Halal Food Is Coming To East Islip

EAST ISLIP, NY — A second Long Island location of Salah's Halal Food is coming soon to East Islip. The fast casual restaurant is opening at 103 W. Main Street. The new eatery is just waiting for a final inspection before owner Siraj Salahudeen can open the doors.

Salahudeen is a native of Sri Lanka who named his first Long Island halal shop after his late father, Salah, who, along with his grandfather inspired him to enter the food and hospitality business. The family ran a catering company in Sri Lanka, and the death of Salahudeen's father in October spurred him to honor him by naming his business in his honor.

Seeing the lack of halal food in the area and the pandemic meaning less Long Islanders were trekking into New York City for their halal fix encouraged the opening of this second location. Salahudeen, who lives in Commack, was trained in hospitality in Australia before opening an Italian halal restaurant in New York City that has since closed.

He tells Patch his background means that although Salah's Halal Food will be fast food, it will be elevated and offer new tastes and be a bit more upscale.

The motorcycle enthusiast named sandwiches and menu items after famous motorcycle types. The "Road King" is a sandwich with halal beef, melted cheddar, sliced jalapeno and habanero and topped with a house-made spicy sauce.

All the eatery's sauces will be homemade, as well as bread and pastries made in the Commack location.

"People like the taste and quality" of halal meat, he tells Patch, and the appeal of the Muslim cuisine is widening.

The restaurant will also have gyro and rice dishes, and a vegetarian gyro option.