Ramadan Mubarak, Intentional Spenders! Ramadan is a holy month in the Islamic calendar where Muslims fast from dawn to sunset. It is also a time for spiritual reflection, self-improvement, and acts of kindness and charity. In celebration and observance of this time, we’ve put together a list of Halal Restaurants in Seattle to Support During Ramadan and beyond.
Bonus: Each of the businesses below is also woman-owned! Show your love to woman-owned businesses this Women’s History Month by spending like it matters, and upload your receipts for a chance to win prizes from Seattle sports teams! The businesses will also be entered to win prizes, too.
1. Salima Specialties (Skyway, WA) – Owners Salima, Asari, and Liza are exploring the cultural influences in Cham cuisine with a menu full of 100% Halal dishes with Vietnamese, Malaysian, Thai, Indian, and other influences. They created the menu to be accessible to all, whether you’re looking for a familiar flavor or trying something new. Salima Specialties offers diverse Halal options with a focus on sustainability, equity, and solidarity.
2. Yalla (Capitol Hill) – Seattle chef Taylor Cheney treasured the Middle Eastern recipes she learned during her time spent cooking and living in Jordan, Turkey, Lebanon, and Egypt. “Yalla” roughly translates to “let’s go” in Arabic. Yalla serves saj wraps made with tender lamb, chicken, and beef or labneh, za’atar, and spinach.
3. Cafe Turko (Fremont) – Originally from Turkey, Süreyya Gökeri transports patrons to the Mediterranean with Cafe Turko’s vibrant atmosphere and homemade cooking. Stop by for an authentic cup of Turkish coffee, bold flavors, delicious pastries, and warm hospitality!
5. Mamnoon (Capitol Hill) – At Mamnoon, owners Racha and Wassef Haroun, strive to connect families and friends with their vibrant dishes hailing from Lebanon and Syria. The restaurant celebrates the fusion of cultures and flavors and fosters a warm and inviting atmosphere.
6. City Teriyaki (Columbia City) – Jamaal and Kenyada Davis opened City Teriyaki in 2009, bringing Japanese-inspired dishes to the heart of Columbia City in Seattle. There’s something for everyone here — whether you’re a chicken, salmon, tofu, or beef teriyaki fan, or you’re in the mood for some other Japanese classics like marinated short ribs, yakisoba, or crispy karaage. Everyone in the community is welcome here as City Teriyaki proudly offers halal chicken and a variety of vegans options.
7. Mama Sambusa Kitchen (Rainier Valley) –
When Marian Ahmed first established Mama Sambusa Kitchen in 2002, six years after leaving Somalia, she didn’t feel welcome in the white, male-dominated food industry. That didn’t stop her from creating something for her daughters and future generations.
Since Marian’s move to Seattle in 2009, she has become known in the local food community for her Somali street food, especially her handcrafted sambusa pastries, which are stuffed with spiced meat, fish, or veggies. Marian’s menu is also her way to honor her family. Many dishes are named after a relative, like Shadia’s crispy shrimp tacos and Gedi’s lamb gyros.