Ordering food online seems like the easiest part of the day, but things get tricky when you want to make sure it’s actually halal. Most of the time people just trust what’s written. A little word like “halal” next to a dish, and that’s it, they order it but that word means more than just a label. It needs backing.
We at Only Halal made our app because we saw how many customers were unsure about what they’re eating and they’re not wrong. Not every place listing “halal” actually serves meat that follows proper Islamic standards. So yes, let’s talk about how to check what’s real and what’s just words.
Knowing What Halal Certification Is Actually About
First off, halal doesn’t just mean no pork. That’s barely scratching the surface. Real halal meat comes from animals slaughtered under guidelines. There’s a whole process from how the animal is raised to how it’s handled.
So what is halal certification? Basically, a third-party body checks that the food meets Islamic requirements. They review the sources, the kitchen practices, even how cross-contamination is avoided. That’s when it’s trustworthy, not just a sticker.
We don’t add any restaurant to Only Halal until they give us documents from trusted certifiers. Like IFANCA or HFSAA. That’s step one in our process. If they can’t show proof, they’re out.
Look for Halal Logos and Not Just Random Words
If a restaurant claims they serve halal, check their website. See if they actually have a certificate on display or just say it. There’s a difference. Words are easy to write, documents aren’t.
Look out for logos from known halal authorities. Some big ones in the US include:
- IFANCA
- HFSAA
- ISA
- Halal Transactions of Omaha
These certifiers do on-site checks and monitor the supply chain. If you don’t see any mention of these names, that’s your first red flag and if all you see is “Halal meat served” in plain text, just pause before ordering.
Everything you find on Only Halal already went through that filter. We even list which body certified the restaurant. Saves you a call or two.
When In Doubt Just Ask the Restaurant
If you’re using a delivery app or website and not sure about a place, pick up the phone or message them. Ask a couple things.
Something like:
- What halal certifier do you use?
- Do you use 100% Zabeeha meat or is it mixed sources?
- Can you send a copy of the certificate if I want to see it?
You’d be surprised how many restaurants won’t even respond or they’ll say “our supplier says it’s halal.” Not the same. You want direct certification, not word-of-mouth.
This part can feel annoying, sure but it helps. We built Only Halal because we were tired of doing all that asking every time we craved biryani or butter chicken. We wanted peace of mind. Now we pass that to others.
Why Mixed Menus Should Worry You
Say you’re on a big app like UberEats. You see a spot with burgers, pork ribs, shrimp curry, and also a “halal grilled chicken.” That’s a warning sign.
Here’s why. If the kitchen uses the same grill for pork and halal meat, the whole thing’s off. Even if the meat started halal, cross-contamination cancels it out.
Halal is not only about what you eat. It’s how it’s prepared, cooked, even stored. That’s why kitchens offering halal and non-halal together can’t always guarantee your food is clean by Islamic rules.
On Only Halal, all restaurants serve only halal items. No mix-ups, no exceptions. That’s kind of the point.
FAQs
- Is all Desi food online automatically halal?
No. Just because it’s Desi doesn’t mean it’s halal. Some places mix meat sources or don’t get certification at all. - What halal logos can I trust?
IFANCA, HFSAA, and ISA are the most trusted ones across the U.S. Look for their stamps or mentions. - Can I trust restaurants on big delivery apps?
Only if you personally verify the halal certificate. Those platforms don’t screen for halal standards. - Do you verify every restaurant on Only Halal?
Yes. We ask for documents and confirm them with certifying bodies. If they expire or can’t be renewed, we pause the listing. - What if a place says they use halal meat but won’t show a certificate?
That’s a red flag. Real halal-serving places won’t hide their certification. Always ask.
Real Food Needs Real Trust
We created Only Halal because we saw how hard it was for people to trust online menus. Too many fake claims, too many vague answers. Now you don’t have to worry. Open our app, pick your favorite Desi dish, and know for sure that it’s halal.
You get full transparency, certified sources and no shortcuts. That’s what we stand for. And that’s what you deserve.
If you’re ordering Desi food tonight or sometime soon, make the right call. Don’t rely on labels. Verify or better yet use us and skip the hassle because at Only Halal, we already did the checking. You just eat.