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During the holy month of Ramadan, Muslim Americans flock to IHOP on Route 46 in Totowa to have a hearty meal before starting their daily fast during the day. IHOP has become a popular destination for Muslim Americans because they can indulge in dishes for the pre-dawn meal called suhoor. Now, IHOP in Totowa has introduced a new halal menu just in time for Ramadan, which means it will serve items permissible under Islamic law. Muslim diners can now have turkey bacon with their omelets and chicken with their cheesy quesadilla, making them feel like they are back at home with halal American foods.
Suhaib Jubran, partner and manager at the restaurant, is Muslim himself, so it is something he always wanted to do for the community. The announcement of the halal menu quickly attracted attention from New Jersey residents who liked and shared the news. People had questions about menu items and how they would be cooked. Non-meat items are already considered halal, but Jubran is taking extra steps to ensure that every ingredient is fully compliant.
Foods that are halal do not contain pork products or alcohol. Some Muslims avoid non-halal restaurants altogether, concerned about cross-contamination if food is cooked on the same equipment. Jubran has invested in a new grill so staff can cook food separately and trained workers on halal food practices. The menu features popular dishes like chicken fajitas, grilled chicken with salad, and turkey bacon with pancakes made from halal poultry slaughtered and prepared according to Islamic law.
Sameer Sarmast, the popular Instagrammer behind Sameer’s Eats, an online show about halal foods, was eager to go with friends to check out the new halal menu. Being an American, born and raised, he has always been intrigued by having American foods halalified. He feels that a mainstream chain like IHOP doing this is huge and exciting.
The Totowa location is open 24 hours from Tuesday through Sunday and 12 a.m. to 10 p.m. on Mondays, making it an ideal spot for Muslims during Ramadan. Traditionally, families have meals together during Ramadan, both suhoor and the fast-breaking meal called iftar. For a growing number of Muslims, especially young people, eating at diners has become a beloved tradition. IHOP has become a huge draw for Muslims during Ramadan because of its hours that fit their schedule.
For Muslim foodies like Sarmast, it is a big deal for a place like IHOP to add halal foods to the menu. He feels that it is part of a larger trend of businesses and municipalities being more inclusive toward Muslims. By recognizing Muslims, businesses and municipalities are understanding the demographic makeup of this country. The IHOP in Totowa’s halal menu is a significant step toward inclusion and acceptance of Muslims in America.
