NJ IHOP Offering Halal Menu, And It's Not Just For Ramadan

TOTOWA, NJ — Muslims breaking their fast or fueling up for the day during Ramadan can enjoy a halal menu at a Passaic County IHOP, which debuted the new menu last week.

The IHOP on Route 46 East in Totowa announced it would debut a menu for those following Islamic food laws during the holy month of Ramadan, when practicing Muslims fast from sunrise to sunset every day.

So, a restaurant like IHOP with extended dining hours could be an appealing stop before morning prayer.

This particular location is open 24 hours from Wednesday-Sunday. It's also open from midnight-10 p.m. on Monday and from 6:30 a.m. to midnight on Tuesday.

The monthlong observance of Ramadan is a time of fasting, introspection and prayer observed by 1.8 billion Muslims worldwide. This year, it began on Thursday, March 23 for most communities and ends with Eid al-Fitr on Friday, April 21.

"Now we need the Ramadan hours special," one commenter said on Instagram.

But the special won't just be for Ramadan — the halal menu will be offered year-round, according to a social media post. Food ordered off this menu is cooked at a separate station than other dishes, the restaurant said on Instagram.

The halal menu includes breakfast favorites: pancakes, waffles, omelettes, crepes, and French toast.

Islamic dietary laws have specific guidelines on how to slaughter and prepare fresh meat, and halal foods cannot contain certain ingredients. The Totowa IHOP offers turkey bacon and chicken prepared according to those guidelines, the restaurant said.

Breakfast burritos and bowls are also on the halal menu, including a classic version with eggs, turkey bacon, cheese, hash browns and salsa and a Southwest chicken version.

Non-breakfast items include a chicken quesadilla, salmon and rice, and a salad with chicken and veggies.

"We will continue on growing our Halal menu in the near future," the restaurant said.

Related article —When Is Ramadan 2023: 5 Things To Know About Islam Holy Month

Only people who are healthy are expected to fast during Ramadan. Pregnant women, people with health concerns or illnesses, the elderly and prepubescent children are not obligated to fast.

The first meal, called Suhoor, is served before dawn, is hearty enough to fuel the energy needed to get through the day. It ends at sunrise, when Fajr, or morning prayers, begin.

At sunset, families come together for a second meal, called Iftar. Typically, the fast is broken with dates or some other small bit of food before evening prayers, then followed by a more hearty meal.

This story contains reporting from Patch's Beth Dalbey.