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Who doesn't love to travel? It is such an exciting way to explore new places, cultures and delicious local dishes. But as Muslims, we often face one big problem when visiting non-Muslim countries: finding halal food!
Whether you’re going on a family trip or a business trip, searching for halal food in unfamiliar areas can feel pretty overwhelming. Therefore, in this blog, we have put together some handy tips to make your trip easier and more enjoyable.
Halal food is what we are allowed to eat according to Islamic law. It includes meat from permissible animals that have been slaughtered in the most humane way. Also, it must be free from alcohol, pork (and its by-products), and other prohibited substances.
It is mentioned in the Quran,
“They ask you, O Prophet, what is permissible for them (to eat). Say, What is good and lawful.”
(Surah Al-Ma'idah, verse 4)
For us, understanding halal food is crucial, as it ensures that what we consume aligns with our beliefs. So, when we're in non-Muslim countries, knowing what halal means can help us make informed choices about our meals!
Looking for easy-to-carry halal snacks for your travels? Explore our range of halal food products like dates, organic honey, and halal sweets. Shop now and enjoy your favourite halal snacks on the go!
As you start your trip, remember to praise Allah and ask Him to make this journey easy for you. Recite these duas for travelling and begin your ride with blessings.
Now that you are ready to travel, let’s dive into these amazing and practical tips you must follow to ensure a worry-free dining experience!
It is always a good idea to research your destination and its food culture before you go. It can help you save time while travelling. Be it for work or leisure, no one wants to waste time driving around, asking every other restaurant if they serve halal food.
You can use halal food apps such as Maidah and Halal Dining Club to find halal food restaurants and supermarkets by entering the country name or zip code of your destination. In addition to this, you can also ask your relatives and friends if they know anyone at your trip destination. This trick can help you find halal food options without much effort.
When you are travelling, you should prioritise Muslim-owned restaurants. Not only are they more likely to serve halal food, but you’re also supporting fellow Muslims in the community. These places are dedicated to meeting halal standards, so you won’t have to worry about what you’re eating.
But if you can’t find Muslim-owned food restaurants, then, look for a restaurant that has a halal certificate displayed around the restaurant. Also, don’t forget to confirm with restaurant staff to ensure that non-halal ingredients such as alcohol are not used while preparing the food. You should also check if the halal food was cooked in a separate kitchen or in the same kitchen as non-halal food. You can also look into this guide to find the best halal food restaurants and ensure you’re eating halal.
If you can’t find halal food at your trip destination, one of the safest options is to go for vegetarian or vegan dishes. Vegetarian meals don’t include any meat, whereas vegan options are entirely free from animal products. Even though these meals seem safe, still they may contain cooking alcohol which is commonly used in European dishes. Just to be sure, you should check with restaurant staff that the food doesn’t contain any animal-derived ingredients such as gelatin, rennet, or other non-halal substances like alcohol.
If you’re looking for a tasty halal alternative, why not try seafood? Seafood is a good option as it is considered halal as per Islamic dietary guidelines. It is mentioned in the Quran,
“It is lawful for you to hunt and eat seafood, as a provision for you and for travellers.”
(Surah Al-Ma’ida, verse 96)
So, whether you’re exploring a new city or simply looking for a meal on the go, consider seafood like tuna, salmon, and shrimps as a safe option that aligns with halal food standards while allowing you to enjoy your travels. Also, make sure to check if the halal food was cooked in a separate kitchen or in the same kitchen as non-halal food.
There’s another trick you can use to find halal food options easily. You can contact a local masjid (mosque). You will find many Muslim fellows there. You can ask them about how and where you can find halal restaurants and markets in that area. Now the question arises: ‘how can I find mosques in foreign areas? Don’t you worry - there’s a solution! You can get the details of the nearest masjid (mosque) by using Islamic Finder.
When travelling in non-Muslim countries, you won’t want to miss your Salah (prayer). If you’re visiting the UK, remember to check these prayer timetables to pray on time.
If you’re going on a long trip and worried you might not find halal snacks on the way, travel snacks are a must. Easy options like dried fruit, dates, pre-packed sandwiches, salad, and overnight oats are perfect for taking with you. They are quick and hassle-free halal choices, so you can enjoy your journey without losing your energy.
When travelling, choosing self-catering places to stay can make sticking to halal food a lot easier. By having your own kitchen space, you can cook meals that align with your halal dietary needs. You can easily shop for fresh ingredients like vegetables and fruit while travelling. When buying from grocery stores, remember to look for halal logos on the products. Also, you can check for shops around your current location that sell halal food by using HMC.
In short, self-catering gives you control over what you eat and allows you to enjoy your travels with peace of mind.
In summary, finding halal food while travelling can be challenging. But proper research and planning can make it easier. In this article, we’ve shared practical tips like finding halal restaurants, opting for vegetarian and seafood dishes, and prioritising self-catering options. By following these suggestions, Muslim travellers can enjoy their trip without the stress of searching for halal food.
Are you a seller of halal/sunnah food hoping to reach a wider Muslim community?
Join Riwaya today, the UK’s largest Islamic marketplace, to showcase your halal-certified products to a dedicated audience. At Riwaya, we take care of everything from promoting to helping customers discover your brand online. Join us to reach thousands of interested buyers searching for halal and sunnah food like yours!
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