Forging Faith through Sustenance
By Cynthia Griffith
Jul/Aug 25
Some politicians falsely claim Islam was spread by the sword, when in fact, in the U.S., it has always been spread by the knife. . . and the fork. In Philadelphia, Islam grew through a combination of good character and fabulous fare, and the religion is reaching every corner of Philly one plate at a time.
From quaint Yemeni coffee shops and corner cafes to modern markets, charming bistros, and fusion restaurants, halal cuisine is undeniably a Philadelphia staple. Pull up a seat and say “Bismillah” as we explore the local eateries of Philadelphia, one heaping halal forkful at a time.
Tried and True Halal Food Spots in Philadelphia
The halal food scene in the City of Brotherly Love is as culturally rich and diverse as Muslim Americans themselves. Residents and visitors will find popup halal Chinese fusion restaurants and caffeinated Yemeni delights. There are classic, iconic staples serving halal food for generations alongside new, aspiring chefs. Bustling intersections feature halal carts serving everything from pancakes to curried chicken, falafels to fish hoagies, and more.
Saad’s – This Middle Eastern gem has been capturing the hearts of Philly food lovers since the mid-1990s. The brick-and-mortar restaurant seen today has its roots in a humble food truck that once wheeled through the streets of University City. Their secret to 36 years of success is simple: they serve up halal versions of Philly favorites like classic cheesesteaks, turkey hoagies, and the legendary Philly fish hoagie. The latter sandwich is a nod to the historic Islamic traditions of Philadelphia’s halal food scene which began during the Civil Rights Movement. In the late 1950s and early 1960s, the Philly fish hoagie became synonymous with the Nation of Islam, according to former members. It was a Philadelphian twist on the classic fish fry and was often seen at fundraisers for the African American Muslim community. Nation of Islam members who converted into Sunni Muslims brought the fried fish hoagie with them, along with all of its iconic toppings. This dish specifically pays homage to Sister Muhammad’s Kitchen, a historical eatery that closed in 2022 after 23 years of serving cheesesteaks and uplifting Black Muslim Philadelphians.
Makkah Market – Makkah Market is another mid-’90s Middle Eastern eatery that’s still serving greatness in the City of Brotherly Love but with a twist. This multifaceted shop contains a café, restaurant, grocery store, and bazaar. Notably, it’s open around the clock and is almost always busy. Here, you can sip a steamy Arabic coffee while waiting for your chicken shawarma and baklava. On the way out, you can shop for your favorite halal meats, pick up some exciting Islamic literature, or purchase a new prayer rug, a Palestinian keffiyeh, or a new hijab all in one location.
Kilimandjaro – Traditional African fare is served in an intimate, romantic setting at this staple halal restaurant that’s been open in various Philadelphia locations since 2005. This restaurant offers a an urban yet worldly take on Senegalese cuisine. Standout classics from the menu include cotelette, a savory, grilled lamb marinated in African spices; thieboudienne, a one-pot fish, rice, and vegetable platter which is the national dish of Senegal; and their famous red snapper, easily one of the tastiest dishes in hit Philly. As a bonus, their plantains are bananas!
Al-Shams – Al-Shams is a halal franchise featuring delectable American cuisine. This chain opened six restaurants in under 14 years but they are still growing. All of their locations feature breakfast, lunch, and dinner options that run the gambit from trendy salmon cheesesteaks to traditional Arab delights like lamb maroosh and falafel wraps drizzled with tahini sauce.. You can also find a classic Philly breakfast platter with beef bacon, turkey sausage, pancakes, scrambled eggs, and more.
Halal Philly Eateries: Hot and New
Up-and-comers are stirring things up in the City of Brotherly Love too. From fusion foods to breakfast specials to birria tacos, mocktails and chicken lollipops to Teriyaki turkey wings, here’s a look at what’s hot and new.
Woondal – Date nights have never looked as good as they do in this new halal hot spot located off Castor Avenue that opened in 2024. Upon arrival, guests are greeted by enthusiastic team members who aim to please. Their booths are cozy and colorful with ornate artwork illuminated by carefully appointed light fixtures. Toward the back are deep booths with a curtain-lined section situated that allow for a private and secluded meal. There is a cozy corner off to the side similar to Stephen Starr spaces like Pod and Alma de Cuba but on a smaller, more digestible scale.
Patrons will want to inhale their delightfully spicy naga wings then wash them down with a strawberry coconut refresher mocktail. If spice is your niche, Woondal wings will not disappoint. For a milder treat, their marinated chicken lollipops are divine.
“We are committed to offering authentic Indian and Mediterranean cuisine that is 100% halal, fresh, and made with love,” said owner Mostofa Kamal Badol. “I always looked for places in the Northeast area for my family to dine privately with halal food. It was hard finding something like this. I wanted my restaurant to serve in a way where families can come and feel at home. For me, privacy and comfort while dining are important. We take pride in creating a welcoming environment where families and communities can gather and enjoy high-quality, flavorful dishes with ease.”
Cilantro – Surviving the pandemic was not a cakewalk for this family-owned halal eatery on S. 4th St., but the Alazzazy family made it work. Cilantro is a vibrant restaurant adorned with fizzy drinks and eclectic décor. It opened in 2019, right on the edge of 2020’s international health emergency. The Alazzazy family, which hails from Egypt, told WHYY they stayed afloat through hard times by pumping out to-go orders and shipping their Egyptian-inspired flavors across Philadelphia.
Cilantro is the place to find a chilled, sparkling Laziza, a delicious, non-alcoholic alternative to the malt beverages served in adjacent upscale eateries. Like the furnishings, the menu here is an expansive work of art with international appeal. Their offerings include traditional savory grilled items, Egyptian classics, and some Italian surprises like the super cheesy chicken alfredo which could stand up to a Zagat-rated Italian bistro version any day of the week. Complimentary baklava often completes the meal, making for an experience that exceeds expectations.
Halal Fusion Chinese – If you’ve ever had a hankering for Chinese food with Zabiha meat (prepared to meet halal standards), look no further. All the classic Asian-style dishes Americans grew up on can be found here. From chicken wings to lo mein, shrimp fried rice, and almost everything in between, this new addition to the halal Philly food market gleams with potential.
Sy’s Palace Soul Food – This halal Philly Soul Food spot has been popularized by celebs like Tone Trump, Ms. Jade, and Philadelphia Freeway, making it the perfect eatery if you’re into what’s trendy. Red velvet cake and strawberry banana pudding are starring performers on a menu that features almost every soul food dish you might imagine from collard greens and mac and cheese to beef bacon served with a side of cheesy scrambled eggs. Owner Sydia’s story has been featured on Black Entertainment Television (BET). Sydia, once a bank robber committed to a life of crime, addressed her traumatic past and built an inspiring present by forging faith through comfort food. Today, what once was a vision of prison is a palace serving up some of the most scrumptious soul food in the city
Halal Meals on Wheels: Food Trucks Worth Crashing Out Over
Many legendary restaurants begin on wheels, and Philadelphia’s food truck scene is bursting with halal options. Here are a few highlights we’ve seen on the streets in 2025:
Bro & Sis Halal – Usually parked on Ridge and Leverington, this well-known food truck is famous for its massive portions, homemade sauces, and their lamb hoagie sandwiches.
Northwest Halal Food Truck – Situated at North 4th St. and Spring Garden St., this flavorful food truck makes great falafels and lamb gyros.
There’s Always a Taste of Islam in Philadelphia
Islam is a culturally diverse religion that draws in people from all walks of life. This much is evident throughout the Philly landscape, and particularly in its popular modern cuisine. If you ever want to know who the Muslims of America are, come to Philadelphia and get a taste of the way in which cultures cross, souls connect, and tastebuds intertwine.
Cynthia C. Griffith is a social justice journalist with a passion for environmental and civil rights issues. Her writing on the earth, space, faith, science, politics, and literature have appeared on several popular websites.