Largest Halal Food Fest returns to Fremont for 5th year

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What’s being billed as the largest Halal Food Festival in the United States returns to Fremont this weekend for the fifth year.

The food fair, featuring food that is prepared according to Islamic dietary law, will be held on Saturday from noon to 11 p.m. and Sunday from noon to 7 p.m. behind World Furniture at 40451 Albrae Street.

Organizer Irfan Rydhan said this year’s food extravaganza will feature both local as well as national culinary experts and chefs such as Lisa Ahmad of Mirchi Cafe in Fremont and Yvonne Maffei of My Halal Kitchen in Chicago. They will join about 20 food and specialty vendors who will be selling hummus, lamb gyro and other dishes. Last year, the festival drew about 6,000 guests, he said, and drew more people than similar festivals in New York and Chicago.

Abbas Mohamed, another organizer, said a great way to explore different cultures is through food and the Halal Fest “is the perfect chance for fun food explorations for people of all faiths.”

Aside from food, there will be an ensemble of jazz, Moroccan and African musicians from around the Bay Area, as well as a comedy showcase featuring well known American Muslim comedians Ahmed Ahmed (You Don't Mess with the Zohan), Ramy Youssef (Mr. Robot) and Preacher Moss (former writer for Damon Wayans & Darrell Hammond of Saturday Night Live).
Admission to Halal Fest is $5 for one day or $8 for a two-day pass, which includes the entertainment portions.

Children 10 years and younger get free admission into the festival. Parking is also free. Tickets can be bought online at: tix.HalalFest.com