How different is the Kosher diet from Halal food?

Halal and Kosher diets are often lumped together. Although there are some similarities in the ideologies behind these two dietary practices, the differences are greater. This, however, can be confusing, especially for a non-muslim to distinguish between the two. So, in this blog, we attempt at highlighting the basic differences between these religious-oriented food practices before you try halal food in Long Island for the first time.

Origin. Both Halal and Kosher dietary lifestyles stem from thousands of years old traditions that primarily deal with how meat should be killed and prepped. In terms of etymology, Halal means “permissible” or “lawful” in accordance with the Islamic holy book, the Quran. The foods which are not Halal in Islam are called Haram. On the other hand, Kosher is a way of eating food rather than just preparing. The word itself takes root in the Hebrew language meaning “proper” or “fit”.

Similarities. The primary focus in both Halal and Kosher diets is on the slaughter of meat and how it is cooked. Additionally, Islamic customs also require the livestock to be raised in a humane manner in order to be considered Halal for consumption, whereas the Kosher diet focuses more on the quality of the meat in terms of the specific organs and types of animals that can be consumed. However, in both dietary practices, a prayer must be called before slaughtering the animal in a quick and painless way.

Differences. When it comes to the differences between halal and Kosher food, there is a list of distinct practices followed. Mainly Halal food focuses on healthy meat consumption with the restriction of only pork from their diet, whereas Kosher diet has several restrictions. For example, the Kosher diet for bids the consumption of any aquatic animal that does not have both scales and fins whereas Halal allows the consumption of any edible aquatic animal like lobster, fish, crabs, etc.

Moreover, a vegetarian diet is completely considered Halal, but the Kosher lifestyle emphasizes more on the preparation of the food according to religious methods just as much as the products. Also, Kosher allows consumption of alcohol whereas Islam absolutely forbids alcohol and considers it Haram.

Lastly, a surprising distinction, lesser-known to non-Muslims and non-Jews is that food pairing restrictions are more prominent in the Kosher lifestyle as compared to the Halal. Hence, you may find authentic Halal food in NY in the form of sandwiches salads with mayo, and sauces. However, the Kosher diet does not allow food pairing of meat and dairy products and should only be consumed in different utensils after following a proper cleansing ritual.

If you are in New York, you must visit Sammy’s Halal, a top-rated halal food restaurant in Jersey City for 100% guaranteed certified halal food in an array of delicious meals.