In Fort Worth, Texas, Goldee’s BBQ attracts nearly 100 people by 9 a.m. on a hot Saturday in June. The first in line, Thanh Huynh, has been waiting since 6:30 a.m. to savor the restaurant’s offerings. Opened in 2020 by a group of friends, Goldee’s quickly earned top accolades, including Texas Monthly’s recognition as the state’s best barbecue spot and a Bib Gourmand award from the Michelin Guide for delivering great food at a good value.
The restaurant serves traditional Texas barbecue like pork belly, sausage, and ribs but also features halal options, such as brisket and lamb. These meats comply with Islamic guidelines, catering to diverse customer preferences.
Halal barbecue, like that of Goldee’s, is flourishing in Texas, despite political pressures against the state’s Muslim communities. More barbecue restaurants now offer halal meats, such as Yearby’s Barbecue & Waterice and Levant Mediterranean BBQ, reflecting the growing demand for these options.
Haris Ghaffar, a customer, traveled from Celina for the halal choices at Goldee’s. In the past, his only halal dining option was a McDonald’s Filet-O-Fish. He notes the shift in the perception of halal food from a niche market to a part of the broader American culinary scene. Farhan Mustafa, a James Beard Award-winning writer, affirms that halal food is integral to American culture.
Muslims are shaping Texas barbecue by incorporating their flavors and traditions. Zain Shafi, a pitmaster at Goldee’s, combines Pakistani spices with traditional barbecue, while Goldee’s chef and co-owner Nupohn Inthanousay adds Laotian elements to the menu.
At Kafi BBQ in Irving, Salahodeen Abdul-Kafi introduces halal Wagyu beef and Iraqi spices, redefining traditional barbecue. Abdul-Kafi’s mission is to create the best barbecue in Texas, which need not include pork. His passion for excellence stems from the Islamic concept of “Ihsan.”
Despite hostile rhetoric against Muslims in Texas, Abdul-Kafi and others combat stereotypes by contributing to Texas’s culinary legacy. For Houston native Muhammad Sohail, Kafi BBQ blends Texan and Muslim identities, showcasing the integration of halal within Texas culture.
Areeba Ali, dining with relatives at Kafi BBQ, highlights the restaurant’s broad appeal across demographics, emphasizing that halal barbecue resonates widely with Texans. Mustafa believes this culinary success demonstrates the resilience of Muslim American communities and their ability to contribute to American culture.
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