The Halal Food Festival, held annually at the NEC, is more than just a food event—it’s a vibrant celebration of Muslim-owned businesses, as Anisah Qazi reviews in her latest piece. Showcasing everything from food to lifestyle products, the event creates a welcoming and inclusive space, focusing on everything halal, meaning “permissible” under Islamic law. The festival serves as a hub for the Muslim community and its allies, supporting small businesses while donating part of the proceeds to Islamic Relief, a global charity.
This year, Anisah Qazi reviews her experience at the festival, highlighting the wide range of food, goods, and cultural products available, as well as the sense of community fostered at the event. It’s not just about satisfying hunger; it’s about showcasing the strength and diversity of Muslim culture and creating an atmosphere where everyone can enjoy, learn, and connect.
Anisah Qazi reviews A Welcoming Space for All.
The Halal Food Festival spans two days over the weekend, and as Anisah Qazi notes, the sheer scale and effort involved in organizing the event are apparent from the moment you step inside the NEC. Upon entry, volunteers from Islamic Relief greet attendees with friendly smiles, handing out lanyards packed with discount offers for various stalls, a thoughtful touch that highlights the event’s dedication to giving back to the community.
The festival is meticulously organized, ensuring that every guest feels welcomed and included. The wide open space of the NEC is filled with a buzz of excitement as families, friends, and individuals of all ages come together to celebrate the best of what halal businesses have to offer. Inside, the space is divided into sections featuring food stalls, lifestyle products, and even amusement rides for families, creating a truly holistic experience. Whether you are there for the food, the shopping, or the cultural experience, there is something for everyone.
A Celebration of Halal Lifestyles
As Anisah Qazi reviews the indoor section of the festival, she remarks on the impressive array of lifestyle products. Stalls featuring cultural jewelry, oils, perfumes, thobes, abayas, and other Islamic lifestyle items line the hall, offering attendees a chance to shop ethically. Many of these products are proudly Muslim-made, including fizzy drinks from brands that provide alternatives to those being boycotted due to their involvement in the Palestinian occupation.
What stands out the most is the diversity of the vendors and their products. The festival is a proud display of the multicultural nature of the British Muslim community, supporting African, Asian, and Arab small businesses. This inclusivity and diversity give the festival a unique atmosphere that blends traditional values with contemporary products.
During her visit, Anisah Qazi purchased Esque Perfume’s Oud Patchouli, a bright and lasting fragrance perfect for daily wear. She also added Prophetic Blends’ Ethiopian Black Seed Oil to her collection, known for its skincare and haircare benefits. Additionally, she found a selection of high-quality, affordable hijabs from various stalls, each with its unique design and fabric, reflecting the vibrant diversity of Muslim fashion.
From Street Food to Caribbean Cuisine
Of course, the food is the festival’s main attraction. Anisah Qazi reviews her favorite bites, starting with Chat & Chaat’s papdi chaat, a popular South Asian street food. Made with chickpeas, yogurt, a special chaat spice mix, tamarind sauce, and a drizzle of chili sauce, the dish offered a perfect balance of flavors, from tangy to spicy, making it a refreshing introduction to the festival’s culinary offerings.
The papdi chaat was just the beginning of a flavorful journey through the festival. Next, she tried a plate of chicken dumplings, topped with fresh spring onions, soy sauce, and chili oil. Both the spicy and plain versions were a hit with her family. The dumplings were juicy and perfectly portioned for sharing, making them an ideal dish to enjoy with loved ones.
As she made her way through the various food stalls, Anisah was struck by the sheer variety of food available. From traditional Middle Eastern dishes to fusion foods, the festival offered something for every palate. The outdoor food section provided even more variety. A long line of food carts offered global halal options, from Korean corndogs to Egyptian wraps. The food choices seemed endless, and after much deliberation, Anisah and her group opted for Culture Cooking Restaurant’s Caribbean selection.
The food wasn’t just about taste; it was about sharing stories and traditions through culinary experiences. Each vendor brought their cultural twist to the festival, making every dish unique and special.
More Than Just Food: The Full Festival Experience
The Halal Food Festival is not just about food and shopping; it’s a full-fledged family experience. Outside the main halls, there were amusement rides and promotions, adding an element of fun for attendees of all ages. This aspect of the festival makes it particularly appealing for families looking for a day out that is both entertaining and enriching.
Beyond the rides and food, the festival also had a focus on education and awareness. Various stalls highlighted ethical issues and social causes, with some vendors promoting eco-friendly products and others focusing on supporting charitable organizations like Islamic Relief. This blend of fun, food, and social consciousness gives the festival a well-rounded appeal, ensuring there is something for everyone, whether they are there to eat, shop, or learn.
As Anisah explored the festival, it became clear that this event is about more than just showcasing halal products—it’s about building community and fostering connections. The vendors, volunteers, and attendees all contributed to a shared sense of pride in their culture and heritage, creating an atmosphere of warmth and inclusivity.
After savoring the rich Caribbean flavors, Anisah ended her food journey with a visit to the Brobà bubble tea cart, where she sampled their fizzy and refreshing drinks. The sweet finish was the perfect way to conclude a day full of delicious food and cultural exploration. The bubble tea provided a light, fun treat to wrap up the festival experience, leaving her feeling satisfied yet eager for next year’s event.
The Halal Food Festival is more than just a food event; it’s a celebration of the diversity and richness of the Muslim community. As Anisah Qazi reviews her experience, she emphasizes how the festival not only brings together people through food and culture but also promotes halal businesses that align with the values of Islamic practices. The festival serves as a platform for small businesses to thrive and as a space for the community to gather, celebrate, and give back.
Whether you are there for the food, the shopping, or simply to experience the vibrancy of Muslim culture, the Halal Food Festival is an event not to be missed. The festival is a beautiful celebration of halal food and products, making it an essential event for those who want to explore and support Muslim-owned businesses. As Anisah Qazi notes, it’s a day filled with delicious food, cultural pride, and a sense of community, all wrapped into one unforgettable experience.
As more festivals like this pop up across the UK and beyond, the importance of such events in fostering a sense of belonging and promoting inclusivity cannot be overstated. It’s not just about food—it’s about bringing people together, celebrating culture, and supporting ethical businesses in a way that benefits everyone.
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