Food is an important factor for international students deciding to study in the US, especially for those with specific dietary needs. Students who follow a halal (Arabic for lawful or permitted) diet may have questions about where they will find halal-certified products, which must adhere to the Islamic dietary guidelines found in the Quran (religious text of Islam). At US universities, it is becoming more common to find halal food options on campus, as well as off in nearby restaurants. Additionally, students can opt to shop at a local halal market and make their own meals.
Discover where to find halal foods while studying at five universities across the US: Cleveland State University, Florida International University (FIU), University of Illinois Chicago (UIC), University of South Carolina (USC), and the University of Utah.
Cleveland State University
Cleveland State University provides a meal plan for students that includes several on-campus dining locations. Students observing a halal diet should make an appointment to speak to the campus executive chef to discuss dining options.
With its campus located in the heart of downtown Cleveland, restaurants or markets that have halal certification are just minutes away (including those listed below). The Cleveland State Muslim Student Association can be a great resource for navigating how to eat on campus and where to eat in the city.
Off-Campus Restaurants
Algebra Tea House
Olive Tree Middle East Food & Meat
Grocery Stores
Almadina Imported Foods
N Mart
Rumi’s Market & Turkish Grill
Florida International University
Florida International University welcomes students from around the world to its centrally located Miami campus. Among its 35 dining spots across three campuses, Halal Shack, which features an American twist on Middle Eastern and Mediterranean flavors, is the place to go for halal food. For other campus dining options, students are encouraged to speak to an advisor.
As a diverse and major city, Miami is filled with cultural neighborhoods with restaurants and markets for every diet. To narrow things down, students can ask the Muslim Student Association at FIU for recommendations or visit one of the businesses selling halal-certified products (listed below).
Off-Campus Restaurants
Grocery Stores
Ashraf Halal Meat Center and West Indian Grocery
Tarragon Middle East Market
University of Illinois Chicago
Similar to FIU, the University of Illinois Chicago currently offers halal-certified products through Halal Shack, but new dining options pop up every year. Students should contact dining@uic.edu to discuss further on-campus options for meals that adhere to their needs.
Thanks to its location just west of the Loop in downtown Chicago, UIC is in an ideal spot in the city. Chicago is home to several cultural neighborhoods, many of which offer halal food, such as those listed below. The Muslim Student Association at UIC is the largest Muslim student organization in the US and is a great place to ask about where to find the best halal food in Chicago.
Off-Campus Restaurants
Grocery Stores
Halal Food
Halal Market Skokie
University of South Carolina
Nestled in the heart of Columbia, the University of South Carolina provides a range of halal food options in the surrounding neighborhoods. Students who prefer to eat on campus can speak to the Carolina Food Company nutritionist and culinary staff to request halal dining options. Like at FIU and UIC, students can also grab a bite from the on-campus Halal Shack.
The UofSC Muslim Student Association is a community of Muslim students who can offer advice on great spots to get halal food in the area. In the meantime, check out these nearby restaurants and markets that have their halal certification.
Off-Campus Restaurants
5 Points Chicken & Grill
Boeshreen
Nick’s Gyros and Phillys
NoMa by Al-Amir
Sahara on Main
Shalimar
Grocery Stores
Al Madinah Grocery
Cedars Halal Market
Halal International
Yafa Halal Market
University of Utah
Located in Salt Lake City, the University of Utah provides students with a meal plan that includes several on-campus dining options. Students are encouraged to meet with Campus Executive Chef Ken Ohlinger prior to their first semester to craft a dining plan that meets their needs.
Thankfully, students won’t have to go too far off campus to find restaurants and markets that have their halal certification, including those listed below. The Muslim Students Association at the University of Utah can also provide insight on how to maintain a halal diet while studying at Utah.
Off-Campus Restaurants
Grocery Stores
Halal Meat Market
Safa Halal Market
Once in the US, you will likely find a diverse array of groceries, restaurants, and campus dining options that suit your needs. Additionally, you’ll find a community of locals who can show you the way. Remember – our advisors are always here to help in ensuring you get the most out of your study-abroad experience, and that includes making sure your dietary needs are covered. Here’s to a delicious journey ahead!
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