[dropcap]T[/dropcap]ired of smelling like Taco Bell bean & cheese burritos? Does the drive thru line at In-N-Out make you feel like you’re on the 405? Don’t worry Zabihah-tarians, Al-Talib’s got you. Here’s a short list of zabihah halal restaurants in and near Westwood to fill your protein cravings. Don’t forget – everyone’s definition of what is zabihah differs in opinion, so as always be sure to conduct your own research if necessary. Enjoy!
1) Bella Pita
960 Gayley Ave, Los Angeles, CA (10 min walk from campus)
Bella Pita was interestingly founded by a UCLA professor, and offers a variety of Mediterranean food for affordable prices. My favorite is the basterma and cheese wowshi, which is basically a pita filled with slices of cured steak. In addition, there is a full salad and sauce bar to the side for customizing, and they sell coke in the glass bottles with real sugar (ain’t nobody got time for high fructose). The menu is partially halal, so be sure to check with the employees and halal menu for the most updated availability. This place is a few stores down from In-N-Out and is open till 2am.
2) Sunnin Bakery
1779 Westwood Blvd, Los Angeles, CA (5 min drive from campus)
Sunnin Bakery offers Lebanese food and baked goods made fresh daily. I’m a huge fan of their Lebanese pizzas, and their shawarmas are packed to perfection. Currently their menu is fully halal. Sunnin is located south of Wilshire – it’s within walking distance, but if you drive make sure you go slowly, it’s definitely a hole in the wall. Open usually till midnight/2am.
3) Sofra Kabab Express
10821 Venice Blvd, Los Angeles, CA (15 min drive from campus)
Sofra Kabab is a hole in the wall Turkish restaurant with a fully halal menu. Speaking of the menu – it’s huge! There is plenty of variety, from kabab wraps to doner plates, as well as vegetarian options. I definitely recommend trying the Turkish coffee – Guys, this is the stuff that puts hairs on your chest. Open till 11pm on weekdays and 1am on weekends.
4) Mutiara
225 S La Brea Ave, Inglewood, CA (20 min drive from campus)
Mutiara can best be described as a blend of Burmese and Malaysian cuisine. It’s the furthest away from Westwood on this list, but it is certainly worth the drive. A popular favorite here are the Mee Goreng noodles, which can be served with a selection of different meats or seafood and is made fresh with the house sauce. In addition, the mango lassi and samosas are fantastic, especially coupled with the restaurant’s generous portions. The owner is a local imam in the area and does most of the cooking himself, and offers a prayer room upstairs. Open till 9pm.
Tell me your favorite Zabiha restaurants in the comments below!
Very helpful article.
Btw, does In-N-Out have Halal Menu?