Astoria’s New Halal Mexican Restaurant Brings Bold Flavors

Astoria, a neighborhood celebrated for its culinary diversity and vibrant community, is about to experience a taste revolution. This Friday evening, Moho Mexican Grill, a new Halal Mexican restaurant on Ditmars Boulevard, officially opened its doors with a grand celebration. From 5 to 9 p.m. on Nov. 8, Moho will welcome visitors to indulge in a free birria taco and burrito bowl, giving New Yorkers a first glimpse of what makes this restaurant special. Located at 35-06 Ditmars Blvd., Moho is the second venture of brothers Mojib and Mohib Mihrabi, following the success of their first location on Bayside’s Bell Boulevard.

Halal Mexican Restaurant in New York

For years, the Mihrabi brothers dreamed of creating a place where everyone, regardless of dietary preferences, could enjoy authentic Mexican flavors. Mojib Mihrabi, who grew up with a deep appreciation for Mexican cuisine, always faced a limitation – finding Halal options in a city with plenty of Mexican restaurants but few catering to the needs of Muslim patrons. Realizing the potential for a Halal Mexican restaurant, Mojib and Mohib launched their first Moho location in 2020, offering a menu of popular Mexican dishes prepared with Halal-certified ingredients.

Moho Mexican Grill has quickly made a name for itself by serving high-quality, Halal versions of traditional Mexican dishes like burritos, nachos, tacos, quesadillas, and bowls. Their menu appeals not only to Muslim diners but also to anyone seeking a new twist on Mexican food. The star of the menu is Moho’s Halal birria taco – a unique offering that has brought in customers from across New York City. Since its debut, Moho has attracted long lines and loyal fans, prompting the Mihrabi brothers to expand their business.

The Road to Astoria

Astoria is known for its multicultural charm, with food options from nearly every corner of the globe. After successfully launching their first location and a birria taco-focused food truck, the Mihrabi brothers saw Astoria as the ideal spot for their next venture. The area is filled with young professionals and food enthusiasts who appreciate quick, flavorful dining options. Mojib explains, “Astoria is perfect for Moho. People here work in the city, and they want delicious food they can grab on the way home. We’re offering something that’s fast and convenient without compromising on taste.”

Moho’s concept of fast-casual dining fits well with Astoria’s bustling atmosphere. Patrons can order their favorite Mexican dishes, prepared with Halal ingredients, and enjoy them on the go. With limited indoor seating, the restaurant is designed for those who prefer a quick yet satisfying meal, catering to the fast-paced lifestyles of many New Yorkers.

Moho Mexican Grill’s Signature Dishes

Moho Mexican Grill is not only notable for its Halal certification but also for its dedication to quality ingredients and innovative menu. Their burritos and tacos are filled with seasoned meats like beef, chicken, and lamb, all prepared to Halal standards. For customers who prefer plant-based options, Moho offers vegan-friendly alternatives, ensuring everyone can find something to enjoy.

One of Moho’s most popular items is the birria taco. Traditionally a slow-cooked beef dish originating from the Jalisco region in Mexico, birria has become a trendy choice across the U.S., and Moho’s Halal version brings an inclusive twist to this popular dish. Served with a side of consommé for dipping, Moho’s birria tacos are a hit among diners who appreciate the rich, savory flavors paired with tender, flavorful meat. Other standout items include nachos topped with house-made salsas, burrito bowls with customizable toppings, and crispy quesadillas filled with melted cheese and spiced meats.

Demand for Halal Mexican Options

New York City has always been a melting pot of cultures and cuisines, yet the combination of Halal and Mexican food remains relatively rare. Halal Mexican restaurant like Moho are beginning to change the landscape by offering a fusion of authentic flavors that cater to a broader audience. The concept of Halal food goes beyond dietary rules; it also reflects a growing movement toward inclusivity and accessibility in dining. By offering Halal-certified meats, Moho Mexican Grill invites Muslim diners and others with dietary preferences to experience the rich, bold flavors of Mexican cuisine.

This fusion trend has become particularly popular in cities with diverse populations. As people seek out unique dining experiences, restaurants that combine cultural traditions have a unique appeal. Moho Mexican Grill not only fills a gap in New York City’s food scene but also taps into the national rise of Mexican food in the Halal dining sector. Mojib Mihrabi notes that while Halal food options are abundant in New York, they are often limited to Middle Eastern or South Asian cuisine. “We have a lot of Halal food in New York, but it’s mainly shawarma,” he says. “Moho is the first to bring Halal birria tacos to New York City, which makes us different.”

From Concept to Opening Day

Starting a restaurant in New York City is never easy, and opening Moho’s Astoria location came with its share of challenges. The Mihrabi brothers signed a lease on Ditmars Boulevard in July 2023, taking over a former laundromat. Transforming the space into a restaurant required extensive renovations, city permits, and licenses – a process that often stretched longer than expected. Mojib recalls that there were moments when he feared the project might not come to fruition due to ongoing delays and logistical hurdles.

Thankfully, the support from their landlord and the local community kept the project on track. As opening day approached, the brothers worked tirelessly to create a welcoming space that reflects the vibrant atmosphere of Astoria. The new Moho location features a modern, minimalist design with elements inspired by Mexican culture, creating an inviting setting for patrons.

Community Support

Astoria residents have been eagerly awaiting Moho’s arrival, particularly those familiar with the Mihrabi brothers’ food truck and Bayside location. Community members who got a taste of Moho’s birria tacos and burrito bowls from the food truck shared their excitement for a permanent spot on Ditmars Boulevard. “The community has been incredibly supportive,” says Mojib. “People stop by just to ask when we’re opening. Astoria is a neighborhood that appreciates good food, and we’re grateful for the warm welcome.”

The grand opening event on Friday evening is expected to draw large crowds, and Mojib is preparing for a potential second celebration on Saturday to accommodate demand. Following the grand opening, Moho will operate regular hours and offer delivery options to reach even more customers in Queens. With a staff of around 15 people and seating for approximately 20 guests, the Astoria location is set to become a popular destination for both dine-in and take-out options.

Embracing Fast-Casual Dining

Moho’s Astoria location is designed to cater to the fast-casual dining trend, allowing customers to enjoy their food without a lengthy wait. The restaurant’s layout and menu structure support quick service, making it easy for diners to place an order, pick up their food, and be on their way. In a busy neighborhood like Astoria, where many residents commute daily, this model resonates with patrons who value both speed and quality.

In addition to serving walk-in customers, Moho expects delivery orders to make up a significant portion of its business. With the rise of food delivery apps and the convenience of ordering from home, Moho is poised to reach an even wider audience. For people craving Mexican food with Halal options, the ability to order online provides an easy way to experience Moho’s offerings.

Moho Brand Beyond Queens

The Mihrabi brothers have ambitious plans for Moho Mexican Grill. As the popularity of Halal Mexican food continues to grow, they are considering expanding to other neighborhoods and even exploring additional concepts. Recently, the brothers launched Hitit, a Halal-style smash burger restaurant on Bayside’s Bell Boulevard, catering to the demand for more diverse Halal dining options. With a background in finance, Mojib brings a strategic mindset to the business, focusing on quality and customer satisfaction as the foundation for future growth.

While Moho is the only Halal Mexican restaurant in Astoria, Mojib isn’t focused on competing with other establishments. Instead, he believes in building a strong brand identity by emphasizing excellent food and service. “In New York, there’s enough business for everyone,” he says. “The key is to focus on what we do best. When you prioritize quality and take care of your customers, people will come back.”

Halal Dining in the U.S.

Across the United States, there is a rising trend in fusion cuisine as people seek out unique dining experiences that blend flavors from different cultures. Halal Mexican restaurant like Moho are part of a broader movement toward inclusivity and diversity in the food industry. As more Americans embrace international flavors, the demand for restaurants that accommodate dietary restrictions is growing.

Moho’s success highlights the importance of catering to diverse tastes and preferences. For many diners, Halal certification is not just about religious observance; it also represents a commitment to quality and ethical standards. By providing Halal Mexican food, Moho appeals to a wider audience and sets a standard for how traditional cuisines can be adapted to meet modern needs.

A Future Filled with Flavor

Moho Mexican Grill is more than just a restaurant; it’s a place where cultures come together over a shared love of good food. For the Mihrabi brothers, opening a Halal Mexican restaurant in Astoria is the culmination of years of hard work, vision, and a commitment to serving their community. With plans to expand, a loyal customer base, and a unique menu that celebrates both Mexican and Halal traditions, Moho Mexican Grill is set to become a beloved fixture in Queens.

As Moho celebrates its grand opening on Ditmars Boulevard, the Mihrabi brothers invite everyone to join them for a taste of something different. Whether you’re a fan of birria tacos, burrito bowls, or just curious to try Halal Mexican cuisine, Moho promises an experience that is as flavorful as it is inclusive.

With their dedication to quality and their eye on the future, Mojib and Mohib Mihrabi are reshaping what it means to enjoy Mexican food in New York City – one Halal taco at a time.