What Is Halal Cuisine?
Halal cuisine follows Islamic rules, making it okay for Muslims to eat. The word “halal” means “allowed” in Arabic, and it covers how food is prepared, from how animals are raised to how they’re cooked. For meat to be halal, it must come from animals like chickens or lambs that are treated kindly and slaughtered in a special, quick, and respectful way. Halal food also avoids things like pork or alcohol.
Halal cuisine is super popular because it’s not just about rules—it’s about fresh, tasty food that everyone can enjoy. You’ll find dishes like juicy chicken over rice, spicy gyros, or crispy falafel, often served with yummy sauces. Halal food comes from places like the Middle East, South Asia, and North Africa, full of bold flavours like garlic, cumin, and turmeric. People love it for its variety, from meaty platters to vegan snacks.
Shah Halal Food brings this exceptional cuisine to life in the United States. They ensure that every dish is 100% halal, using fresh ingredients and recipes that feel like they came straight from a family kitchen. Whether you’re Muslim or love good food, Shah Halal Food has something delicious.
The Story of Shah’s Halal Food
Shah Halal Food started with one small food cart in Queens, New York, in 2005. The Mashriqi family, led by Khalid Mashriqi, wanted to share their love for halal food with everyone. They saw that it was hard to find tasty, affordable halal meals, especially for students and workers on the go. So, they started serving chicken and rice from their cart, and people loved it! That little cart grew into a big business with restaurants in the U.S., the UK, Canada, and Sweden [Web ID: 4, 15].
Today, Shah Halal Food is famous for fast casual dining. They have over 40 locations, including 23 on Long Island alone, and they keep opening new spots, like in Bay Shore, New York, and Providence, Rhode Island [Web ID: 3, 5]. Their secret? They stick to authentic halal recipes, use fresh ingredients, and keep prices low so everyone can enjoy a great meal. Shah Halal Food is about making people happy with food that tastes like home.
Shah’s Halal Franchise: Growing Big and Fast
The Shah Halal franchise is a big reason the chain grows so fast. A franchise means people can open their own Shah Halal Food restaurant by following the company’s rules and recipes. Starting one costs between $200,000 and $400,000, which is less than many other restaurant franchises [Web ID: 4]. It makes it easier for people to bring Shah’s Halal Food to new towns and cities.
Khalid Mashriqi, the CEO, leads the franchise with his family, and about 60% of their team is family members [Web ID: 6]. They started franchising just a few years ago, and it’s helped them open new restaurants in places like Fairfax, Virginia, and Danbury, Connecticut [Web ID: 8, 15]. Each Shah Halal Food restaurant serves the same tasty menu, so you know what to expect no matter where you go. The franchise also supports local communities by creating jobs and serving affordable meals, making Shah Halal Food a trusted name everywhere.
Chicken Over Rice: A Shah Halal Food Favorite
One of the most popular dishes at Shah Halal Food is chicken over rice. It’s a simple but super tasty meal everyone loves, from college students to families. The dish starts with juicy chicken marinated with spices like cumin and paprika and then grilled until it’s perfect. It’s served over fragrant basmati rice, which smells amazing, and a fresh salad of lettuce and tomatoes. You can add Shah’s famous white sauce to make it even better [Web ID: 10].
Chicken over rice is a classic New York halal dish, and Shah Halal Food makes it special. It costs about $11.99, a great deal for a big, filling plate [Web ID: 6]. People love it because it’s quick, delicious, and perfect for lunch or dinner on the go. Whether you’re at their Thayer Street location in Providence or their Bay Shore restaurant, chicken over rice is a must-try at Shah Halal Food.
The Famous White Sauce
If you’ve eaten at Shah Halal Food, you know about their white sauce. It’s a creamy, tangy sauce that makes every dish taste amazing. The recipe is a secret, but it’s made with fresh ingredients like yoghurt, garlic, and spices, giving it a unique flavour that’s not too spicy but full of zing [Web ID: 15]. People put it on everything—chicken over rice, gyros, even fries!
The white sauce is so popular that customers always talk about it. One person said, “The white sauce at Shah Halal Food keeps me coming back!” [Web ID: 13]. It’s one of three sauces, red hot sauce and green sauce, but the white sauce is the star. It’s part of what makes Shah Halal Food stand out in the fast-casual dining world.
Thayer Street Providence: A New Hotspot
Shah Halal Food opened its first Rhode Island location on Thayer Street in Providence in early 2025, and it’s already a hit [Web ID: 1, 5]. Thayer Street is a busy area near Brown University, with students and locals looking for good food. Shah Halal Food had a two-hour grand opening event with complimentary platters, and many people showed up to try their food [Web ID: 1]. The restaurant is open until 1 a.m. most days and 2 a.m. on weekends, so it’s perfect for late-night snacks [Web ID: 5].
The Thayer Street spot used to be another halal restaurant called Yum’s, but it wasn’t doing well, so the owner, Raviteja Peddi, switched to Shah Halal Food [Web ID: 1]. Students like Jamie and Nia from Brown University love it because it brings new flavours to the area. They said, “Thayer Street needs more diverse food like Shah Halal Food” [Web ID: 1]. If you’re in Providence, this location is excellent for trying their famous chicken over rice or gyros.
Bay Shore Restaurant: Bringing Halal to Long Island
Shah Halal Food opened a new restaurant in Bay Shore, New York, in 2025, adding to their many Long Island locations [Web ID: 3]. It’s in a spot that used to be a toy store on West Main Street, bringing new life to the area. Khalid Mashriqi said, “We’re thrilled to bring Shah’s Halal Food to Bay Shore, a vibrant Long Island community” [Web ID: 3]. The restaurant serves all its classic dishes, like platters, gyros, and vegan options, all 100% halal certified.
This Bay Shore restaurant is one of 23 Shah’s Halal Food locations on Long Island, showing its popularity in the area [Web ID: 4]. They took over a spot that used to be a Halal Guys restaurant in Farmingdale, proving they’re a strong player in the Long Island eatery scene [Web ID: 2]. People love the affordable prices and fresh flavours, making this new spot a go-to for halal dining.
Halal Food Cart: Where It All Began
Shah’s Halal Food started as a single food cart in Queens, New York, 20 years ago [Web ID: 4]. Food carts are small stands that sell quick meals, often on busy city streets. The Mashriqi family’s cart served halal food to Muslim cab drivers and workers who needed fast, affordable meals [Web ID: 15]. Their chicken and rice platters became so popular that they grew into a whole restaurant chain.
Even today, Shah’s Halal Food keeps the food cart spirit alive. Their restaurants feel like those street carts, with quick service and significant portions. Some locations, like New York City, still have food carts nearby, serving the same great food [Web ID: 17]. The carts remind me of how Shah’s Halal Food started small but dreamed big.
Kroger Partnership and Maryland Grocery
Shah’s Halal Food isn’t just in restaurants—it’s teamed up with Kroger, a huge grocery store chain, to bring its food to more people. In Maryland, you can find Shah’s Halal Food products, like its signature sauces or pre-made meals, in Kroger stores [Web ID: 3]. This partnership lets people enjoy halal food at home, which is great for busy families or anyone who loves its flavours.
The Kroger deal shows how Shah’s Halal Food is growing beyond restaurants. Selling their products in grocery stores makes halal food easy to find in places like Maryland. It’s a smart way to reach new customers and share their tasty recipes with more people.
Instacart Delivery: Food at Your Door
Shah’s Halal Food makes it easy to enjoy their meals with Instacart delivery. Instacart is an app that allows you to order groceries or restaurant food and bring it home. Many Shah’s Halal Food locations, like the one in Providence, offer delivery through Instacart, so you can get chicken over rice or a gyro without leaving your couch [Web ID: 5].
This service is perfect for busy people or those who don’t live near a Shah’s Halal Food restaurant. You just go to their website, pick your food, and Instacart delivers it fast. It’s part of why Shah’s Halal Food is so popular in fast casual dining—they make eating halal food super convenient.
Rhode Island Opening: A Big Deal
The opening of Shah’s Halal Food on Thayer Street in Providence was a big moment for the chain. It marked their first restaurant in Rhode Island, bringing their famous platters and sauces to a new state [Web ID: 5]. The grand opening in early 2025 was a hit, with two-hour complimentary platters and a big crowd of excited customers [Web ID: 1]. The restaurant’s late hours make it a favourite for students and night owls.
This Rhode Island opening shows how Shah’s Halal Food is growing across the U.S. They picked Thayer Street because it’s a lively spot with many people, especially Brown University students [Web ID: 1]. It’s a perfect place to share their halal cuisine with a new community.
Halal Certification: Trust in Every Bite
All food at Shah’s Halal Food is 100% halal certified, which means it follows strict Islamic rules [Web ID: 3]. This is essential for Muslim customers who need to know their food is okay to eat. The meat is sourced carefully, and the kitchen follows rules to keep everything halal, like not mixing it with non-halal items. Even their sauces and sides are halal, so you can trust every bite.
This certification makes Shah’s Halal Food a go-to spot for Muslims and anyone who wants high-quality food. It’s part of why they’re so loved in the halal community and beyond [Web ID: 15].
Gyros and Platters: So Many Choices
Shah’s Halal Food has a big menu with many gyros and platters. Gyros are sandwiches made with meat, like chicken or lamb, cooked on a spinning grill and stuffed in pita bread with salad and sauce. Their platters are big plates of rice topped with meat, falafel, or fish, served with veggies and sauce [Web ID: 5]. Some favorites include:
- Chicken Gyro: Grilled chicken in pita with lettuce and white sauce.
- Lamb Over Rice: Ground lamb with herbs, served over basmati rice.
- Falafel Platter: Crispy chickpea balls, perfect for vegetarians [Web ID: 12].
These affordable dishes, usually under $12, come with Shah’s Halal Food’s famous sauces [Web ID: 6]. Whether you love meat or want vegan options, there’s something for everyone.
Vegan Options for Everyone
Shah’s Halal Food isn’t just for meat lovers; they also have vegan options. Their falafel, made from chickpeas and spices, is a big hit with vegetarians and vegans. You can get it over rice or in a pita with fresh veggies and sauces [Web ID: 5]. They also offer salads you can build yourself with toppings like tomatoes and cucumbers.
These vegan choices make Shah’s Halal Food welcoming to all eaters. It’s great for groups where some people eat meat, and others don’t because everyone can find something yummy.
Signature Sauces: Adding Flavor
Shah’s Halal Food is famous for its signature sauces, especially the white sauce. They also have red hot sauce for spice lovers and green sauce for a fresh, herby taste [Web ID: 5]. These sauces are made fresh and add a special kick to every dish. Whether dipping fries or pouring it over a platter, the sauces make the meal extra delicious.
Customers love how these sauces make Shah’s Halal Food stand out. One reviewer said, “Nobody has sauces like Shah’s Halal Food. They make every bite amazing” [Web ID: 6]. It’s a big reason why people keep coming back.
Khalid Mashriqi: The Man Behind the Food
Khalid Mashriqi is the CEO and co-founder of Shah’s Halal Food. He started the business with his family after moving from Afghanistan to New York in 1984 [Web ID: 13]. Khalid saw a need for affordable halal food in college, so he started the food cart in Queens. His hard work and love for food made Shah’s Halal Food a success.
Khalid leads the company with his cousins and family, keeping it a family-run business [Web ID: 15]. He’s proud of how Shah’s Halal Food has grown, saying, “Our food is unique, and our sauces make it special” [Web ID: 6]. His vision is why Shah’s Halal Food is now a favourite across the country.
Food Truck Expansion
Shah’s Halal Food is growing with food trucks, not just restaurants. Food trucks are like mobile kitchens that can park in busy spots and serve food fast. They’re perfect for events, festivals, or city streets. Shah’s Halal Food uses food trucks to reach more people, especially in places where they don’t have a restaurant yet [Web ID: 13].
These trucks serve the same great menu, like chicken over rice and gyros, bringing the Shah’s Halal Food experience to new communities. It’s a smart way to grow and keep that food cart vibe from their early days.
New York Halal and Community Impact
Shah’s Halal Food is a big part of the New York halal scene. Starting in Queens, they’ve become a favourite for locals and tourists who love halal food [Web ID: 14]. Its restaurants in places like Inwood and Broadway bring authentic flavours to busy neighbourhoods [Web ID: 9, 17]. Shah also helps the community by creating jobs and supporting local events, like its grand opening in Providence [Web ID: 1].
By serving halal food that everyone loves, Shah’s Halal Food brings people together. They make sure Muslim customers have food they can trust while welcoming everyone to try their tasty dishes. This community focus is a big part of their success.