The Islamic month of Ramadan will start this weekend, as per the lunar calendar, with practicing Muslims in St. Louis fasting from sunrise till sunset. As is the norm, preparations for Ramadan are finalized days in advance, especially with regards to the two meals that define an Islamic fast: the suhoor, or last meal before the fast commences, and iftar, with which one breaks the fast. It’s the latter that sees members of the Muslim communities come together for the evening meal, which signifies the culmination of the fast. Given the fact that St. Louis hosts immigrants from around the world, various Ramadan traditions unite around sunset throughout the month. Here are a few dishes that you can try to get a taste of the culinary richness showcased in halal restaurants across St. Louis.
The Port of Peri Peri: Falafel and Chicken Tenders
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While a chicken quarter or wings would be the go-to choice for anyone looking to get a taste of perfectly grilled meat with the renowned peri peri sauce, the place does much more than just chicken. They have a range of platters, rice bowls, along with the especially popular Peri Mayo Corn and Cassava Fries that perfectly complement the chicken. For those who start off light at iftar, a good choice would be a combination of falafel on rice and chicken tenders; the former brings the flavors of the Middle East, while the latter with a generous dose of peri peri sauce adds an African spin to the iftar. 13951 Manchester, Baldwin.
Sameem Afghan Restaurant: Qabelli Pallow
The first Afghan restaurant in St. Louis, Sameem would make the top three of most halaal lists in the city. For those who have tried Afghan food in the Afghanistan and Pakistan region, Sameen has brought true Pashtun flavors to Missouri. It is especially evident in the kabobs and curries, with the Boat-In Goat Korma and the Lamb Karahi offering the tender meat curries that are a trademark of the cuisine. But perhaps the dish that is most affiliated with Afghanistan is the Qabelli Pallow, also spelled Kabuli Pulaao, a hat-tip to the capital of Afghanistan, even if the dish has a more central Asian origin. Cooked rice mixed with caramelized carrots and raisins come with your choice of meat, making Qabelli Pallow a sweet and savory delight that will fill any fasting stomach. 4341 Manchester.
Biryani House: Hyderabadi Biryani
If pallow is a rice dish celebrating Central Asian flavors, biryani brings the taste of South Asia to St. Louis. While rice mixed with curry is the simplest definition of biryani, there are more than 35 variations of the dish across the Indian subcontinent. You’ll find seven of these dishes at Biryani House, ranging from Beef Biryani to Paneer Biryani. Even though the restaurant also offers the Sindhi variety popular in the region, it is the Hyderabadi Biryani, originating in India’s Hyderabad town, that is the specialty here. As per tradition, the dum-cooked goat version comes in a matka, or pot, with the restaurant offering it in a copper-bottom matka. But Biryani House isn’t just a house for biryani, with Haleem, a lentil stew eaten in the subcontinent and the Middle East, also being one of the specialties. Kheer and Gulab Jamun are popular South Asian desserts served here.
Yapi Mediterranean Subs and Sandwiches: Ćevapi
At Yapi, you can find halal renditions of some of America’s favorite foods, from sandwiches to steaks, wraps to pizzas. The Yapi Burger and Loaded Fries are especially popular fast-food options. Yapi also offers a host of Mediterranean choices, spearheaded by a range of gyros. The Gyro Salad is especially popular, mixing sliced lamb or beef with vegetables, tzatziki sauce, and feta cheese, along with a side of pita bread. Baklava, the most popular Turkish dessert in the world, is also served at Yapi. However, the one dish to try here is Ćevapi, Bosnia and Herzegovina’s national dish; minced ground beef kebabs are served alongside lepinja bread with sour cream and onions on the side, offering an authentic Balkan experience. Bosnia and Herzegovina has nominated Ćevapi for inclusion on the UNESCO List of Intangible Cultural Heritage, and at Yapi you get to experience why. 17 S. Vandeventer.
Medina Mediterranean Grill: Summer in Dubai Sandwich
St. Louis has an abundance of Middle Eastern and Mediterranean restaurants, each noteworthy in its own right. Medina stands out, however, in how it blends traditional offerings with innovation. Medina serves top-notch hummus, falafel, and shawarma. Its specialties include salads and sandwiches, named after various regions and areas in the Middle East, each offering a distinct flavor. If you’re looking for something truly unique, try the Summer in Dubai. Served with beef or chicken, pepper jack cheese, and chipotle tahini, the sandwich is the perfect Middle Eastern and American merger to celebrate St. Louis’ diversity this Ramadan. Multiple locations.
Baba’s Restaurant: Bihari Kebabs
Located inside Saint Louis Halal Meat, Grocery & Foods, Baba’s offers a range of South Asian and Middle Eastern dishes. Every Ramadan, Baba’s exclusively does catering for various events and mosque iftars, offering various packages depending on whether one is looking to cater white meat or red meat dishes. The packages come with dates and traditional subcontinental iftar items, such as samosay, chaat, dahi baray, and pakoray. Baba’s also hosts Iftar events in a banquet hall next door. While Baba’s offers traditional North Indian and Pakistani dishes, one of its specialties, the Bihari Kebab, binds the two countries. Originating in the Bihar state of what is now the nation-state of India, these beef kebabs are made of thin tenderloin strips that are marinated and tenderized overnight. No matter your preference, though, Baba’s has the menu for a hearty iftar, catering during every evenings this Ramadan.
Kunwar Khuldune Shahid is a Pakistani journalist and writer who has covered food and culture for numerous U.S. publications and websites including America’s Test Kitchen, NPR, Philadelphia Magazine, Texas Highways, Cincinnati Magazine, and The Food Section, among others.
