Halal Barbecue Gains Popularity in Texas

Early Morning Crowds at Goldee’s BBQ

At 9 a.m. on a hot summer Saturday, almost 100 people were gathered outside Goldee’s BBQ, a small restaurant in Fort Worth, Texas. Leading the pack was Thanh Huynh, age 30, who arrived at 6:30 a.m. with a lawn chair, prepared to spend generously on a variety of meats and sides. The sweet, smoky aroma from nearby pits surrounded them.

Goldee’s BBQ: A Prestigious Spot

Goldee’s, founded in 2020 by friends, quickly became renowned. Texas Monthly named it the top barbecue spot, and Michelin Guide bestowed a Bib Gourmand award, acknowledging its quality and value. The restaurant features traditional Texas barbecue like pork belly and ribs, alongside halal options including brisket, turkey, and lamb, adhering to Islamic practices.

Halal Barbecue: Thriving Amid Political Tensions

As Texas political discourse increasingly targets Muslim communities, halal barbecue is thriving. Muslim pitmasters are gaining recognition for their creative contributions to Texas barbecue tradition. Halal options are now served at various locations such as Yearby’s Barbecue & Waterice and Levant Mediterranean BBQ, offering unique dishes like brisket shawarma sandwich.

Community Demand for Halal Options

Haris Ghaffar, a customer who traveled an hour for Goldee’s halal barbecue, remarked about the abundance of halal options today compared to the 1990s. Formerly limited to meals like a McDonald’s Filet-O-Fish, halal food is now part of the mainstream culinary industry, offering diverse choices.

Innovative Halal Recipes from Muslim Pitmasters

Muslim communities are bringing unique flavors to Texas barbecue. Zain Shafi, co-owner of Goldee’s, enhances menus with spices from his heritage, such as tandoori smoked turkey. Similarly, Salahodeen Abdul-Kafi, owner of Kafi BBQ in Irving, offers halal Wagyu beef and Iraqi spices, aiming to provide exceptional barbecue without pork.

Kafi BBQ: A Blend of Cultures

Abdul-Kafi, a former tech worker, ventured into barbecue by crafting halal recipes. His offerings, like 13-spice Wagyu brisket and Iraqi-inspired spicy beef sausage, attract diverse patrons, showcasing the appeal of halal barbecue beyond specific communities. Jonathan Tate, a diner, praised Kafi’s unique and high-quality sausage.

Halal Barbecue: A Counter to Hostile Rhetoric

Despite hostile political rhetoric against Muslims in Texas, the rise of halal barbecue challenges stereotypes. Abdul-Kafi considers halal barbecue as a representation of integration and contribution to Texas cuisine. Areeba Ali, dining with family, noted the diverse community enjoying the restaurant.

Halal Barbecue’s Enduring Impact

Food writer Farhan Mustafa emphasizes the resilience of Muslim American communities, asserting that halal food has become an integral aspect of American culinary culture. He predicts the continued presence of halal barbecue, affirming its recognition as quintessentially American.