Our Weekly Menu
The Halaal To Go Story
Anyone who knows me, can attest to my grumpiness and intolerability of ‘disappointing’ meals. When it comes to ‘no’ meals, I become morbidly depressed!
Orlando was the second destination on our trip (of 30 days). We were already 10 days into our holiday and beginning to miss food that we were accustomed to.
We thought that we could ‘make-a-plan’ whilst holidaying at Disney World Orlando. The afternoon of Day 1 had me texting Khatija Essa, an expat who’s now living in Orlando for over 32 years. We made contact via a telephone chat application called Telegram 3 weeks before we were due to arrive in Orlando. Whilst the conversations were short, with details of where to eat, little did I realise that she would be our literal, ‘saving grace’ whilst we were there.
We soon realised that this was one holiday where we wouldn’t be able to make that proverbial ‘plan’. Admittedly, I didn’t believe her when she said that there was NO food options at the Parks, and NO halaal-suitable (or vegetarian suitable) options at the Hotels either.
Since coming from New York, we learnt a few things that have changed our perception of Halaal-safe eating. Potato’s are often fried in the same oil that is used to fry meat products. This includes any cooked vegetable from a breakfast buffet selection. Fish is often cooked on the same grill as burgers, so exercise caution when selecting any seafood option from the menu, or omit if possible. If Pancakes include a non-permissable meat, it would often mean that they are often added onto the same grill. Be cautious when ordering this as there is a great risk of contamination.
Going on her recommendation of meeting, Khatija fetched us from Downtown Disney the following day, and we went for lunch to a Middle Eastern restaurant called Kabbab House. This was our first Halaal meal in Orlando. The food was so flavoursome, and pleasing on the palate. They have daily lunch specials which include a choice of lentil soup (fantastically warming, I suggest replacing your usual option of fries and opting for a bowl of this as a starter to your meal) fries or salad. I opted for the Chicken Shish Tawouk, whilst the kids decided on spaghetti. Both options were thoroughly enjoyed.
At this stage, I need to add that this whole situation isn’t as it seems. Khatija had never cooked meals for people visiting from South Africa, nor did she have any menu, price list or inclination to do one! Mohamed and I asked her if she was keen to supply us with food during our stay and she obliged. We weren’t sure how any of this was going to work, or pan out for that matter, but it did, successfully. I was under the impression that she’d show us a few places to eat at, recommend a good meal here and there, but never once did I think that we would turn this into a fully fledged business offering for her! And we’re glad that she has. Following our first meet, we needed to determine what meals we required and how it was going to get to us.
