The Best Halal Restaurants in Jersey City, NJ

Shawarma in a pita.
Shawarma in a pita. | © MoiraKaram / Pixabay
Emily Tan

Although halal food was initially meant for people who practice Islam, the cuisine has increased in popularity over the years. Jersey City, which is home to a growing Muslim community, also has a strong love for halal food. And while other cities are lined with halal food carts, Jersey City is a little different. Instead, there are number of sit-down restaurants where people can actually sit down and enjoy their meal. Find out more about where you can get halal food in Jersey City.

1. Shadman

Restaurant, Halal

Shadman has been serving Jersey City residents since 1991. Located on Grove Street in Downtown Jersey City, the fast casual restaurant serves authentic Pakistani and Indian halal food. Although they have great tandoori seekh kababs, the family-owned food spot has a great lunch buffet that’s served on Mondays through Fridays from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. And the best part? It will only cost you $9 for all the South Asian food your heart desires!

Last meal before hitting the road at my favorite spot. Shadman, you masterful gem! $20 for this feast
A post shared by Katherine Krehbiel (@kreebalicious) on Sep 10, 2017 at 1:25pm PDT
Rumi Turkish Grill

2. Rumi Turkish Grill

Restaurant, Mediterranean, Halal, Turkish

Looking for some good eats near Jersey City’s waterfront? Then stop by Rumi Turkish Grill. Serving up traditional Turkish dishes and other Mediterranean-style cuisine, this halal restaurant is casual but has a great ambience that is perfect for a date. You can have anything from an array of dips and kebabs, or you can also go for a quick wrap. Vegetarians can also enjoy one of their veggie-filled casseroles. And of course, be sure to save room for some baklava for dessert.

3. Gypsy Grill

Restaurant, Halal

Gypsy Grill may look like any other takeout food spot. However, this is easily one of the more popular takeaway restaurants on Newark Avenue in Downtown Jersey City. Whether you’re craving kebabs and barbecue chicken or tabouli and babaghanoush, the Egyptian restaurant makes meals to order and never fails at satisfying appetites. For about $10-$12, you can get a Gypsy Box, which comes with a protein, rice, vegetables, pita bread and sauces.

Nice to meet some Arabs Will try their Shawafel (Shawarma & Falafel) ?
A post shared by Ahmed Al-Salami (@ahmed_alsalami) on Sep 3, 2016 at 3:44pm PDT

4. Chinese Spice

Restaurant, Halal, Chinese

While Chinese Spice may look like another takeout food spot from the outside, you can actually sit down for a meal at the Jersey City restaurant. With items such as Hakka noodles and spicy lemon coriander soup, it’s obvious this isn’t just a Chinese restaurant. The Halal Chinese restaurant serves a variety of dishes and has offerings that will satisfy both vegetarians and meat eaters. And after eating all the savory food you still have room for something sweet, try the date pancakes with ice cream or the malai kulfi.

Halaal Chinese. #food #chinese #foodporn #NewJersey #NYC #Love #instafood
A post shared by allmineee (@allmineee) on Sep 20, 2014 at 12:29pm PDT

5. Amin's

Restaurant, Halal, Chinese

If you’re in the south side of Jersey City and want an uncomplicated meal to get you through the day or night, then you definitely want to give Amin’s a ring. While it looks like any other Chinese food place, it uses halal ingredients, which is a big game changer for those with that diet. And after looking at the extensive menu, you’ll find that it’s very affordable with most items costing less than $10.

A post shared by Eamonn Fitzmaurice (@easinewe) on Nov 7, 2015 at 4:00pm PST

6. Mahboob-E-El Ahi

Restaurant, Halal, Pakistani

Bowl of biryani.
© WikimediaImages / Pixabay

If you’re looking for something to warm you up and fill your belly, Mahboob-E-El Ahi may be the place for you. Located in the heart of Historic Downtown, the restaurant has no frills but makes hearty and authentic Pakistani dishes. The halal restaurant doesn’t only offer a selection of kebab and other proteins, but the restaurant also has a great vegetarian menu. Make sure to add one of the variety of naans, prathas or rotis to your meal. And if you want to be extra indulgent, grab a mango lassi, too!

7. Samakmak Seafood

Restaurant, Seafood, Halal

If you’re looking for something other than meat for your halal meet, Samakmak Seafood is here to satisfy that craving. Located in Jersey City’s McGinley Square, the casual restaurant serves fresh fish and seafood dishes that come with rice, salad and tahini. Take a look at the menu, and you’ll find a variety of fish, shrimp and calamari. And if you’re looking for something more handheld, you can get the seafood fried or grilled in a sandwich.

I only ate once today @3:30pm. Which may sound sad, insufficient and weird BUT I ate this (NOT ALL OF IT…but most of it) and it was seafood heaven on a table then in my hand lastly within my mouth. #delicious #HOMEMADE #FRESHLY MADE PER ORDER #COMMUNITY #JerseyCity #NewPlaces #NewExperiences same #food #loving #human #mandijfoodphotography #YUM #calarmari #friedfish #filets #pita and the #BEST AND DA BOMB Marinara sauce!
A post shared by M*ah*J (@songstressmahj) on May 23, 2017 at 3:31pm PDT

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