Do you have dietary restrictions? Some people avoid certain foods for medical reasons, because of allergies or sensitivities. Others have religious reasons for abstaining from specific foods or ingredients. Like many residents of Singapore, perhaps you eat only halal food, or maybe you know people who do. When you’re hosting a gathering for many different people, keep in mind that some of your guests may need halal food items available. Before consulting with your Singapore caterer about the menu, make sure that you have a working knowledge of halal food and the laws that govern it. At eatz Catering, we are a certified provider of Halal food, check out our certification here. We will display our Halal certification at the catering venue if there is a request for it.

What Does Halal Mean?

For a Muslim, “Halal” means “lawful,” or allowed. “Haram” indicates foods that are “unlawful,” or not allowed.

Which Foods Are Not Lawful?

Followers of Islam do not consume the meat of birds or beasts who prey upon other creatures. They do not eat meat from animals that have not been properly blessed and slaughtered according to the Muslim law. Muslims do not eat pork of any kind— no bacon, ham, liquor, lard, or other pork products. Anything that has lard or a pork by-product is forbidden.

Does Everyone Agree on Which Foods are Halal?

Certain guidelines are very clear-cut and indisputable while others leave room for different interpretations by Muslim scholars. For example, with regards to seafood, some Muslims eat amphibious animals without concern, while others consider only fish to be permissible. Each Muslim must follow his or her conscience and the teachings of his or her religious leaders when it comes to such decisions.

What are the Specifics of the Law?

Whether you are planning a party with Muslim guests in attendance or following the Muslim dietary restrictions yourself, you need to know the specifics of the laws governing halal food. If your caterer is not familiar with these rules, share this with them as well.

Whether you are planning a party with Muslim guests in attendance or following the Muslim dietary restrictions yourself, you need to know the specifics of the laws governing halal food. If your Singapore caterer is not familiar with these rules, share them with your caterer as well. These foods are considered haram, or unlawful:

These foods are considered haram, or unlawful:

• Animals with fangs
• Birds of prey with talons
• Animals that Islam forbids to be killed (bees, ants)
• Animals that Islam urges one to kill (rats, snakes, scorpions)
• Animals that are filthy (insects)
• Animals that live in two worlds (toads, frogs)
• Blood
• Alcohol
• Impurities
• Poisonous or harmful plants
• Carcasses or meat from animals that were not slaughtered correctly in the Islamic tradition
• Dogs or any part of a dog
• Pigs or any part of a pig

Can a Muslim Eat Food Prepared by Non-Muslims?

As long as the food contains none of the forbidden elements, and as long as the meat was correctly slaughtered, the food is considered halal, whether those preparing it are Muslims or not. A non-Muslim who plans to host Muslims should educate himself or herself about the halal customs and rules ahead of time and be honest with the Muslim guests about the food and its ingredients. In fact, there is numerous common food now served by non-Muslim like laksa, chicken rice, chilli crab.

When you are planning your next gathering, take the time to go over all the ingredients and dishes with your caterer in Singapore. Make sure that all of the dishes are completely free of anything that is dubbed “haram” or “unlawful.” You can ask your Singapore caterer to purchase ingredients or items that have the halal certificate or logo issued by MUIS, or to obtain meat from animals that were slaughtered in accordance with Muslim requirements. When you take the time to ensure the peace and comfort of your guests, you show that you truly care about them and respect their religious beliefs.