Naz's Halal Food jam-packed on grand opening

Naz’s Halal Food jam-packed on grand opening

Mike White | September 1, 2019

There were lines out the door for hours as customers came to get a taste of the new Naz’s Halal Food on its grand opening in Shirley yesterday.

Many came for the offer of a free meal from noon to 4 p.m. By 5 p.m., the store had served 298 orders, co-owner Kareem Mohmend said, and hardly anyone came alone. Others were intrigued by the cuisine — which includes rice platters, gyros, burgers, salads, wings and falafel.

Gene Kalil, 21, of Shirley, said he tries to eat halal food wherever he can because he is Muslim and halal is the dietary standard for the Muslim faith. He ordered chicken and lamb over rice with white sauce and barbecue sauce

Kalil said he would normally drive 30 minutes to Selden for a halal restaurant, adding that there’s a big Muslim community in the area that could come out for Naz’s.

Teresa Picon, of Shirley, stopped by for a lamb and chicken combo because she wanted to see what both types of meat tasted like.

Debbie Moore, of Manorville, said her dish was “delicious,” and that she was surprised the restaurant was giving out such large portions during the free-food hours.

Debbie Moore, of Manorville, said her dish was “delicious” and noticed that there was a line out the door for hours at the new Naz’s Halal Food in Shirley.

Moore, who was waiting for a bus, noted, “There’s been a line out the door the whole day.”

The restaurant actually opened on Friday, and Mohmend said the community has been very receptive. “They’ve been very excited about it — very positive.”