What promoters are calling the nation’s largest festival devoted to halal foods returns to Fremont this weekend.
On Saturday, June 29, the seventh annual Halal Fest will bring together chefs and vendors who specialize in Indian, Pakistani, Middle Eastern, Arab, Mediterranean, African and American cuisines — all selling dishes made according to Islamic dietary guidelines.
As event founder Irfan Rydhan notes, many of these dishes — think lamb gyros, hummus — have become commonplace on the U.S. culinary landscape. And many festival attendees now come from outside the American Muslim community.
This year’s festival will feature Bay Area culinary experts doing demos for the crowd. Zareen Khan, owner of Zareen’s in Palo Alto, will be on stage at 2:30 p.m.; Terry Braggs of Bragging Ryt’s Catering in Pittsburg is scheduled for 6 p.m.; and Nora Haron, executive chef at Local Kitchen in San Francisco, at 8 p.m.
Reflecting the array of cuisines, more than 20 vendors from around the Bay Area will sell everything from brisket to chaat to gyros to chicken and waffles.
Between bites, you can check out the live entertainment, carnival rides and the global arts and jewelry bazaar.
Details: Noon to 10:30 p.m., Town Fair Plaza, 39100 State St., Fremont. Admission is $7 (children 10 and under free); parking is free. www.halalfest.com