Through April 9, many Muslims will observe the holy month of Ramadan by fasting from dawn to dusk. They prepare with a pre-dawn meal called suhoor, then break their fast in the evening with a meal known as iftar. Both can be opportunities to meet with friends and family. During Ramadan, some North Texas restaurants are extending their dinner hours and offering special holiday dishes for dine-in and takeout. And two festivals will offer communal dining and celebration.
BEBA BBQ This Pakistani barbecue spot in Carrollton will be open until 5 a.m. daily during Ramadan. Iftar specials will include pakora, samosas, chicken rolls, chana chaat and fruit chaat. To-go iftar boxes are $11.99 and include chicken tikka boti, a samosa, galub jamun and more. 3648 Old Denton Road, Carrollton. bebabbq.com.
DALLAS KABOB HOUSE The Plano restaurant will have a buffet nightly from 5 to 10 for $19.95, $13.95 for children 4 to 9. It will include kebabs, curries, biryani, samosas, chicken kahari, a daily dessert selection, fried chicken and fries, and a daily dessert selection. The regular menu will also be available. Iftar to-go packs can be ordered in individual and family sizes by calling 972-200-7161. Orders must be placed by 3 p.m. for pickup by 6 p.m. 2040 W. Spring Creek Parkway, Plano. facebook.com/DallasKabobHouse.
HALAL CUTS The Irving butcher shop and restaurant will offer two iftar packages for $14 to $19. Menu options will include chicken or steak with rice, beef brisket, sliders, fajitas, kebabs and burritos. Add starters and desserts for an extra cost. Order a day in advance by calling 469-565-8083. 3642 N. Belt Line Road, Irving. halalcutstx.com.
JIMMY’S BURGER AND GRILL This Plano restaurant will be open daily from 2 to 10 p.m. during Ramadan. In addition to beef and chicken burgers and fries, the menu includes quesadillas; chicken, beef and goat biryani dishes; butter chicken; and kebabs. There’s also a children’s menu. On Thursdays, there will be a buffet. 6300 Independence Parkway, Plano. jimmysburgerandgrill.com.
MAI COLACHI Locations in Plano and Carrollton will be open extended hours during Ramadan. The restaurant serves housemade paneer, traditional Pakistani dishes like lahori cholay, fusion items such as masala fries, and halal steaks and burgers. There’s also a children’s menu. Iftar combo packages start at $39.99. 6205 Coit Road, Plano, and 3128 E. Trinity Mills Road, Carrollton. mai-colachi.com.
THE MAYOR’S HOUSE BY SELDA This Turkish restaurant in a historic house in Oak Cliff is open Sundays through Thursdays until midnight and Fridays and Saturdays until 1 a.m. The menu includes lamb shish, urfa kebab, halloumi, Turkish feta, baklava with walnuts, and kunefe, a dessert with cheese, syrup and shredded wheat. 635 N. Zang Blvd., Dallas. themayorshousebyselda.com.
SANABELS This Addison restaurant has a lengthy menu and regular live music. Specials will include whole roasted lamb on Fridays through Sundays and mansaf on weekdays. Open until 1:30 a.m. on weekends during Ramadan. Closed Mondays. 15107 Addison Road, Addison. sanabels.net.
SHEESH EATERY AND LOUNGE The Indian-Pakistani fusion restaurant and hookah lounge in The Colony will have iftar boxes for $29.99 Thursdays through Saturdays, an iftar buffet for $24.99 per person Thursdays through Saturdays, and a la carte suhoor menu on weekends until 5 a.m. Open daily from 5 p.m. to 1 a.m. 4707 State Highway 121, The Colony. sheeshtx.com.
WAVA Locations in Richardson and on Lower Greenville always stay open late serving New York-style street food. The menu includes rice bowls, wraps and fries with gyro, shawarma, falafel and kebabs. There are also burgers, hot dogs, samosas, seafood, smoothies and breakfast dishes. Open daily until 3 a.m. 3611 Greenville Ave., Dallas, and 804 W. Shore Drive, Richardson. wavahalalgrill.com.
ZIO AL’S PIZZA AND PASTA This local chain with Halal meats is open daily until 3 a.m. with takeout and delivery options. The menu includes pizza, pasta, calzones, chicken, sandwiches, salads, desserts and appetizers, including Akaway and zaatar pie. Locations in Addison, Arlington, Carrollton, Dallas, McKinney and Plano. zioals.com.
FREE FESTIVALS
TEXAS SUHOOR FEST The organizers of Texas Halal Fest will host an outdoor festival with halal food for sale, plus a marketplace with other vendors. March 23 from 11 p.m. to 6 a.m. at the University of Texas at Dallas’ Multipurpose Fields, 2400 Armstrong Drive, Richardson. Free admission; registration required at eventbrite.com. txsuhoorfest.com.
NIGHTS OF RAMADAN BAZAAR This family festival will have halal food trucks, a marketplace, henna artists and activities for children such as bounce houses and train rides. April 5-7 from 7 p.m. to 6 a.m. at the Vista mall parking lot, 2401 S. Stemmons Freeway, Lewisville. Free admission; register at eventbrite.com. nightsoframadan.com.
