Eating out is something that everyone likes. Nowadays, people call it “kulineran” too (doing a culinary tour). Eating is not just a matter of making yourself full or meeting your nutritional needs. Eating, too, is a form of recreation. Even for some people, eating is a hobby. hehe.
For people who like to travel a lot, “kulineran” is a must in their travel agenda. It’s not only to meet the basic life needs, but also the lifestyle needs.
Each region or country must have its unique culinary traditions. The desire to try something new is why many people like doing a culinary tour.
As Muslims, we certainly cannot just try foods and beverages carelessly. The main rule that we should follow is “halalan toyyiban”: halal and good. Halal means that the foods and beverages we consume have met the legal standards of Islamic law for consumption. “Toyyib” means that the foods and beverages we consume can give something good for ourselves and do not contain or at least have the lowest bad impact. Such as containing nutrients, and does not cause negative effects such as allergies, intoxication, addiction, etc.
For those of us who live or travel to a Muslim-majority country, it may not be hard to apply the rules of “halalan-toyyiban.” It’s a different situation if we live in or travel to a non-Muslim majority country. Of course, this is a challenge, even a test in itself.
So, how can we still enjoy a culinary tour while still following Islamic law related to eating and drinking? Here we give tips for you, brothers and sisters.
- Find information about the location of places that serve halal menus.
You can search for this information on the internet. Another option is to ask for recommendations from relatives or friends who have already visited or lived in the area. Do not hesitate to ask. They are usually happy to recommend a good and reliable place. If you join the local Muslim community organization, it will be very helpful.
- Ask directly the seller or the people who manage the place
Although we already get information from the internet, it’s a good thing to ask. Sometimes it’s even a must. It’s to make sure the menus in these places are halal. Especially if the place does not have an official halal label, for example, street vendors or tent shops. By doing this, we have been exercising caution and fulfilling obligations in trying to consume halal food and drinks. Ask specifically about the ingredients used. We can mention examples of haram ingredients, such as pork, wine, alcohol, etc. Make sure these ingredients are not on the menu that we will order.
- Choose menus made from sea animals (seafood)
Sea animals do not need to be slaughtered. Therefore there is no potential for them to be haram because of the slaughter processes. Sea animals that have died before the cooking process (carcass) are lawful for consumption. Seafood can be an alternative if you think that the vegetarian menu is less appetizing.
- Choose non-animal-based menus
Choosing a non-animal-based menu makes us safer from the potential to consume haram foods. A non-animal-based menu includes various types of fruits, vegetables, and nuts. These types of foods can be an alternative too. It’s very suitable if you are a vegetarian. You just need to make sure that the cooking process doesn’t use additional ingredients that are prohibited, such as broth, oil, or other ingredients derived from substances that are haram.
- Choose international brand restaurant
If you have difficulty finding a place that serves halal local menu, choosing an international brand restaurant can be a solution. Usually, this restaurant has legal obligations and high standards, including in doing the halal certification. These restaurants pay attention to the needs of their target consumers, including Muslim consumers. Usually, international brand restaurants also have a special menu that incorporates local tastes.
Brothers and sisters, those are some tips for you to still be able to enjoy foods in a country that is a non-Muslim majority while adhering to the Shari’a, namely consuming halal and good foods. Lastly, just in case you have a hard time finding halal menus, I recommend always bringing packaged food and beverages that have halal labels. At least this can fulfill your needs while looking for a place that serves good, tasty, unique, halal, and good menus.
