In the blink of an eye, another Ramadan has approached, Muslims all around the world come together and embrace their bonds, not only with each other, but also with their creator, Allah. The holy month of Ramadan began on March 1 and ends this year on March 30.
This period is a month where Muslims fast from sunrise to sunset, all while trying to grow spiritually and emotionally. During Ramadan, Muslims emphasize their practice of the five pillars of Islam, which includes Sawm, the required period of fasting that aims to encourage spiritual reflection, self-discipline and empathy.
Even though Muslims have to fight back their hunger until sunset, moderation is key, as overeating can lead to severe health issues, discomfort and even chronic diseases. To help prevent this issue during Ramadan, I’ve narrowed down the city’s abundance of food options to a short list of some of the best restaurants near campus you can break your fast at.
Rasa
25 W. Eighth St.
This classic Malaysian, sibling-owned restaurant is about two blocks north of Washington Square Park, serving a variety of delicious dishes from Malaysia, Thailand and Indonesia. Rasa stands out for their diverse menu that is sure to satisfy at least one of your cravings. They feature chef’s specialities, such as the Nasi Lemak with Curry Chicken — a Malaysian dish made with sambal, anchovies, peanuts, boiled egg and cucumber served with coconut rice — and various noodle dishes, such as the Maggi Mee Goreng, which contains onions, lettuce, bell peppers and is topped with a fried egg. There are also several fried rice options, and the restaurant’s extensive selections ensure that you’re energized and well-fed after a long day. Make sure to also cool off with their selection of refreshing beverages, like the Thai Iced Tea or a Lycheetini Mocktail.
Mint Masala
95 MacDougal St.
This cozy restaurant brings a burst of South Asian flavors for when Indian food is on your mind after fasting. They serve delicious options from the tandoor — the clay oven — such as their Lamb Seekh Kebab, which is minced lamb blended with cilantro, onion, ginger, garlic, spices and fresh herbs. Mint Masala also has delightful curries, such as the Chicken Tikka Masala, which is composed of tandoori chicken sauteed in tomato sauce and spices, or the Paneer Tikka Masala that consists of cheese cubes sauteed in tomato sauce and spices. Don’t forget to pair your meal with the Garlic Naan or Lachha Paratha, and a glass of Mango Lassi to counteract the spice. A plate of Gulab Jamun — soft fired dough doused in rose water and cardamom syrup for dessert — will be the perfect touch to end this satiating meal.
Salam
104 W. 13th St.
This Middle Eastern restaurant brings a taste of Syria right to Greenwich Village. Savor their assortment of Mediterranean delicacies, such as the Meat Pie — filo dough stuffed with ground beef lamb — as your appetizer. Their Grilled Chicken Kebab, which is marinated chicken breast accompanied with rice and a side of yogurt, serves as the perfect entrée for its fulfilling mixture of protein and carbs, especially when accompanied by an iced Mint Tea. It is the perfect place to host an Iftar with friends, as the tranquil and decorative restaurant environment is sure to take you on a quick trip to the Middle East.
Birria LES Saint Marks Place
34 St. Marks Pl.
Ever crave a good Mexican spot, but are disappointed due to the lack of halal options? Birria LES is just the place your mouth has been dreaming for. The eatery does not just serve Birria Chicken, Beef and Shrimp Tacos, but also empanadas, dumplings, nachos and cheese sliders. You can also opt for their Texas Garlic Toast Grilled Cheese if you’re not in the mood for strictly Mexican food. The variety of options they offer makes this cozy shop the place for breaking your fast.
Top Thai Greenwich
235 Sullivan St.
To tie this list together, I had to include one of the best halal thai food restaurants near campus. Top Thai is a hub for the Muslim community at NYU and serves a ton of delicious entrées, such as their Basil Udon, which is stir-fried Udon noodles with egg, bell pepper, onion, carrot, string bean, basil, garlic and chili, and the Tom Yum Noodle, which is a spicy soup with thai noodles, lemongrass, galanga, mushroom, lime leaf and egg. Both of these dishes can be topped with your choice of meat or vegetables, including tofu, shrimp, chicken or duck. The restaurant also has an extensive menu of unique drinks, including traditional soft drinks and innovative mocktails, such as the Cucumber Cooler and Lychee Lemonade.
Contact Maryam Babar at [email protected].
