Bay Shore native to open halal café ‘Burkii’ on Howells Road

A new halal café is eyeing an early summer opening in Bay Shore.

Owner Sammi Dutt, who grew up in the hamlet, said the idea dates back to his high school days — when finding a quick bite within walking distance after practice wasn’t easy.

“We would get hungry and there was only a deli or pizza,” he told Greater Long Island.

As a Muslim, the lack of halal options made it even more challenging.

Now, at 23, Dutt is working to create the kind of spot he felt was missing — a place where high schoolers and locals alike can stop in, grab a bite and hang out.

Dutt took over the space at 87 Howells Rd. more than three years ago and has been renovating it with his family ever since. The result will be Burkii, a new café whose name means “take a bite” in Urdu.

The café is targeting a May opening.

Burkii will feature a wide-ranging menu of smoothies, coffee drinks, breakfast and lunch items, along with açaí bowls.

The layout will be split into two sections — one focused on specialty drinks, the other serving hot food like fried chicken, smash burgers and other comfort-style meals.

“It’s going to have a mom-and-pop café vibe,” Dutt said.

He credits his parents as a major inspiration behind the concept.

“Growing up, I’d watch my mom and dad cook in the kitchen and I found it interesting,” he said. “At the end of the day, we’d all sit together for dinner.”

Everything at Burkii will be made in-house, including its sauces.

“I want to bring inviting food to people,” he said.

Dutt’s mother, Thayba Moughal — a registered dietitian — will also operate out of the space, offering grab-and-go meals for her clients.

Keep checking back with Greater Long Island for updates on Burkii’s grand opening.

Top: Thayba Moughal and her son, Sammi Dutt in Bay Shore. Credit: courtesy/Sammi Dutt

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