Muslim pitmasters build halal barbecue scene across Texas

Muslim pitmasters across Texas are gaining recognition for adding their own spin to one of the state's most iconic culinary traditions. According to Religion News Service, at least a dozen barbecue spots now serve halal meats, including Goldee's BBQ in Fort Worth, Yearby's Barbecue & Waterice in the Dallas area, and Levant Mediterranean BBQ with locations in Houston and Frisco.

Goldee's BBQ, opened in 2020, was named the No. 1 barbecue spot in Texas by Texas Monthly a year later and won a Bib Gourmand award from the Michelin Guide for "great food at a great value." The restaurant serves classic Texas barbecue alongside halal brisket, turkey and lamb. Pitmaster Zain Shafi, a co-owner, previously ran Sabar Barbecue, a food truck offering Pakistani-infused halal dishes with spices like bay leaf and coriander. He brought tandoori smoked turkey to Goldee's menu. Chef and part owner Nupohn Inthanousay blends his Laotian heritage, serving a smoked Lao "sai oua" sausage with sticky rice and a fiery, tangy dipping sauce.

At Kafi BBQ in Irving, owner Salahodeen Abdul-Kafi brings halal Wagyu beef and Iraqi spices to classic Texas barbecue. A former Silicon Valley tech worker, he moved to Texas six years ago in search of a Muslim community and opened Kafi BBQ by 2024. Abdul-Kafi said he attributes his approach to the Islamic concept of "Ihsan" — doing something with excellence for the sake of God. The restaurant's menu includes 13-spice Wagyu brisket, pomegranate-glazed beef belly burnt ends and Iraqi-inspired spicy beef sausage.

According to food writer Farhan Mustafa, who wrote about the rise of American halal barbecue for Bon Appétit magazine in 2025, halal food has grown into a multibillion-dollar industry that is part of the American culinary mainstream. "Halal food is American food," Mustafa said. "It belongs on your plate. It belongs in the casual chat. It belongs in hip hop tracks. It's the most American thing there is."