Explore 11 Halal Fast Food Options You Can Rely On

Grabbing a quick bite doesn’t have to mean compromising your dietary values. These days, more people are looking for delicious meals that are both fast and faith-friendly, and the good news is—options are growing. From juicy burgers to crispy fried chicken, halal fast food is becoming easier to find in cities around the world.

Whether you’re traveling, on your lunch break, or just craving something quick and satisfying, there are plenty of places serving up flavors you can feel good about. In this guide, we’ll explore some of the best spots to get your fix without second-guessing the ingredients.

Global Chains Offering Halal Fast Food (Regionally or Selectively)

Major fast food chains have recognized the growing demand for halal-friendly meals and have responded by introducing halal options in specific markets—especially in areas with large Muslim populations. While not every location offers halal items, many global brands do make the effort in certain countries or select branches. Here’s a closer look at how some of the biggest names are serving halal-conscious customers:

1. McDonald’s

McDonald’s offers halal-certified menu items in several countries, including Muslim-majority nations such as Malaysia, Indonesia, the United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia, and parts of India. In these locations, the entire supply chain—right from sourcing to cooking—is managed according to halal standards.

This includes zabiha-compliant meat, no cross-contamination with non-halal items, and certification by local religious authorities. While McDonald’s in Western countries like the U.S. or Canada generally does not offer halal meat, some branches in the UK and France have previously done limited halal trials or served halal meat during specific periods.

2. KFC

KFC is one of the most widely available halal fast food chains, with certified halal chicken being served in many countries, including Pakistan, South Africa, the UAE, and parts of the UK. In the UK, certain branches are certified by the Halal Monitoring Committee (HMC) and display halal signage to notify customers.

These branches use chicken that is slaughtered according to Islamic principles and ensure strict separation between halal and non-halal food preparation. It’s worth noting that not all KFCs in any given country are halal, so checking the restaurant’s certification is always recommended before ordering.

3. Subway

Subway, known for its customizable sandwiches and wraps, has introduced halal meat options in select locations—especially in the UK, where dozens of branches serve only halal-certified meat. These branches typically do not offer pork products like bacon or ham and instead substitute them with halal alternatives like turkey rashers or chicken strips.

Although Subway’s halal offerings are not as widespread globally, the franchise model allows individual branches to adapt to local demand, so in some communities (like parts of Canada, Australia, and the Middle East), halal options are available or can be specially requested.

4. Burger King

Burger King provides halal menu options in a number of countries, especially in Muslim-majority regions such as the Middle East, North Africa, and parts of Asia. For instance, in Saudi Arabia, the UAE, and Indonesia, Burger King locations typically serve fully halal menus certified by local religious authorities.

In other places like the UK and France, certain branches may serve halal-certified meat, often indicated on the menu or in-store. However, like many global chains, availability varies widely, so it’s best to inquire with staff or look for halal certifications on-site.

5. Pizza Hut / Domino’s

Pizza Hut and Domino’s are popular choices for halal-friendly fast food, especially when it comes to customizable pizzas. In countries like Malaysia, Pakistan, and the UAE, both chains often operate entirely under halal certification, using halal meat toppings and ensuring proper preparation.

In Western countries, the situation is mixed. For example, in the UK, Domino’s offers halal options in select locations, while Pizza Hut UK has also introduced halal chicken in certain branches. However, in North America, halal offerings are rare unless the franchise owner specifically caters to halal consumers.

6. Popeyes / Nando’s

Both Popeyes and Nando’s have gained popularity among halal diners thanks to their flavorful chicken dishes and expanding presence in major cities. Popeyes serves halal-certified chicken in several countries, including the UK, Canada, and the UAE. In Canada, some locations are explicitly labeled halal and are certified by organizations like the Halal Monitoring Authority (HMA).

Nando’s, known for its Portuguese-style peri-peri chicken, offers halal chicken in many of its UK and Middle East locations. Some branches serve only halal meat, while others offer it as an option alongside non-halal items, with separate cooking areas to avoid cross-contamination.

Popular Halal Fast Food Chains (Local/Independent)

While major global chains are slowly incorporating halal options, many halal-conscious consumers turn to local or independently operated fast food restaurants that specialize in halal offerings from the start. These businesses are often rooted in community values, serve authentic flavors, and are fully committed to maintaining halal standards in sourcing, preparation, and service. Here are some standout halal fast food chains and restaurants that have made a name for themselves across different regions:

1. The Halal Guys (USA and International)

Image source: Pinterest

What started as a single food cart on the streets of Manhattan in the early 1990s has grown into a global halal fast food sensation. The Halal Guys are known for their Middle Eastern-inspired dishes like chicken or beef gyro over rice, topped with their famous white and red sauces.

The brand is fully halal-certified and has expanded across the U.S., Canada, the UK, South Korea, and more. Their commitment to quality meat, bold flavors, and generous portions has made them a go-to spot for halal food lovers—especially those craving a quick, filling meal that hits the spot.

2. Chicken Cottage (UK)

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Chicken Cottage is a British-born halal fast food chain that has been serving crispy fried chicken, spicy wings, and burgers since the 1990s. All of their meat is halal-certified, and they’ve built a reputation among Muslim consumers for being a reliable alternative to major chicken chains.

Their menu is tailored to local tastes, offering items like peri-peri chicken, lamb doner wraps, and spicy chicken fillet sandwiches. With dozens of locations across the UK and a few internationally, Chicken Cottage is a familiar and trusted name in the halal fast food landscape.

3. Crown Fried Chicken (USA)

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Crown Fried Chicken is a popular halal fried chicken chain with locations primarily in urban areas across the East Coast of the United States. It’s known for generous portions, late-night hours, and classic American fast food offerings—like fried chicken, fries, burgers, gyros, and subs—all made with halal meat.

Many Crown locations are independently owned but share a common menu style, giving them a neighborhood-friendly, no-frills vibe. They’re especially beloved in cities like New York, Philadelphia, and Newark, where they offer a reliable halal option for a quick, satisfying bite.

4. Big Moe’s Diner (UK)

Image source: Pinterest

Big Moe’s Diner brings a retro American diner vibe to London—with a fully halal twist. From thick burgers and loaded fries to creamy milkshakes and hot dogs, everything on the menu is halal-certified. The diner caters to a family-friendly crowd and offers the full fast food experience in a polished, vintage setting.

Their commitment to halal standards, along with a nostalgic atmosphere and Instagram-worthy presentation, makes it a favorite among both locals and tourists looking for fun, flavorful, and inclusive dining.

5. Halal Food Trucks & Local Heroes

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In many urban centers—like New York City, London, Toronto, Sydney, and Dubai—halal food trucks and local fast food joints serve some of the most authentic and satisfying meals around. These independently owned spots offer everything from shawarma and kebab wraps to loaded burgers and spicy fried chicken sandwiches, often with regional twists.

What sets them apart is their deep connection to the community and commitment to halal practices. You’ll often find long lines and loyal followings, especially during lunch hours and late nights.

What to Watch Out For

When eating halal fast food, keep these key points in mind:

Cross-Contamination

• • Halal meat cooked on shared grills or fryers with non-halal items isn’t truly halal.

  • Ask if separate utensils, surfaces, and oil are used.

Hidden Ingredients

• • Watch out for sauces or toppings with alcohol, pork-derived gelatin, or non-halal cheese.

  • Check ingredient lists or ask about specific items.

Misleading Labels

• • “Halal-style” or vague claims may not mean certified halal.

  • Look for logos from trusted certifiers like HMC, HMA, or IFANCA.

Staff Unawareness

• • Some staff may not know halal details or prep methods.

  • Ask clear questions or speak to a manager if needed.

Partial Halal Menus

• • Some places mix halal and non-halal items on the same menu.

  • Always confirm which dishes are halal-certified.