Around a half-million Angelenos are observing Ramadan this month, an important Islamic holiday that involves fasting from sunup to sundown, emphasizing prayer, self-reflection and community. Despite being centered around fasting, food is a significant part of Ramadan. Traditionally, observers eat two meals each day, one before dawn (suhoor) for fuel and a communal meal after dusk (iftar), allowing friends, family, neighbors, and oftentimes strangers, to connect.
L.A. is home to a significant Muslim community, with many following a halal diet. Halal, meaning “lawful” or “permitted” in Arabic, is primarily associated with food but covers various aspects of everyday life including health, hygiene, business practices and clothing. Halal restaurants can only serve certain types of meat that are treated and slaughtered according to strict guidelines.
There are lots of great halal places in Southern California, and halal certification makes it easy to seek them out. This month, as the sun disappears beneath the horizon and you prepare to break fast, reward your patience with 10 delicious halal restaurants and special Ramadan dinner menus from the Valley to downtown L.A. and Long Beach.