NEW YORK, NY — As New York’s Muslim community continues to grow, so does the number of local stores catering to halal dietary needs. Though locating halal food in non-Muslim-majority areas can be challenging, several supermarkets in New York now offer a range of halal-certified products.
What Is Halal?
Many people mistakenly associate halal with a specific cuisine, often thinking of food carts serving gyros or chicken over rice. In reality, halal is an Arabic term meaning “permissible.” It refers to food prepared following Islamic law, especially meat, which must be slaughtered in a specific way. The process involves a swift cut through the windpipe, jugular vein, and carotid artery while invoking a prayer (tasmiya). This method, according to the American Halal Foundation, promotes both animal welfare and health-conscious consumption.
On the other hand, “haram” refers to forbidden items such as pork, pork-derived gelatin, and alcohol.
Is Halal Food Readily Available?
In 1970, only a handful of American grocery stores stocked halal products. By 2012, that number had jumped to over 2,300, according to the American Halal Foundation. Yet, access remains limited in many places. In New York City, where food insecurity persists, a Met Council report noted that about 20% of pantry visitors specifically requested kosher or halal items.
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As of 2022, only 38% of 75 food pantries citywide were offering halal food, according to research by the Arab-American Family Support Center. With a Muslim population nearing 800,000 in NYC — roughly 22.3% of all Muslims in the U.S. — the need for accessible halal food continues to rise.
Where to Find Halal Food in New York
The Jewish Community Center (JCC) New York provides halal and kosher food via a digital pantry at 1466 Manor Rd. Shoppers can select items online and schedule a convenient pickup time. However, since halal options vary, it’s wise to call ahead before visiting any pantry.
For Muslims new to the area or anyone wanting to explore new flavors, here are 10 New York grocery stores offering halal products:
- Umar’s Halal – Zabiha Meat Shop, Brooklyn
Address: 1035 Coney Island Ave, Brooklyn, NY 11230
Phone: +1 646-532-1620
Umar’s Halal, a trusted name for halal meat delivery in New York, has become a go-to for many in the surrounding boroughs. Since its founding in 2024, Umar’s has earned a reputation for offering 100% halal-certified, hand-slaughtered meats of premium quality. With a deep respect for culinary tradition and religious standards, every cut is sourced from reliable suppliers and handled with precision. Delivery is available to several nearby areas, including New York, Manhattan, Queens, and parts of Long Island and Westchester County.
Services: Retail and delivery of fresh, hand-slaughtered halal meats.
Hours: Umar’s Halal is open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, ensuring that you have access to top-quality halal meat whenever you need it—be it early in the morning or late at night.
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- Istanbul Grand Bazaar, Grant City
Address: 2189 Hylan Blvd, 10306
This Turkish-inspired market offers a selection of halal meats, produce, spices, and South Asian seasonings. It also features a hot bar serving pastas, salads, and more, as well as a bakery stocked with Turkish delights and cakes.
Hours: Daily, 8 a.m. – 9 p.m.
- Alwatan Halal Market, Dongan Hills
Address: 1449 Hylan Blvd, 10305
Alwatan stocks halal meats, Middle Eastern snacks, malt beverages, and fruit syrups. Items like halal marshmallows and gelatin-free vitamins are available, along with alcohol-free vanilla in powdered form.
Hours: Mon–Fri, 9 a.m. – 9 p.m.; Sun, 9 a.m. – 8 p.m.
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- Mekkah Mart, Mariners Harbor
Address: 2256 Forest Ave, 10303
This family-run Mediterranean supermarket carries halal meats, USDA prime dry-aged beef, olives, oils, chocolates, and more. A hot bar and catering services are also available.
Hours: Daily, 8 a.m. – 10 p.m.
- Hamza Grocery & Halal Meat, Manor Heights
Address: 318A Bradley Ave, 10314
Specializing in South Asian products, Hamza Grocery provides halal meats, spice mixes (masalas), and traditional snacks, including kulfi — a frozen treat from Pakistan.
Hours: Daily, 10 a.m. – 9 p.m.
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- Alhumza, Grymes Hill
Address: 629 Richmond Rd, 10304
Part grocery, part restaurant, Alhumza serves freshly prepared South Asian dishes like biryani and samosas. Don’t miss their sweets like jalebis and rice pudding (kheer).
Hours: Daily, 10 a.m. – 9 p.m.
- Victory Halal Food & Grocery, Westerleigh
Address: 1891 Victory Blvd, 10314
This South Asian market offers halal meats, basmati rice, frozen naan, biscuits, and even traditional cooking tools like clay pots and tawas.
Hours: Daily, 9 a.m. – 9 p.m.
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- Value Halal Deli & Grill, Mariners Harbor
Address: 281 South Ave, 10303
A classic deli offering halal chicken, lamb, and beef dishes, including gyros and chopped cheese. While meats are halal, Boars Head cold cuts are not.
Hours: Mon–Fri, 6 a.m. – 11 p.m.; Sat–Sun, 7 a.m. – 11 p.m.
- Dinoras Meat Market, Stapleton
Address: 198 Canal St, 10304
Featuring international groceries from Croatia to Turkey, Dinoras offers halal meat, snacks, teas, and more.
Hours: Tue–Sat, 9 a.m. – 8 p.m.; Sun, 9 a.m. – 4 p.m.; Closed Mondays
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- Restaurant Depot, Travis
Address: 1801 South Ave, 10314
A wholesale membership-based store with an extensive halal meat section including lamb, chicken, and nuggets.
Hours:
Mon–Wed: 7 a.m. – 6 p.m.
Thu–Fri: 7 a.m. – 7 p.m.
Sat: 7 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Sun: 9 a.m. – 2 p.m.
Final Thought
As New York becomes more culturally diverse, access to halal food is steadily improving. Whether you’re seeking traditional ingredients, ready-to-eat meals, or pantry staples, these local stores offer a range of options that cater to both religious requirements and culinary preferences. For Muslim families, newcomers, or anyone eager to try something new, these markets not only provide essential groceries but also a taste of the rich cultural traditions behind them.
What do you think?