South Florida is known for its diversity. People from all over the world come to exchange culture and food. Muslim Americans, who are a minority here, eat sacred dishes called halal. Halal is an Arabic word meaning permissible or lawful. While this term can describe many activities, it commonly applies to the dietary standard in Islamic scripture. Although places serving this cuisine are relatively scarce, you can still find some amazing ones in our region. Here are the best halal restaurants in South Florida.
The Halal Guys
2268 So. University Dr.
Davie, FL 33324
(954) 947- 1817
6326 No. Andrews Ave.
Fort Lauderdale, FL 33309
(954) 533- 4818
The Halal Guys rose to fame in the ‘90s by being the only street food vendor in New York City serving halal food. They intended to provide an authentic outlet for Muslim taxi drivers in the city where halal food was relatively scarce. However, as more people found the vendors, the Halal Guys gained popularity throughout the U.S., which led them to become a restaurant franchise.
The franchise found its way to Miami in 2018, opening in Davie first and then branching out to Fort Lauderdale in 2019. These have been two of the busiest halal food spots ever since. The Halal Guys serve traditional Middle Eastern dishes in a street-food style. Their most popular dishes are the gyro platters and wraps, served with special sauces, adding a unique spin to the typical gyro. In addition, they also serve popular Middle Eastern desserts, such as fan-favorite baklava, a sweet pastry filled with chopped nuts, syrup, and honey. While you can buy the gyro platters for $11.09, the price for the wraps ranges from $9 to $10, depending on the meat you choose.
Al Natour Middle Eastern Restaurant
1787 No. University Dr.
Plantation, FL, 33332
(954) 514-7277
If you’re looking to eat the most authentic Middle Eastern food in South Florida, then Al Natour is perfect for you. The family-owned restaurant is in the heart of Fort Lauderdale and offers the best traditional Middle Eastern dishes, such as falafel and shawarma. The authenticity of Al Natour lies not only in its food but in the atmosphere of the restaurant. Traditional Middle Eastern music plays when you walk in, and servers speak Arabic. Eating at Al Natour feels like a trip to Lebanon without traveling.
The most popular dishes include hummus, which ranges from $7.99 to $11.99, and the shawarma platter with spicy rice, which goes for $16.99. Staying true to its family-friendly branding, the restaurant offers three different types of kids’ meals. If you plan on visiting Al Natour, don’t forget to try their traditional tea and one of their traditional desserts, such as the baklava.
Hot Chicks- House of Chicken
14816 Pines Blvd.
Pembroke Pines, FL 3302
(754) 703-5119
While most halal restaurants in South Florida primarily serve Middle Eastern cuisines, a few offer American food. One of them is the recently established fast-food restaurant called Hot Chicks. This establishment delivers the traditional Nashville Hot Chicken recipe with a 21st-century twist. Hot Chicks is arguably the best halal burger place in South Florida, and there’s proof to back it up with over 231 reviews and a 4-star rating on Yelp. Hot Chicks is the highest-rated restaurant on this list and the most popular one.
What makes the fast-food restaurant so popular is the mouthwatering chicken burgers and tenders with perfect seasoning that keeps you wanting more. The most popular dish in Hot Chicks is the Seoul Chick, a Korean-style chicken burger with coleslaw and pickles. The sandwiches are $9, while the wide range of chicken options varies from $6 to $14. If you plan to check out Hot Chicks, don’t forget to try their equally delicious side dishes, such as the potato salad.
Talkin Tacos
3456 Red Rd.
Miramar, FL 33025
(954) 404-6398
Mexican food in South Florida has been immensely popular for decades; however, most Muslims agree that finding halal Caribbean restaurants in Miami is difficult. A food truck business turned restaurant, Talkin’ Tacos, launched in 2020, is now making it easier for Muslims to try more popular dishes in South Florida. With fresh ingredients and authentic Mexican flavors, Talkin’ Tacos offers high-quality food with the addition of halal meat. South Floridian Muslims can also try traditional Mexican food such as birria tacos, birria quesadillas, and birria burritos. All items on their menu are available for takeout. If you plan on checking out Talkin’ Tacos, try out their most popular dishes, the Birria and Carne Asada, both priced at $13.
Krispy Krunchy Chicken
7039 Taft St.
Hollywood, FL 33024
(754) 201- 1216
One of the biggest franchises in the United States is KFC, yet there is no halal place to eat at KFC. However, Krispy Krunchy Chicken, a Louisiana-based restaurant that opened in South Florida, is the closest halal fast food restaurant to KFC. The fast-food restaurant is known for adding a variety of species to traditionally bland fast food. They even infuse every chicken breast, thigh and wing with their secret sauce and offer well-made delicious honey biscuits on the side. Their most popular dish is the soft and juicy Cajun tenders, which are $11.89.
Gyroville
4917 Sheridan St.
Hollywood, FL 33021
(954) 758-7700
Mediterranean food can sometimes be a bit too heavy, and most people looking to try exotic dishes probably want something more healthy and digestible. If you’re looking for exotic dishes, you should check out Gyroville. This restaurant serves traditional gyro in a fast-food technique while keeping the usual healthy ingredients. They also offer salads and alternative sides. If you plan to check out Gyroville and customize your own gyro, the price will be $12.02. However, costs for featured gyros vary depending on each item.
Uncle Bill’s Cafe
9610 Pines Blvd.
Pembroke Pines, FL 33024
(954) 639- 7024
Another halal Caribbean place in Miami worth checking out is Uncle Bill’s Cafe. The restaurant is a small business that serves everything from Philly cheesesteaks to Caribana burgers and chow mein. Their food is known for being deliciously seasoned and perfectly crafted. The place offers both indoor and outdoor seating and has free parking. If you plan on visiting, try out their most famous dish, the Philly Cheesesteak, for $9.
Ellie’s Desi Kitchen
12161 Sheridan St.
Hollywood, FL 33026
(954) 436-1231
If you’re looking for authentic halal Asian food, Ellie’s Desi Kitchen is the place for you. The restaurant offers a blend of Indian, Pakistani, and Chinese cuisines. Ellie’s Desi Kitchen’s main selling point is its authentic menu, where you’ll find dishes like lo mein and chicken tikka. They even go as far as to offer popular Asian drinks, such as pakola and lassi, and Asian desserts, such as falooda. If you plan on checking Ellie’s Desi Kitchen, try out their most desired items, such as their spicy chicken sub, which is $11.99, and don’t forget to grab a pakola on the side, which you can buy for $2.49.
King’s Grill
9289 Sheridan St.
Hollywood, FL 33024
(954) 362- 4827
King’s Grill is an exciting place to eat since there is a twist to its Indian-street food. The place offers Indian-inspired tacos, wings, wraps, burgers, and rice bowls made from fresh and authentic halal meat. One popular specialty is the chicken tikka masala bowl with loaded fries. Another is the delicious zinger burger. If you are ever in the neighborhood, pass by, and don’t forget that their subs are also tasty! And they also have a lunch special Tuesday-Friday between 11 a.m.and 3 p.m. of a free drink with a meal! You can buy the chicken tikka masala bowl for $13.99 and the zinger burger for $11.99. Just make sure to mention the ad to the servers.
