Part of the Muslim faith is to only eat halal foods and according to Statistics New Zealand, in 2006 there were 35,856 Muslims living here.
So, what is halal? Halal means lawful in Arabic and the Quran outlines certain guidelines for what Muslims mustn’t eat, like pork, birds of prey, blood and animals not slaughtered properly.
The Quran says to treat animals with respect and limit the pain felt during slaughter. Also, as Muslims can’t consume blood, the jugular vein is cut, allowing the blood to drain away from the body.
If you require halal food, there are plenty halal restaurants and butcheries in Auckland.
Curry Mahal is an Indian restaurant in the Waitakere Mega Centre in Henderson. They’re open seven days and you can dine in, take away or receive deliveries. They serve a variety of delicious Indian and Pakistani dishes and, at $10 to $20 per meal, are very reasonably priced. Check out their lunch special at $5.99!
The Chicken Farm Shop is located on Puhinui Road in Manukau. They have been in business for over 40 years and are open every day of the week.
They provide a wide range of chicken products, including halal, and supply New Zealand’s third largest chicken brand, Brink’s Chicken.
For occasions like weddings and funerals, they will also supply in bulk.
Satya K Road on Karangahape Road is fully licensed and open seven days a week. They produce South Indian dishes for dining in or take away and their meals range from $10 to $20 per meal.
An authentic experience is created with fresh ingredients and traditional recipes. Try their Masala Dosa, consisting of potato-and-onion curry wrapped in dosa with sambar and
coconut chutney, you won’t be disappointed.
Some more places to try:
- Flame Gourmet Pizzas. At the corner of Ormiston Road and Te Irirangi Dive in Botany, here you can enjoy halal pizzas and burgers.
- Top in the town. At 689 Sandringham Road, Sandringham. They produce food from regions including India, the Middle East, Indonesia and Singapore.
- Jewel of Bombay. They’re in the Metro Centre on Queen Street and serve non-vegetarian halal, vegetarian and vegan means. Visit: http://www.menus.co.nz/listing/4py7zd/jewel-of-bombay-metro-centre/
- Younus Halal Meats and Spices on Dominion Road, Mount Roskill supplies halal lamb, goat, chicken, beef and sausages.
Editorial by By Liam MacAndrew
8 August 2012
