These days, as the exchanges between Korea and other countries are increasing, it is quite common to find international students in Korea. As part of the Official Development Assistance (ODA) project, which means providing aid to developing countries with the aim of promoting economic development and social welfare from public institutions including the government, the Graduate School of International Urban Science at the University of Seoul (UOS) provides education to public officials in developing countries. Therefore, several Muslim students studying at UOS seek halal food in Korea.
Halal means “allowed” in the Arabic language. The term refers to the needs of Muslim food, clothing, and shelter. Recently, halal-style ingredients and foods are gaining popularity all over the world because of their sanitary production as well as their exotic taste. The Islamic religion has prohibitions on Muslims’ lifestyles. This is called haram, and in the case of food, it is called haram food. Muslims must refrain from consuming haram food. Halal and haram are based on the religious text of Islam, the Koran. The Koran prohibits dead meat, meat from pigs, dogs, cats, and monkeys, fresh blood, and all intoxicating substances, including alcohol.
As a result of the increase of Muslim tourists, restaurants that serve halal food are increasing not only in Korea but also around the world. The UOS Times visited several places that sell halal food to help Muslims’ Korean life by providing information about halal restaurants and marts in Seoul. Among them, there are two places to recommend.
The first is The Halal Guys located in Itaewon. It is an American halal restaurant. American halal food harmonizes the flavors of the Middle East and Mediterranean food to entertain people’s palates. Chicken Platter and Beef Gyro Platter with the famous white sauce are the most popular menus. The New York Post reported that The Halal Guys had the most famous street food in New York. It was the number-one searched restaurant on Yelp, a dining info app in New York, and ranked third across the U.S.
The Halal Guys is considered to be a must-visit course on a trip to New York. It began to spread to Muslim taxi drivers as it quickly provided large amounts of food at reasonable prices. Starting from the U.S., it can now be found all over the world. With the first store in Itaewon in Korea, other branches such as Gangnam and Hongdae have also opened and gained popularity steadily. In particular, the white sauce and hot sauce that they made based on plain yogurt bring up the flavor with its addictive taste.
The main menu of The Halal Guys is of two types: platter and sandwich. Platters contain rice like bibimbap, and sandwiches contain meat and vegetables in bread. Orders are available through the counter. The Halal Guys obtain four options on the platter: Chicken, Beef Gyro, Combo, and Falafel. There are three platter sizes: Small, Regular, and New York. We ordered a regular size Gyro Platter, and one set for one person including a small size Chicken Platter. There was a lot of sauce on the platters, but it was not stimulating at all. The platters are full of meat and vegetables, so if you mix them all, it tastes good. You can also put it on Pita Bread. The UOS Times recommends this restaurant not only to Muslims but also to vegan people and those who want to try halal food.
The second place is Fortune Food Market located near Dongdaemun History & Culture Park. Fortune Halal Market is a store opened by a Russian-Uzbek. The price tag is handwritten in Russian and Korean. The atmosphere of the store was very exotic because the people inside were all foreigners. In addition to the meat, various ingredients widely used in Middle Eastern dishes, such as chickpeas and spices are available. Bread is also being sold. Although The UOS Times visited late in the evening, we could see various kinds of bread. Across the street, you can find Fortune Food Restaurant offering a variety of halal foods.
Triana Arinda Harlis (Master of Urban and Regional Development, ’22) from Indonesia, visits Halal Mart in Itaewon every 1-2 weeks. According to her comment, since international students are not proficient in Korean food, they have difficulties finding religiously legitimate food, especially halal meat. In an interview with The UOS Times, she said, “I just learned about the Fortune Food Market, and it is much closer than Itaewon from here, so I will definitely visit there within a week.” She added, “Information from The UOS Times about halal restaurants or marts would be of great help to Muslim students.”