The Sizzle of Inclusion: How Halal BBQ is Revitalizing Texas’s Culinary Scene

In the scorching summers of Texas, slow-cooked barbecue brings people together like nothing else. For decades, this beloved tradition has been defined by its beefy brisket, pork ribs, and a dash of Texan pride. However, a new wave of Muslim pitmasters is putting their own spin on this classic cuisine, bringing with them a halal twist that’s both delicious and inclusive.

Goldee’s BBQ, a small restaurant in Dallas, has been making waves since its opening in 2020. What sets it apart from other ‘cue joints is its commitment to serving halal meats – meat raised and butchered according to Islamic guidelines. The result is evident: long lines, rich flavors, and a lively atmosphere. Customers like Thanh Huynh, who waited since 6:30 am for a taste of Goldee’s famous brisket, are testament to the restaurant’s success.

Pitmasters like Zain Shafi and Salahodeen Abdul-Kafi are not only bringing their cultural heritages to the table but also challenging traditional notions of what Texas-style ‘cue should be. Shafi, co-owner of Goldee’s, grew up in Pakistan and brings his expertise in Pakistani-infused halal dishes to the menu. Abdul-Kafi, owner of Kafi BBQ in Irving, takes things to a new level with his Iraqi spices and Wagyu beef.

The power of inclusion is evident in this movement. When food bridges cultural divides, it can have a profound impact on society. Think back to the 1950s and ’60s, when Southern cuisine began to influence the national palate, or the rise of sushi restaurants in the ’80s, which introduced Japanese culture to mainstream America.

In Texas’s current climate, with anti-Muslim rhetoric on the rise, halal BBQ joints like Goldee’s and Kafi BBQ are more important than ever. By serving delicious, authentic food that just happens to be halal, these pitmasters are challenging stereotypes and pleasing palates.

“It’s an example of exactly the opposite of what the Islamophobes talk about,” Abdul-Kafi said in a recent interview. “They say Muslims don’t integrate, they stay alone, they don’t help society… And it’s like, I’m sitting here contributing to the most well-known cuisine of Texas.”

Halal food is no longer a niche market but a multibillion-dollar industry that’s part of the American culinary mainstream. This rise comes with a new wave of entrepreneurs and creatives who are putting their own spin on traditional Texan cuisine. From Goldee’s smoked Lao sausage to Kafi BBQ’s Iraqi-inspired spicy beef sausage, these halal BBQ joints showcase the incredible diversity of Texas itself.

As Farhan Mustafa noted in his 2025 piece for Bon Appétit magazine, “Halal food is American food… 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.”

A new generation of BBQ enthusiasts is emerging, drawn to halal joints like Goldee’s and Kafi BBQ for their commitment to quality, innovation, and inclusion. For Jonathan Tate, a Fort Worth resident who tried Kafi BBQ for the first time this summer, it was love at first bite. “That sausage, I’d probably put it at the top sausage I’ve ever had… This place is unique,” he said.

For every Goldee’s and Kafi BBQ, there are hundreds more halal BBQ joints popping up across Texas, each with its own unique story to tell. Next time you’re in Dallas or Irving, do yourself a favor – skip the usual suspects and seek out one of these halal BBQ pioneers instead. Your taste buds will thank you, and so will the people who are changing the face of Texas’s culinary scene one delicious meal at a time.

Making the best barbecue in Texas doesn’t necessarily have to include pork. It just might be about something much more – the sizzle of inclusion.