Having recently moved here, I have been searching for many Halal spots. Finding authentic and delicious spots has been a bit difficult but I spent many days in the last three months and can say I have come up with a pretty solid list. I will continue to expand on these monthly and hope many of you try these places out!

Starks Hot Chicken - Koreatown, CA

• Now, my favorite thing about Stark’s is definitely the variety. My second favorite thing is it is right down the street from me. I have yet to try the entire menu but the sweet parmesan fries are at the top of the list for now. There are very few places I have been that have fries AND chicken specialities that were Halal so it has been great to experience. 

NOYA Kitchen - Los Angeles, CA

• This is also right down the street from me! How blessed am I? Now, NOYA is cool because it reminds me a bit of Bhundoo Khan. Specifically because of the fusion menu. This is a Bengali owned restaurant and a great place to dine in. Their mango lassi is also top tier. I do not eat much Bengali food as there was not much where I grew up and I suspected it would not be much different from Pakistani or Indian food but there definitely is. It was a wonderful surprise. I was eating something I was used to with a twist.

New York Chicken and Gyro - Canoga Park, CA

• Gyros, wraps, Mediterranean. SO good. It's perfectly fresh (of course) and a bit spicy as well. The wraps last me two meals which is also a plus and it's so packed and filling but doesn’t give you that feeling afterwards when you’re like “oh no, I ate too many carbs and feel gross.” This one is definitely up there on my favorites list.

India’s Tandoori - Burbank, CA

• I loved this place. Very hospitable people. I met a young Bengali man who just moved to the states recently. Crispy naan (my favorite) with this amazing, soft, kind of sweet chicken off their appetizer menu.We only ate a bit as well and were very full. Great samosas, super basic, but I had not had one since I moved here in January. So happy it was as good as I was craving. Also very top on my favorites list just because of the culture and people.there.  

Dave's Hot Chicken - Koreatown, CA

• Obviously. This one is a classic. Known in many states, so nothing new. Probably the best hot chicken I have ever had. It’s fresh every time, and the sauce?! Fire, as always. I get the medium, sometimes hot spice. I have definitely had the reaper before so don't come for me. Too much spice covers the taste though, so I like to believe the medium is the best spice level.