A new CT restaurant is opening with Middle East flavors, 100% halal food

Yale University Properties says there is a new restaurant at The Shops at Yale, according to the organization.

Shah’s Halal Food is set to bring Middle East flavors with 100% halal-certified food, according to Yale.

Halal food, simply put, is food that is allowed under Islamic law, according to WebMD. There is a lot to choose from, with only a handful of restrictions, known as haram foods: That means no pork or pork by-products, alcohol and foods prepped with alcohol, foods with blood or blood by-products, meat from animals not butchered according to Islamic dietary law, or foods made with whey prepared with nonmicrobial enzyme, rennet, animal shortening, monoglycerides and diglycerides from an animal source, sodium stearoyl, lactylate, and L-cysteine.

Today, May 29, at 10 a.m., “distinguished community partners will join store owners Rafi Mashriqi and Mohammed Mashriqi and Yale University Properties for a ribbon-cutting ceremony at Shah’s Halal Food at 286 York St.,” according to Yale. “The celebration continues later that day with Shah’s grand opening event, where free meals will be given away from 4 to 6 p.m. to welcome the community and mark the occasion.”

Halal food continues to expand in CT as Muslim population grows. ‘The landscape has really changed’

Shah’s Halal started off as a single food cart in New York in 2005 and has since grown to more than 90 locations, according to Yale. It is the first location in New Haven and the 11th in the state.

“We are excited to continue expanding the Shah’s Halal brand across the country and specifically Connecticut,” co-founder and CEO Khalid Mashriqi said. “New Haven is a historical city, and with Yale’s student base, it is the perfect community to share our love of halal food with Gen Z foodies.”

Guests can expect a variety of platters, gyros, burgers, salads, and vegan options, according to Yale Properties.

“We are thrilled to have this rapidly grown brand join our diverse community of restaurants, businesses and shops,” said Alexandra Daum, Yale University associate vice president for New Haven Affairs and University Properties.

“Shah’s will increase the already plentiful options for downtown eating. We are excited to bring New Haven the addition of this outstanding brand, dedication to service, and excitement for sharing the recipes of their family with new audiences.”