List of Muslim Foods

Many following the Muslim or Islamic faith have certain dietary restrictions, similar to Jewish kosher regulations. Muslims practice around the word of Islam and must follow dietary laws defined by the Islamic faith. Muslims must not eat or drink forbidden foods and beverages. The word Halal refers to that which is lawful or permitted. Worldwide there are more than 1.6 billion Halal consumers.

Haram foods refers to any foods prohibited by the Islamic word. Islamic faith prohibits the consumption of alcohol. Practicing Muslims do not drink or eat anything that contains alcohol. Pork is also prohibited. Muslims are not permitted to eat pork and pork products such as bacon, deli meats, ham and sausages. Any meat prepared with alcohol or pork products are also prohibited. Gelatin should be avoided since some gelatin products contain pork. Vegetables and fruit prepared with animal shortening, bacon, lard or margarines which contain monoglycerides from an animal source mustn’t be eaten, according to Toronto Public Health.

Muslims may eat meat which has been slaughtered according to the Islamic dietary law. They can only eat meat that has been killed in a fashion prescribed by Sharia law, according to the British Broadcasting Service. The process of slaughtering must prevent any unnecessary suffering of the animal. While the animal is slaughtered, the word God must be spoken. For example, a sharp knife must be used and animals must be well treated before being killed. Muslims may also eat vegetarian dishes such as vegetables and legumes, according to Toronto Public Health. Grains, seafood, eggs, nuts, seeds, peanut butter, tofu, dried lentils may also be eaten by Muslims.

Commonly, Middle-Eastern cuisine features lamb and chicken which have been slaughtered according to Sharia law, according to the British Broadcasting service. Many dishes feature vegetables and spices indigenous to the region. A common dish includes hummus made from ground chickpeas, a sesame seed paste, garlic, olive oil and lemon. Olive oil is plentiful in many Muslim dishes, as well as rice and olives. Baba ganoush made from eggplant is often served as an appetizer or as a side. Most meals are served with flat bread similar to pita bread. In the Middle East, people commonly eat a salad called tabbouleh made from bulgar, tomatoes, cucumber and parsley.