Thousands attend first American halal festival in the nation
More than 15,000 people attended the first Halal Food Fest on Aug. 5 in Frontier Park in Naperville. The event featured local Chicago vendors selling food from Turkey, Jordan, Indonesia, Malaysia, India, Pakistan, and other foreign countries.
Two hundred different dishes from 25 different countries were served. Many merchants displayed a broader secret menu from a number of its establishments. There were numerous well-known vendors, including The Qahwah House, Padi Food, Kabul Kabob, Papa Chocolate, Pathaan Chaiwala, Pita Zone, Barkat Catering, Al Nachef, Sara Grill Bundoo Khan, Mama Maria Pizza, and Arzan Market.
Throughout the day, there were numerous cooking demos and food seminars where visitors could learn about Halal cuisine and take advantage of the uncommon chance to interact with and ask questions of some of Chicago's greatest chefs.
The festival offered family-friendly and affordable activities. Each food vendor had different prices for its food items.
"It's a great feeling about all of this Halal Food Fest is that I tasted new things, discovered what's happening in the community," remarked a visitor named Linda who had never attended any Muslim events before.
Paper kites were a popular item from Pakistani booths, along with clothing, jewelry, and other goods. Participants had the opportunity to purchase and fly their own paper kite, a common custom in Pakistan and India.
With the purchase of tickets, kids had the opportunity to ride ponies and camels, play in bounce houses, and take in kid-friendly entertainment beginning at noon.
The guests were given the chance to savor and sample delicious food from a number of nations, including Afghanistan, Nigeria, Mexico, France, Indonesia, Malaysia, Sri Lanka, Kyrgyzstan, Pakistan, India, Palestine, Lebanon, and Syria.
The festival offered a variety of activities, including face painting and mehndi, circus shows, an inflatable kids' section, and a cultural market with a large selection of unique goods.
The open exhibition showcased the "vibrant and diverse Muslim lifestyles" in the Chicago region. Shafeek Abubaker and his colleagues served as the festival's host and organizer. The festival's goal is to highlight the flourishing Muslim communities and the region's cultural variety in Naperville and the greater Chicago area. These gatherings are crucial, according to Shafeek Abubaker, president of the Illinois Muslim Chamber of Commerce, since they present excellent business prospects.
"The aim of Halal Food Fest is to celebrate the rich cultural heritage and diverse culinary traditions of Halal cuisine while fostering a sense of community and inclusivity," said event organizers in a release. "Our goal is to develop an immersive experience that highlights the genuine tastes and cuisines of nearby Halal food sellers. Abubaker believes in the power of food to unite people, and through this festival we work to promote the understanding and appreciation of Halal food and culture."
The Illinois Muslim Chamber of Commerce is a nonprofit organization that aims to promote economic growth and development within the Muslim community.