In 2021, Canada welcomed the most immigrants in a single year in its history 🤯.

We like to think of it as our duty (and pleasure!) to learn more about the cultures and religions that make up this colorful country. 

So, today, let’s talk about halal food. Some of you will have seen and heard the term in passing, while others apply it to every meal.

Whether you're looking for exciting foods that fit your dietary restrictions or are just curious about what halal food is all about, we created this guide to help you out (and make you hungry).

What Is Halal Food?

Halal is an Arabic word that means “permissible.” It’s used for foods, objects, and behaviors allowed based on Islamic law. 

Halal Dishes You Won’t Be Able to Resist

Now that you’ve furthered or reviewed your halal-ducation, it’s time to get eating. For those looking to expand their (halal) tastebuds, this list of surprising halal dishes is for you.

Sidenote: We’ve done our homework like the AAA students we are, but if you’re on a strictly halal diet, we recommend double-checking with the restaurant before digging in.

Burgers 

AT BFF, we’ve got a menu full of mouth-watering, halal burgers. Our Smash Burgers are made with Halal AAA smashed beef; some even come with beef bacon! You heard that right– bacon can be halal too and the world is better for it.

Our  burgers come in many tasty variations (all on a brioche bun), like:

• Shroom: sauteed mushrooms, Swiss cheese, and roasted garlic aioli 
• Melt: Swiss, cheddar, halal beef bacon, BBQ sauce, and chipotle mayo

We also have halal chicken burgers like the Smokin Bird Sando that'll have you cluckin' with excitement.

Nasi Lemak

Nasi lemak, which translates to “fatty rice”, is one of the most popular dishes in Malaysia. One of its key ingredients is rice cooked with coconut milk and pandan leaves (plucked from a tropical plant).

Fatty rice– named for its flavors, not its effects— is usually served with fried chicken, a hard-boiled egg, and other side dishes like cucumber slices, peanuts, and spicy sambal sauce. Wanna eat it like a real local? Ditch the spoon and get your hands dirty.

Try it out at Gourmet Malaysia Restaurant in Scarborough.

Kabuli Pulao

Kabuli pulao is a traditional Afghan dish made with basmati rice, lamb, and chickpeas. The rice is cooked with a blend of spices, including saffron, then the lamb and chickpeas are added. Top it off with raita (yogurt sauce), scoop it up with naan– you’re in heaven.

Kabuli Pulao? More like Kabuli Pu-WOW 🙄.

You can find it at Afghan Cuisine Restaurant in Toronto.

Birria Tacos 

The key ingredient for this dish is birria stew from Jalisco, Mexico. Beef is cooked with chiles, tomatoes, and spices until it's tender. Then, it’s pulled off the bone and served on crispy corn tortillas. Hold on, give us a sec to wipe up or drool.

Word of advice: To truly enjoy these hot n' crisp tacos, go to a restaurant to eat them. In Toronto, Comal y Canela will have you coming back.

Chicken & Waffles

Chicken and waffles is a popular soul food dish from the US. It's made by combining deep-fried chicken pieces with waffles and is often served with butter, syrup, and/or hot sauce.

The combo of sweet and savory, the double crunchiness— could it be the greatest human invention (or is that bacon?)

Check out Cluck Clucks in Toronto for some of the best chicken and waffles in the city.

Sick of the same old halal foods? Stunned to discover that geniuses across the city have created a halal version of these drool-worthy dishes? We feel you. Go out there and try out some of these creations, whether for yourself or with your halal pals.

BFF isn’t your typical burger n’ fries joint. Our food helps to remove barriers and unite people from different backgrounds over memorable and nostalgic flavors. With quality ingredients and creative combos, we aim to be your (tastebuds’) BFF.  

Stop by one of our locations for the best halal burgers in Ottawa or Toronto. Order takeout or delivery directly through our website, and tag us in pics of your fave BFF foods @burgersnfriesforever.