By Emily Fahner
University of Houston Dining Services continues to collaborate with the Muslim Student Association to improve halal options across on-campus dining locations.
“Throughout the years, I have seen much improvement to the halal offerings on campus,” said Ahmed Sarraj, MSA president and senior chemical engineering student.
In fall 2014, UHDS created the halal station in the Fresh Food Company at Moody Towers. With an overwhelming need to provide halal options, Chopped N Smoked Halal BBQ food truck was added to the rotation at the beginning of the fall 2015 semester.
“Our partnership with the Muslim Student Association is vital in understanding the needs of the Muslim student population at UH,” said Torik Bank, UHDS director of operations. “We appreciate the organization providing feedback so we are able to continue to improve the halal offerings on campus.”
UHDS residential staff have worked tirelessly to learn about halal restrictions and guidelines along with how to properly prepare halal cuisine. The halal menu has expanded to include a variety of international cuisines prepared with halal meats.
“We are now working with Midamar, a halal meat provider, so we now have more protein options available at the halal station in Fresh Food Company” said Nick Arduini, residential food service director. “We will continue to seek new vendors and expand our halal options in the months to come.”
Updates to the halal menu have included lamb gyros, shrimp and grits, grilled chicken kabob and Thai chicken lettuce wraps. The free CampusDish app is available for download on Apple and Android devices. Users are able to view the menu for each station prior to visiting the dining halls.
“The upgraded halal menu at Fresh Food Company as well as additions to the UH food truck program will help us grow the program for current and future students,” said Banks.
Crisp Doner and The Kebap Crew food trucks will join the UH Food Truck rotation for the spring 2016 semester. Each truck is halal certified and dedicated to serving halal meats.