Halal Arabian Dining at Arabian Nights Feast Manila Philippines

The Philippines, a vibrant archipelago of over 7,000 islands, is a tapestry woven from diverse cultural threads. From its indigenous roots to the influence of Malay, Spanish, Chinese, and American traditions, the nation has cultivated a unique and dynamic culinary landscape. Now, a new and exciting chapter is unfolding: the introduction of authentic Arabian dining. AlBarakah, a halal food company, is stepping into this space with a dual mission: to cater to the specific dietary needs of the Filipino Muslim community and to share the rich and diverse flavors of Arabian cuisine with the broader Filipino palate, a nation-renowned for its deep love of food and shared culinary experiences.

A Dream Rooted in Reality

AlBarakah’s story is deeply personal, born from a firsthand understanding of the challenges faced by Filipino Muslims in accessing halal food. CEO Ameerah Tamundong, a Filipino Muslim herself, has experienced these difficulties intimately. “My fellow Muslims and I didn’t always have the easiest time adhering to our dietary principles,” she explains. This personal struggle sparked a powerful desire to create a solution, to “eradicate that problem for all our fellow Muslims by providing an easily accessible source for great tasting and healthy halal products.” This personal mission has evolved into a business with significant social impact, addressing a previously underserved and vital segment of the Philippine food market.

While halal certification is fundamental to AlBarakah’s identity and its unwavering commitment to the Muslim community, the company’s vision extends far beyond religious boundaries. Tamundong understands the unifying power of food in Filipino culture, where shared meals are not just about sustenance but also about strengthening family ties, fostering friendships, and celebrating community. She envisions AlBarakah becoming a mainstream culinary presence, enriching the Filipino food scene with exciting new flavors and culinary experiences.

“Good food is one of the universal languages of the Pinoy experience,” she asserts. “And at AlBarakah, first and foremost, we make good food. On top of ensuring the gratification of my fellow Muslims, we also hope to offer new and flavorful options to Pinoy foodies on the lookout for delicious meals.” This inclusive approach positions AlBarakah to introduce the intricate nuances of Arabian dining to a wider audience, promoting cultural exchange and understanding through shared culinary experiences.

An Immersive Journey into Arabian Dining

AlBarakah’s launch event, “An Arabian Nights Feast,” held at the prestigious Crowne Plaza in Ortigas Center, was more than just a product showcase; it was a carefully curated cultural immersion, a portal into the heart of Arabian hospitality and culinary traditions. The event transported guests to a world of exotic aromas, vibrant colors, and captivating cultural displays. Attendees, many adorned in elegant traditional Muslim attire, embarked on a sensory journey, sampling a diverse array of dishes that showcased the depth, complexity, and sheer deliciousness of Arabian dining. The event itself served as a powerful testament to the potential for Arabian dining to become an integral part of the Philippine culinary landscape.

The feast provided a tantalizing preview of AlBarakah’s initial product offerings, giving guests a firsthand experience of the quality and flavor that the company represents. Premium shredded corned beef and minced hash corned beef took center stage, demonstrating AlBarakah’s commitment to using high-quality ingredients and developing innovative products within the halal framework. These savory options were complemented by protein bites, catering to health-conscious consumers seeking convenient and nutritious snacks.

A selection of rich and aromatic coffee options further showcased the company’s understanding of Arabian hospitality, where coffee plays a central role in social gatherings, welcoming guests, and fostering conversation. The halal certification of every dish rigorously verified and adhering to Islamic dietary law, provided complete assurance and peace of mind to Muslim guests, allowing them to fully enjoy the culinary experience without any reservations.

Expanding the Halal Culinary Landscape

While the corned beef products garnered significant attention at the launch event, AlBarakah’s ambitions extend far beyond a single product category. The company is committed to building a diverse and comprehensive portfolio of halal products, catering to a wide range of tastes, preferences, and culinary needs. This expansive portfolio could include:

Ready-to-Eat Meals: Convenient and flavorful pre-prepared meals featuring classic Arabian dishes, designed for busy individuals and families. These could include:

• Kabsa: A fragrant mixed rice dish with meat (chicken, lamb, or goat), infused with aromatic spices like cardamom, cloves, cinnamon, and saffron, often garnished with nuts and raisins.
  • Machboos: A richly spiced rice dish cooked with meat or fish and seasoned with a blend of Baharat spices, often served with a side of Dakus (a tomato and chili sauce).
  • Mandi: Slow-cooked, incredibly tender meat (usually lamb or chicken) served on a bed of flavorful, long-grain rice, traditionally cooked in an underground oven for a smoky flavor.
  • Biryani: A layered rice dish with marinated meat, vegetables, and aromatic spices, popular across South Asia and the Middle East, with regional variations offering unique flavor profiles.

Spice Blends and Marinades: Authentic Arabian spice blends and marinades, empower home cooks to effortlessly recreate the distinctive and complex flavors of Arabian cuisine in their kitchens. These could include:

• 1. Baharat: A versatile and aromatic spice blend used in countless Arabian dishes, typically containing a balanced mix of black pepper, coriander, cumin, cloves, cinnamon, cardamom, and nutmeg.
  2. Za’atar: A flavorful and herbaceous blend of dried thyme, sesame seeds, sumac, and salt, often used as a topping for bread or as a seasoning for meats and vegetables.
  3. Harissa: A fiery chili paste made from roasted red peppers, garlic, spices, and olive oil, used as a condiment, marinade, or ingredient in various dishes.

Bakery Products: A selection of traditional Arabian breads, pastries, and sweets, offering a taste of Arabian baking traditions. These could include:

• • Khubz: A round, flatbread commonly served with dips, spreads, grilled meats, and as an accompaniment to various dishes.
  • Pita Bread: A soft, slightly leavened flatbread that can be used for sandwiches, wraps, or as a scoop for dips.
  • Manakeesh: Flatbread topped with a variety of flavorful ingredients, such as za’atar, cheese, minced meat, or vegetables.
  • Baklava: A rich, sweet, and flaky pastry made of layers of thin filo dough filled with chopped nuts (usually pistachios or walnuts) and sweetened with fragrant syrup or honey.
  • Ma’amoul: Small, buttery, and melt-in-your-mouth cookies filled with dates, pistachios, or walnuts, often enjoyed during festive occasions.

Dairy Products: Halal-certified dairy products commonly used in Arabian cuisine, provide essential ingredients for authentic dishes. These could include:

• 1. Labneh: Strained yogurt with a thick, creamy, and tangy texture, often served with olive oil, herbs, and vegetables as a dip or spread.
  2. Ayran: A refreshing and cooling yogurt-based drink, often seasoned with salt and mint, perfect for accompanying spicy meals.
  3. Halloumi: A semi-hard, unripened cheese with a high melting point, making it ideal for grilling or frying.

This diverse and expanding product portfolio positions AlBarakah as a comprehensive provider of halal food solutions, offering convenience, variety, and authentic flavors to a broad and diverse consumer base.

The Philippine Halal Market

AlBarakah’s entry into the Philippine market is strategically timed to capitalize on a significant surge in halal awareness, demand, and market growth. The Muslim population in the Philippines, estimated at around 10 million and primarily concentrated in the southern region of Mindanao, represents a substantial and increasingly important consumer base. However, the growing demand for halal products is not solely driven by the Muslim community. Increasingly, non-Muslim Filipinos are also actively seeking out halal products, motivated by several key factors:

• Perceived Higher Quality and Hygiene Standards: Halal standards often emphasize rigorous hygiene and quality control measures throughout the entire production process, from sourcing ingredients to manufacturing and packaging. This emphasis on quality and hygiene leads many consumers to perceive halal products as safer, healthier, and of higher quality overall.
• Ethical and Sustainable Considerations: Many consumers associate halal with ethical sourcing practices, humane animal welfare standards, and sustainable production methods. This aligns with a growing global trend towards conscious consumerism and a preference for products that are produced ethically and sustainably.
• Curiosity, Culinary Exploration, and New Flavor Experiences: The diverse and flavorful nature of halal cuisine offers a unique culinary adventure for those seeking new and exciting food experiences. This curiosity and desire for culinary exploration are driving non-Muslim consumers to try halal dishes and products, expanding the market beyond its traditional boundaries.

This growing demand has fueled the rapid expansion of halal-certified restaurants, increased the availability of halal products in major supermarkets and local grocery stores, and fostered a greater understanding and awareness of halal dietary requirements across the country.