by Stephen Riter

Created on: July 11, 2009

How to Find Halal Food in Non-Muslim Countries

When people who travel for extended periods are asked what they miss most about their home country, they invariably answer, "the food." While Burger King, Dunkin Donuts, Chili's, and the like seem to be pandemic across the globe, what of dietary restrictions? Some Christians do not eat blood pudding or black sausage for religious reasons, but there are a myriad of substitutions or, when they are traveling, they just ignore that choice. Muslims who follow shariah, on the other hand, have a daunting task finding halal food in non-Muslim countries. Halal is an Arabic word meaning lawful or permissible. This term is usually used pertaining to food fit for consumption by Muslims according to the shariah (the code of law and conduct derived from the Koran.)

Taiwan is an example of a non-Muslim country. Out of approximately 23 million inhabitants, around 150,000 are Muslims. This writer tested a theory that, as a non-Muslim and knowing little of the culture, I would be able to find restaurants, groceries and butcher shops offering halal food in Taipei. The assumption is, that if I can do it, a Muslim, who presumably knows what they are looking for, should certainly be able to.

My first stop was the Internet, of course. I found archived articles from the local English newspapers about the opening of a halal Indian/Yunnan Cuisine restaurant called Kunming Garden. Their halal certification was prominently displayed and the food was the best I've had in some time. The chicken massala, tender chunks of roasted chicken in a creamy red, lightly spiced, tomato-based sauce was excellent and the deep fried chili fish was fresh and spicy, but not so spicy that it masked the flavor of the fish. On my next visit, I may try the lamb curry or possibly the Indian standard, Tandori chicken. This is a restaurant you go to for the delectable food, not particularly the ambiance. I invited the owner, Yaacob Mah, to come to my table and asked him about other halal restaurants and groceries in the area. He brought out a map, marked the ones he knew and was happy to give me his evaluation of each. In my quest, I made a new friend.

My second stop was the Grand Mosque in Taipei. They offered a list of halal restaurants and meat providers in the city. I spoke with the lady for nearly an hour about local Muslim customs, meeting places and whatnot. By the time I left, I had an invitation to join her family for dinner on Saturday

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