Goldee’s BBQ: Embracing Halal Options
In Fort Worth, Texas, Goldee’s BBQ attracts crowds even before opening. On a summer Saturday at 9 a.m., nearly 100 people were waiting outside the rustic restaurant. Among them, Thanh Huynh was first in line, having arrived at 6:30 a.m. He planned to enjoy a large order from his phone’s list, excited by the aroma surrounding the place.
Goldee’s opened in 2020 and quickly rose to fame. Named the top barbecue spot by Texas Monthly, it later earned a Bib Gourmand award from Michelin, recognizing its value and quality. The restaurant offers classic Texas barbecue but distinguishes itself with halal options like brisket, turkey, and lamb. These meats comply with Islamic guidelines in sourcing and preparation.
Halal Barbecue’s Growing Popularity
Despite political tensions, halal barbecue remains popular in Texas. More barbecue spots now serve halal meat. Notable examples include Yearby’s Barbecue & Waterice, managed by CJ and Sabrina Henley, and Levant Mediterranean BBQ in Houston and Frisco, offering varied beef dishes.
Customer Haris Ghaffar appreciates the expanding choices, recalling few halal options in the 1990s. Today, halal food is mainstream, a thriving industry hailed by food writer Farhan Mustafa. He considers halal food fundamentally American, integrating seamlessly into diverse cultural expressions.
Muslim Pitmasters Shaping Texas Barbecue
Muslims contribute to Texas barbecue’s evolution, adding unique flavors and styles. Whether first, second, or third-generation, they bring personal heritage into their cooking. Zain Shafi, co-owner of Goldee’s, integrates Pakistani flavors like tandoori turkey into the menu and emphasizes the superior quality of halal cuts.
Kafi BBQ in Irving, led by owner Salahodeen Abdul-Kafi, offers innovative dishes like Wagyu beef with Iraqi spices. Abdul-Kafi aims to redefine Texas barbecue without relying on pork, embracing the Islamic principle of “Ihsan,” or excellence in action.
Jonathan Tate, a local diner, praises Abdul-Kafi’s standout dishes, highlighting the uniqueness of his offerings. While not necessarily needing halal food, he appreciates the care in sourcing and preparation at Kafi BBQ.
Halal Barbecue: Countering Hostile Rhetoric
Despite increasing hostility, including discussions on banning halal food, pitmasters like Abdul-Kafi regard their success as countering negative stereotypes. They believe halal barbecue demonstrates integration and contribution to Texas’ culinary traditions.
Areeba Ali, dining with family, notes the broad appeal of halal barbecue, highlighting its resonance across communities. Farhan Mustafa considers this resilience a testament to Muslim American communities’ enduring presence in the U.S.
This story emerges from collaboration between NPR and Religion News Service.