Though Seton Hall is a mere 30-minute train ride from The Halal Guys' native NYC, Halal-certified food can be difficult to come by in South Orange. And while the cafeteria offers a Halal meal station, not all commuters have meal plans -- or the budget for delivery to campus.
We've rounded up a list of Halal restaurants in the South Orange area, and yes, there's more to it than Shawarma.Though many people are familiar with a kosher diet, not many people are aware of the dynamics of eating halal meat. Like kosher meat, halal is similar in the sense that it relates to the way meat is prepared or butchered before being eat. Halal meat is specifically grazed to treat the animal properly, and is thus seen deemed a healthier cut of meat.
According to Halal Advocates, meats such as goat, lamb, chicken, and beef must be halal-certified. Fish does not have to be halal certified, but other seafood such as lobster, crab, and oysters do, given that they are fished rather than hunted.
This list includes a little bit of Chinese takeout, the traditional Middle Eastern and Mediterranean platters, and even New Jersey classics such as pizza and pasta -- all Halal certified.
1. NY Gyro King
588 Bloomfield Ave, Bloomfield, NJ 07003
NY Gyro King in Bloomfield serves generously portioned Mediterranean eats, including gyros, kebabs, sandwiches, and platters, and its proximity to The Parkway makes it a great option for commuters.
2. Amin's Fongyip Chinese Muslim Restaurant
430 Chancellor Ave, Newark, NJ 07112
Amin’s serves authentic Halal Chinese food and is easily accessible for takeout. Reviewers have named Amin's some of the best Chinese food they’ve ever had (regardless of dietary needs) and recommend the Pepper Steak & Chow Mein.
3. Pizza 2000
Pizza 2000 serves classic pies and specialty pizzas, in addition to chicken tenders, pasta, and salad.
4. King's Family Restaurant and Catering, Inc.
557 Clinton Ave, Newark, NJ 07108
King’s Family Restaurant & Catering serves delicious, Halal‑assured meals made with the freshest ingredients.
Visit their restaurant for takeout, or get it delivered via DoorDash.
5. King Wings
155 Sanford St, East Orange, NJ 07018
King Wings serves Halal fried chicken, whether it be crispy tenders or stacked sandwiches.
6. Porto Falafel
2933 Vauxhall Rd, Vauxhall, NJ 07088
Porto Falafel delivers on their promise of authentic Egyptian cuisine, with Halal and vegetarian offerings. Plus, it has a 5/5 rating on @Zabihah.
7. Gyro Grill
250 Central Ave, East Orange, NJ 07018
@GyroGrill_EastOrange serves fresh & healthy Mediterranean eats, including their famous marinated Shawarma platters with rice, salad, and your choice of Halal protein.
Plus, they have a loyalty program (buy 9, get your 10th platter free) and deliver.
8. Sunrise Halal Restaurant
45 New St, Irvington, NJ 07111
Sunrise serves homestyle Halal eats, including all‑day breakfast. Bonus? Delivery is just $0.49 on Uber Eats.
9. China Pagoda Halal Restaurant
1034 Main St, Paterson, NJ 07503
China Pagoda Halal is located in Paterson and serves a variety of Chinese takeout staples that are Halal‑assured.
It’s a bit far from South Orange campus, but is perfect for commuters or students at Seton Hall's IHS campus.
10. Jordan Halal Restaurant
1008 W S Orange Ave #3, Newark, NJ 07106
Jordan Halal is a local favorite, and was named a fantastic place for breakfast by Newark Happening.
11. Island Flavors Halal Food
299b Park Ave, East Orange NJ
Island Flavors serves Trini‑style Caribbean cuisine, as well as breakfast, pizza, pasta, healthy plates, and jerk chicken.
Looking for more Spoon-approved eats near Seton Hall? Check out our guides to pizza, coffee, and Women-owned restaurants if you're going out, or our guide to cheap takeout in South Orange if you're staying in.