London, UK – The World Halal food festival, hosted at the London Stadium in Stratford, is marking a significant milestone in the widespread embrace of halal cuisine, underscoring its increasing acceptance in the UK. Ten years since the inception of the first halal-centric food festival in the capital, the landscape of halal food has undergone remarkable transformation, finding favor not only among the Muslim community but also attracting non-Muslim patrons.
Tristan Clough, co-founder of Coqfighter, a popular fried chicken restaurant, emphasizes the inclusivity of halal cuisine, stating, “I don’t think there’s anything political or any other motivations to serving halal food. Simply put, why wouldn’t you want everyone eating your food?”
In the past decade, halal food’s availability and reception have grown substantially. It is now almost expected to find halal meat in supermarkets, and the range of cuisines catering to halal consumers continues to diversify. Additionally, there are indications that non-Muslims are actively seeking out halal food, particularly in the meat category.
Farhan Afzal, a festival attendee from Birmingham, notes the perceptible shift in attitudes toward halal food over the years, stating, “About five to 10 years ago, there was a massive stigma against halal food. Now people are accepting and embracing it, they’re doing their research, and there’s been a shift in opinion.”
Non-Muslim patron Myanara Wander expresses her preference for dining at establishments that serve halal food, citing the perceived cleanliness and quality of halal meat. “I’ve noticed the meat is a lot cleaner, which is a testament to the way it is handled,” she says. “I’ve also noticed that halal meat tends to be larger compared with non-halal meat.”
Halal, derived from Arabic and signifying “permissible,” adheres to Islamic dietary laws. It excludes foods that are forbidden under Islamic law, such as those containing alcohol and pork. For meat to qualify as halal, animals must be healthy and alive at the time of slaughter, and the process must adhere to specific ritual requirements, including the draining of all blood from the carcass.
The UK has witnessed a notable increase in its Muslim population, with census data from 2021 revealing that 6.5% of the population, approximately 3.9 million individuals, adhere to the Islamic faith. Muslim-owned food chains have concurrently experienced rapid growth. Notably, German Doner Kebab, owned by Athif and Asim Sarwar, siblings of the Scottish Labour leader Anas Sarwar, expanded from 71 restaurants in late 2020 to 146 by the close of 2022, according to records from the chain’s parent company, Hero Brands.
Archie’s, a halal-advertising burger restaurant that originated in Manchester, has garnered a local following and is steadily expanding to other cities, including Leeds and Liverpool. The restaurant has attracted celebrity patrons like Floyd Mayweather Jr., Conor McGregor, Ne-Yo, Kevin Hart, and Rita Ora.
However, the accessibility of halal food can vary across regions. In Scotland, for instance, the halal industry’s growth lags behind other areas, primarily offering burger options. This discrepancy highlights the challenges faced by residents seeking a diverse range of halal cuisines.
The increasing demand for halal options extends to corporate settings as well. Amani Al-Sitrawi and Amir Sharif, proprietors of Amani’s Kitchen, cater to corporate clients, with many companies now requiring halal and gluten-free food options to accommodate their diverse workforce.
While the stigma surrounding halal food appears to be diminishing, some concerns remain, including animal welfare issues. Philip Davies, the Conservative MP for Shipley, acknowledged varying preferences related to halal and kosher meats, underlining the importance of choice in food purchases.
The rise in demand for halal food has notably boosted meat consumption among Muslims, with data from the Agriculture and Horticulture Development Board indicating that Muslim consumers spend approximately £30 on meat weekly, compared to around £12 by the general population.
As halal food continues to gain prominence and acceptance, events like the World Halal food festival reflect the growing significance of halal cuisine. Saba Ali, a festival attendee, comments on the increased accessibility of diverse cultures and religions, stating, “The world is much more connected and globalized. Everyone is aware of other cultures and religions; it’s become a lot more accessible.”