Halal restaurants: Where to eat halal in Montreal?

Where are the good halal restaurants in Montreal? Often associated with Middle Eastern cuisine, Halal food on the Montreal scene is full of delicious dining options and possibilities. Here, you’ll find charming cafes, great restaurants, small bars and food to go.

In Arabic, the word “halal” means “lawful” or “permitted”. The term is often directly associated with the Muslim religion and more specifically with food and drink. According to Statistics Canada, in 2011, 3.1% of the population of Quebec identified themselves as Muslim. It is also not uncommon to find a growing number of halal food options in supermarkets near us. This option is increasingly available all around, for all tastes. But what exactly does it mean to eat halal?

There are a series of rules surrounding halal food. First of all, pork and alcohol are not allowed and will never be found in a halal diet. As for other meats, it all depends on the method of slaughtering the animal in question (the dhabiha) and must be performed while invoking the name of Allah and directed towards Mecca. Fish with scales, on the other hand, if caught alive, are considered halal; according to the Qur’an, the water of the sea is pure and thus purifying. Some seafood is also allowed, especially shrimp. Vegetarian dishes are halal by definition, as long as no alcohol is used in the preparation. Processed products, such as certain confectionery or dairy products, may be considered non-halal because of the origin of the ingredients and additives, such as gelatin derived from animals and rennet from pork.

On this list, you will find addresses that will make you travel to Lebanon, Yemen, India and many other countries, for a tour of Montreal’s halal restaurants and cafes. Such a wealth of flavours and tastes is waiting to be discovered and tasted. Bon appétit and happy discoveries!