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Salah’s Halal Food is gearing up to launch on West Main Street in East Islip.
Owner Mohamed Siraj Salahudeen knew when he decided to open his halal spot on Long Island, he wanted to honor his father, Salah, who passed away in October.
Well next month, his tribute will finally become a reality.
“As soon as I put up the sign, it was an emotional moment for me, it was like my father was there,” he said.
Salahudeen said once he receives final approvals from the town, he is looking to open at 103 West Main Street by the end of April.
This will be one of two Salah’s Halal locations Salahudeen is opening this year — the other larger location will open at 95 Commack Road sometime in mid-May.
Salahudeen, who lives in Commack, is an avid motorcyclist, so each sandwich will be named after a motorcycle as a nod to his hobby, as well as the motorcycle groups he is a part of.
Like Super Glide from Harley-Davidson, which would include halal bacon, grilled chicken, and other fixings.
Another sandwich called Venom, after a Velocette motorcycle, has more of a kick — it has chicken breast, halal bacon, sliced jalapeno, and other toppings.
Other traditional halal dishes include the “Devil Chicken Gyro,” which is a Sri Lankan recipe of sweet and spicy chicken, tossed with onions and other veggies, wrapped in naan bread — it is cooked in the restaurant’s clay oven.
Story continues after photo.
Prior to Salah’s, Salahudeen owned a halal-Italian restaurant in New York City called The Olive Tree, which has been closed for some time.
The chef who worked with him at The Olive Tree will be leading the charge in the Salah’s kitchen.
Although Salah’s Halal in East Islip will primarily be a takeout spot, the halal joint seats about 12 people, and in the warmer months ahead, Salahudeen said he will add outdoor seating.
Like many new businesses opening this past year, the COVID-19 pandemic really set Salahudeen back on his progress.
“It’s a challenge, but I survived the hard moments, but now we can see the light at the end of the tunnel,” Salahudeen said.
Continue to follow greaterbayshore.com for updates on an opening date for Salah’s Halal.
Below are photos of Salah’s Halal in East Islip, launching on 103 West Main Street soon.
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Top: Mohamed Salahudeen, owner of Salah’s Halal in East Islip.
