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A spread of grilled meats.
Aga’s is known for its spicy grilled meats.
Aga’s Restaurant & Catering Facebook

Where to Find Halal Eats in Houston

These restaurants are serving up halal Lebanese and Turkish pizzas, smoked brisket, smash burgers, birria tacos, kebabs, and lots more

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Aga’s is known for its spicy grilled meats.
| Aga’s Restaurant & Catering Facebook

With over 70,000 Muslims living in the region, the greater Houston area is home to the largest Islamic community in the South, which means there’s no shortage of great restaurants serving halal foods.

The term “halal” translates to “permissible” in the Arabic language, and similar to kosher diets for the Jewish community, the halal diet adheres to Islamic standards, requiring meats (with the exception of pork) and other preparations to be religiously slaughtered. As a city that celebrates its many communities, accessibility to cuisines, and a range of eating preferences, halal fare in Houston comes in delightfully diverse flavors, including South East Asian, Mexican fusion, Persian, Lebanese, Moroccan, Texas barbecue — the list goes on.

This community will be celebrating the holiday of Ramadan, beginning Wednesday, March 22 to Friday, April 21. In accordance with tradition, the Iftar meal that follows the sun up to sun down fast is a time of feasting and reflection. As many Houstonians gear up for the celebrations, here are some of the city’s essential restaurants that serve Halal eats.

Is your favorite halal restaurant missing from this map? Shout it out in the comments.

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Tempura Halal Indo-Pak Grill (Antoine)

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With three locations in the greater Houston area, this Indo-Pak restaurant has been churning out kebabs and Asian-inspired tempura options to diners via their dining rooms, buffets, and mammoth party trays. Plentiful portions of kebabs made with chicken, lamb, fish, and beef may take the cake here, but be sure to try traditional Pakistani preparations of lesser-known dishes, like beef haleem — an aromatic slow-cooked wheat porridge with lentils and chunks of beef.

Kabob Korner

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With two locations in Houston and Katy, Kabob Korner prides itself on bringing together South Asian and Mediterranean flavors with entrees like the Bihari kebab, which is marinated in yogurt and papaya, and the kofta kebab, a more traditional Mediterranean grilled beef skewer. While the menu gives diners a glimpse of cuisine from the greater Middle East, the South Asian-leaning flavors shine too, with dishes like chicken biryani and dal.

ZOA Moroccan Kitchen

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Inspired by chef Youssef Nafaa's upbringing in Morocco, Zoa celebrates street food with an array of buildable sandwiches, salads, and breads from Morocco. A house favorite is the Marrakech, named after the vacation-hot spot, in which a sandwich or salad is loaded with beef tagine and topped with confit onions, greens, sweet potato, pickled red onion cabbage, cinnamon raisin onion, and a spicy green sauce.

Empire Turkish Grill

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Transport yourself to the streets of Istanbul at this down-home restaurant. Sample mixed grill kebab platters served with regional appetizer specialties, like red lentil soup and Turkish dumplings, and don’t forget the fresh labneh and cabbage rolls.

Taco Fuego

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With outposts at Post Houston, in Katy, and at the Galleria, this ever-popular taco truck marries Latin American flavors with halal standards and preparations. Birria tacos, enchiladas, empanadas, and a hearty consommé are among the menu’s standouts. Be sure to try the truck’s spin on ramen, which amps up the Japanese dish with birria and pickled onions.

Yummy's Hot Chicken

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Nashville meets Damascus at this popular food truck. Get the Syrian hot chicken, or one of the chicken tender platters, and don’t skimp on the “Yummy” sauce. All options can be ordered as sandwiches, or with fries.

LaPasha Lounge & Grill

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For great ambiance, colorful plates, and late-night coffee and desserts, head to LaPasha. Entrees like the chicken tawook and lamb shank are favorites, but the bevy of dessert and breakfast-for-dinner options, like the pistachio waffles are the real stars here. Traditional Turkish and Saudi coffee pots adorn tables, while guests enjoy food, sweets, and hookah into the late night hours.

Cafe Caspian

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Warm flatbreads and classic preparations of Persian dishes are at the forefront of this elegant Westheimer cafe and grill. Pair juicy Koobideh kebabs alongside an array of different kinds of Persian rice, like the date and lentil-filled Addas polo. Be sure to order the Kuku Sabzi to start, an herbaceous egg frittata dish served throughout Iran.

Nazif’s

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Transport your taste buds to the streets of Istanbul with generous heaps of Turkish-style grilled kebabs at this Turkish hotspot. Don’t miss the variety of different pides offered here. Essentially a “Turkish pizza,” pides are savory grilled bread stuffed with cheese and toppings like Turkish sausage or spinach. The Baklava provides a great cap to a meal here.

Kasra Persian Grill

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One of Houston’s premier Persian restaurants, Kasra is home to some of the city’s best kebabs and Persian specialties. Start with the kashke bademjan, a warm eggplant dip, and then try one of the various stews or rice dishes, like the zereshk polo, barberry rice that pairs well with skewers of filet mignon, beef, ground chicken, and lamb kebabs.

Chuckwagon BBQ & Burgers

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Finding halal options in the vast cornucopia of the Houston barbecue scene can be difficult. Thankfully, Chuckwagon BBQ & Burgers in Katy offers their signature brisket, smoked chicken, burnt ends, beef ribs, and hot links in halal formats daily. The burnt ends are only available on Fridays and the “Dino” beef ribs on weekends.

Cedars Bakery

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Let your nose guide the way at this Lebanese bakery, where bread and manakish, or flatbreads, are baked fresh daily, and topped with your choice of zaatar — a combination of spices like thyme and oil — akkawi cheese, beef, and more. Cedars opens at 7:30 a.m., so if a breakfast craving hits bright and early, don’t be shy.

Al Aseel Grill and Cafe

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Most are familiar with the Nashville or Korean iterations, but Al Aseel’s own Palestinian riff on fried chicken deserves some recognition. This strip mall gem serves halal fried chicken that is crisped to golden perfection, drizzled with zaatar, and presented with a side of yellow rice and a cucumber and tomato salad.

Twisted Turban

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Comfort food classics like burgers, nachos, and patty melts are made with an Indian twist at this casual Sugar Land restaurant. Try the brisket-laden Turban Burger, complemented with a mango slaw.

For an authentic Persian experience beyond just great kebabs, head to Bijan. Get the crispy tahdig, a crunchy rice side, with Lamb Soltani kabob. The Bijan Special —  a chicken and filet mignon kebab sampler, plated with Persian sour cherry and cranberry rice — is a house favorite.

Pasha Turkish Restaurant

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For almost two decades, Pasha has been the go-to spot for Houstonians looking for traditional Turkish eats. Sample the restaurant’s kebabs with the mixed grill platter of doner, Adana, and shish kebabs, and dive into its hearty guvec meat stew. Pro tip: Pair your meal with a glass of Ayran, a homemade fizzy yogurt drink.

M&M Grill

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This no-frills restaurant fuses Tex-Mex and Mediterranean flavors, and uses halal meat in its dishes. Find a diverse menu, featuring fajitas, loaded cheeseburgers, shawarma plates, and falafel sandwiches.

Aga's Restaurant & Catering

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Indian and Pakistani flavors are brought to life at Aga’s, where diners can expect bubbling bowls of goat or chicken curries, alongside traditions like butter chicken, tikka masala, and goat chops. The menu is extensive, as options range from street food and chaat to various biryanis and kebabs. Order the BBQ mixed grill sampler to get a good snapshot of all of the spice-driven flavors.

Crypto Burger

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Expect monstrous, Insta-worthy burgers at this Sugar Land burger joint. The “Hold on for Dear Life” is made with a 100% halal beef patty, gyro meat, beef bacon, and the restaurant’s signature FOMO sauce. Like its namesake digital currency, Crypto Burger is growing fast, with a second outpost in Katy.

Bismillah

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One of the original halal restaurants in town, Bismillah is a one-stop destination for everything from chaat and traditional Indo-Pak eats to western dishes like burgers, wings, and pizza. The chicken karahi and the fish curry are requisite orders, and the ten chicken sandwich is also a worthy choice. Too hot to handle? Order the mango lassi, a traditional yogurt-based drink combined with mango.

Karahi Boys

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This popular Canadian Pakistani restaurant has landed in Sugar Land as the first outpost stateside. Expect tandoor favorites such as chicken karahi, various mixed chicken and beef kebabs, and rich spice-driven soups and stews. With colorful wall murals, industrial light-fixtures, and mood lighting, the ambiance is a welcome alternative to other fast-casual halal restaurants.

Musaafer

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This lively Galleria-area restaurant showcases Indian cuisine in a modern way, and they offer Halal options. The beef vindaloo, a filet mignon dish served with a balchao pickle trio, confit garlic, and beef chili fried rice, really shines, while other notables include the dum ki ribs—a braised short rib plate with cashew and onion dolmas, served with a nigella seed naan toast. Whether you’re looking to grab tapas at the bar, or have a full blown meal, there’s something to satisfy every palate.

Tempura Halal Indo-Pak Grill (Antoine)

With three locations in the greater Houston area, this Indo-Pak restaurant has been churning out kebabs and Asian-inspired tempura options to diners via their dining rooms, buffets, and mammoth party trays. Plentiful portions of kebabs made with chicken, lamb, fish, and beef may take the cake here, but be sure to try traditional Pakistani preparations of lesser-known dishes, like beef haleem — an aromatic slow-cooked wheat porridge with lentils and chunks of beef.

Kabob Korner

With two locations in Houston and Katy, Kabob Korner prides itself on bringing together South Asian and Mediterranean flavors with entrees like the Bihari kebab, which is marinated in yogurt and papaya, and the kofta kebab, a more traditional Mediterranean grilled beef skewer. While the menu gives diners a glimpse of cuisine from the greater Middle East, the South Asian-leaning flavors shine too, with dishes like chicken biryani and dal.

ZOA Moroccan Kitchen

Inspired by chef Youssef Nafaa's upbringing in Morocco, Zoa celebrates street food with an array of buildable sandwiches, salads, and breads from Morocco. A house favorite is the Marrakech, named after the vacation-hot spot, in which a sandwich or salad is loaded with beef tagine and topped with confit onions, greens, sweet potato, pickled red onion cabbage, cinnamon raisin onion, and a spicy green sauce.

Empire Turkish Grill

Transport yourself to the streets of Istanbul at this down-home restaurant. Sample mixed grill kebab platters served with regional appetizer specialties, like red lentil soup and Turkish dumplings, and don’t forget the fresh labneh and cabbage rolls.

Taco Fuego

With outposts at Post Houston, in Katy, and at the Galleria, this ever-popular taco truck marries Latin American flavors with halal standards and preparations. Birria tacos, enchiladas, empanadas, and a hearty consommé are among the menu’s standouts. Be sure to try the truck’s spin on ramen, which amps up the Japanese dish with birria and pickled onions.

Yummy's Hot Chicken

Nashville meets Damascus at this popular food truck. Get the Syrian hot chicken, or one of the chicken tender platters, and don’t skimp on the “Yummy” sauce. All options can be ordered as sandwiches, or with fries.

LaPasha Lounge & Grill

For great ambiance, colorful plates, and late-night coffee and desserts, head to LaPasha. Entrees like the chicken tawook and lamb shank are favorites, but the bevy of dessert and breakfast-for-dinner options, like the pistachio waffles are the real stars here. Traditional Turkish and Saudi coffee pots adorn tables, while guests enjoy food, sweets, and hookah into the late night hours.

Cafe Caspian

Warm flatbreads and classic preparations of Persian dishes are at the forefront of this elegant Westheimer cafe and grill. Pair juicy Koobideh kebabs alongside an array of different kinds of Persian rice, like the date and lentil-filled Addas polo. Be sure to order the Kuku Sabzi to start, an herbaceous egg frittata dish served throughout Iran.

Nazif’s

Transport your taste buds to the streets of Istanbul with generous heaps of Turkish-style grilled kebabs at this Turkish hotspot. Don’t miss the variety of different pides offered here. Essentially a “Turkish pizza,” pides are savory grilled bread stuffed with cheese and toppings like Turkish sausage or spinach. The Baklava provides a great cap to a meal here.

Kasra Persian Grill

One of Houston’s premier Persian restaurants, Kasra is home to some of the city’s best kebabs and Persian specialties. Start with the kashke bademjan, a warm eggplant dip, and then try one of the various stews or rice dishes, like the zereshk polo, barberry rice that pairs well with skewers of filet mignon, beef, ground chicken, and lamb kebabs.

Chuckwagon BBQ & Burgers

Finding halal options in the vast cornucopia of the Houston barbecue scene can be difficult. Thankfully, Chuckwagon BBQ & Burgers in Katy offers their signature brisket, smoked chicken, burnt ends, beef ribs, and hot links in halal formats daily. The burnt ends are only available on Fridays and the “Dino” beef ribs on weekends.

Cedars Bakery

Let your nose guide the way at this Lebanese bakery, where bread and manakish, or flatbreads, are baked fresh daily, and topped with your choice of zaatar — a combination of spices like thyme and oil — akkawi cheese, beef, and more. Cedars opens at 7:30 a.m., so if a breakfast craving hits bright and early, don’t be shy.

Al Aseel Grill and Cafe

Most are familiar with the Nashville or Korean iterations, but Al Aseel’s own Palestinian riff on fried chicken deserves some recognition. This strip mall gem serves halal fried chicken that is crisped to golden perfection, drizzled with zaatar, and presented with a side of yellow rice and a cucumber and tomato salad.

Twisted Turban

Comfort food classics like burgers, nachos, and patty melts are made with an Indian twist at this casual Sugar Land restaurant. Try the brisket-laden Turban Burger, complemented with a mango slaw.

Bijan

For an authentic Persian experience beyond just great kebabs, head to Bijan. Get the crispy tahdig, a crunchy rice side, with Lamb Soltani kabob. The Bijan Special —  a chicken and filet mignon kebab sampler, plated with Persian sour cherry and cranberry rice — is a house favorite.

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Pasha Turkish Restaurant

For almost two decades, Pasha has been the go-to spot for Houstonians looking for traditional Turkish eats. Sample the restaurant’s kebabs with the mixed grill platter of doner, Adana, and shish kebabs, and dive into its hearty guvec meat stew. Pro tip: Pair your meal with a glass of Ayran, a homemade fizzy yogurt drink.

M&M Grill

This no-frills restaurant fuses Tex-Mex and Mediterranean flavors, and uses halal meat in its dishes. Find a diverse menu, featuring fajitas, loaded cheeseburgers, shawarma plates, and falafel sandwiches.

Aga's Restaurant & Catering

Indian and Pakistani flavors are brought to life at Aga’s, where diners can expect bubbling bowls of goat or chicken curries, alongside traditions like butter chicken, tikka masala, and goat chops. The menu is extensive, as options range from street food and chaat to various biryanis and kebabs. Order the BBQ mixed grill sampler to get a good snapshot of all of the spice-driven flavors.

Crypto Burger

Expect monstrous, Insta-worthy burgers at this Sugar Land burger joint. The “Hold on for Dear Life” is made with a 100% halal beef patty, gyro meat, beef bacon, and the restaurant’s signature FOMO sauce. Like its namesake digital currency, Crypto Burger is growing fast, with a second outpost in Katy.

Bismillah

One of the original halal restaurants in town, Bismillah is a one-stop destination for everything from chaat and traditional Indo-Pak eats to western dishes like burgers, wings, and pizza. The chicken karahi and the fish curry are requisite orders, and the ten chicken sandwich is also a worthy choice. Too hot to handle? Order the mango lassi, a traditional yogurt-based drink combined with mango.

Karahi Boys

This popular Canadian Pakistani restaurant has landed in Sugar Land as the first outpost stateside. Expect tandoor favorites such as chicken karahi, various mixed chicken and beef kebabs, and rich spice-driven soups and stews. With colorful wall murals, industrial light-fixtures, and mood lighting, the ambiance is a welcome alternative to other fast-casual halal restaurants.

Musaafer

This lively Galleria-area restaurant showcases Indian cuisine in a modern way, and they offer Halal options. The beef vindaloo, a filet mignon dish served with a balchao pickle trio, confit garlic, and beef chili fried rice, really shines, while other notables include the dum ki ribs—a braised short rib plate with cashew and onion dolmas, served with a nigella seed naan toast. Whether you’re looking to grab tapas at the bar, or have a full blown meal, there’s something to satisfy every palate.

Related Maps