataburger’s main menu is not halal-certified in the USA, and there is no indication of halal on their official website or social media.
Conclusion – eating halal made easy
In conclusion, finding halal food options in the USA is becoming easier and more convenient than ever before.
With the increasing demand for halal food, many fast-food chains have started offering halal options on their menus.
However, it is important to always confirm with the food store regarding its halal certification and sources. As consumers, we have the right to know what we are consuming and where it comes from.
By doing our due diligence, we can ensure that we are making informed decisions and supporting businesses that align with our values.
So, next time you’re craving some fast food, check out these 11 halal-certified options and enjoy a delicious meal with peace of mind.