Halal Fest expands to two days in California

California, 13 Shawwal 1438/8 July 2017 (MINA) –After just five years, the Halal Fest has become such a draw that organizers have added a second day for foodies.

The America’s Largest Halal Food & Eid Festival is a collaborative event organized by a group of American Muslims from various different backgrounds and ethnicities who have one thing in common: Their love of great food.

This weekend’s event (July 8-9) in Fremont will feature more than 20 halal food vendors selling dishes made according to Islamic dietary guidelines. As founder-organizer Irfan Rydhan notes, many of these dishes — think lamb gyros, hummus — have become commonplace on the U.S. culinary landscape. And many festival attendees now come from outside the American Muslim community, mercurynews.com reported.

Cooking demonstrations are planned by Yvonne Maffei of My Halal Kitchen in Chicago and Lisa Ahmad of Mirchi Cafe in Fremont.
Vendors include San Jose’s Red Rose (kebabs), Raoof’s (bean and carrot pies) and Agha’s (gyros); San Francisco’s Deccan Spice (biriyani) and Kabob Trolley (cheesesteaks); San Ramon’s Golnazar (Persian ice cream); Fremont’s Chaat Bites (vegetarian chaat); Milpitas’ Falafel Bite (falafel with garlic sauce); Vallejo’s Urban Spices (halal hot wings, chicken chile nachos); and Halal Jerky from Los Angeles.

Halal-certified snacks available for sampling will include Mountain High Yoghurt, Knorr’s halal bouillon and Nevis Foods’ hot sauce.

For between bites, there’s entertainment: A showcase of American Muslim comedians, live music, art and jewelry bazaar, plus a Ferris wheel, carnival rides and games.

Admission runs $5 for one day or $8 for a weekend pass. Children 10 and under get in free. Hours are noon-11 p.m. Saturday, noon-7 p.m. Sunday at 40451 Albrae St., Fremont. (T/RE1/RS5)

Mi’raj Islamic News Agency (MINA)