Atlanta's First Halal Food Festival Comes to Atlantic Station

Eater

03-07-2025

Atlanta's first halal food festival will be held at Atlantic Station on July 19. More than 50 food vendors are expected, dishing out halal fare including kebabs, burgers, falafel, and desserts from Yemeni, Middle Eastern, South Asian, and Uzbeki cuisines. The festival, from the Atlanta Muslim Festival Collective, comes during a time of recent protests against ICE raids and immigration policy in the city, marking a celebration of migrant food.
'It feels incredible to introduce the first halal food festival to Atlanta,' said Hasnain Lakhani, festival co-founder. 'As a lifelong metro Atlanta resident, I've always felt deeply connected to this community — from planning smaller events like the Atlanta Ramadan Food Festival to running local culinary and real estate businesses. It's a chance for both Muslims and non-Muslims to come together, celebrate our city's diversity, and experience the vibrant culture and flavor of halal cuisine.' Lakhani also owns the BurgerFi in Lawrenceville, and he says it's the only franchise location in Georgia that serves certified halal burgers.
Halal is an Arabic word referring to what is permissible under Islamic law. When used in terms of food, halal applies to the dietary guidelines surrounding the preparation and consumption of food for those who follow the religion of Islam. Pork isn't permitted (considered a forbidden food, or 'haram' in Arabic), and Islamic law requires all other animals being prepared for consumption to be humanely slaughtered. Anything containing alcohol is also not permitted for consumption under halal guidelines.
'In fact, many people have likely enjoyed halal cuisine before, without even knowing!' said Lakhani, who is particularly excited about the following vendors at the festival:
• 967 Coffee Co.: A fast-rising Yemeni coffee shop serving Yemeni teas, coffees, and desserts like milk cakes.
• Aviva by Kameel: Mediterranean eatery offering rice bowls, crispy falafel, and grilled chicken shawarma.
• Bismillah Cafe: A hidden gem beloved for its chicken shawarma biryani, topped with its signature 'green sauce' raita.
• Diyar Al Yemen: Yemeni eatery serving a 14-hour braised, shredded lamb and perfectly cooked rice.
• Dragon Delights: Indonesian restaurant led by passionate women serving homemade cuisine.
• Laghman Express: Uzbekian restaurant from New York's famous food scene, offering traditional Central Asian cuisine — from noodles and rice dishes to kebabs and dumplings.
• Palachinx: Atlanta pastry business known for its crepes and viral Dubai-style chocolate cups.
• Sauce Wing Co.: Atlanta's popular halal wing and Philly cheesesteak spot.
• Shawarma Press: Mediterranean shawarmas.
• Shibam Coffee: Offering Yemeni coffee and pastries.
• WowBooza: Middle Eastern sweet shop making desserts like baklava, kunafa, and stretchy booza ice cream.
The festival will also include live performances and cultural acts, a petting zoo, a photo booth, and a market with handmade goods from local businesses. Tickets are on sale now, beginning at $13.
'We want Muslims in Atlanta to experience a food festival serving delicious cuisine that all aligns with halal standards, and for those outside the Muslim community to understand that you don't have to be Muslim to eat, appreciate, and enjoy halal foods,' said Lakhani.
Here are more food festivals of note coming up:
For its 11th year, PeachFest returns to Downtown Atlanta on Sunday, July 27. More than 65 chefs and bartenders will sling peach-centric food and drinks, this year teaming up with Pearson Farm's Peach Week. Restaurants include Tio Lucho's, CudaCo. Seafood House (Charleston), etc. (Chicago), Kitty Dare, Southern National, Marcus Bar & Grille, Auburn Angel, Rathbun's, Sweet Auburn Barbecue, Table at the Lake, Birdcage, Southern Child, TWO urban licks, Stolen Goods ATL, and many more. Tickets are on sale now and begin at $95.
Atlanta Food & Wine Festival is returning for its 14th year, and tickets are already on sale for the weekend-long events. The talent lineup is jam-packed with top local and regional chefs. This year's festival theme is 'States of Motion,' exploring how food connects people across regions, generations, and cultures.
Brooklyn's popular open-air food festival, Smorgasburg, has selected Atlanta as its new home. And here's the thing — it's not a one-time event. Beginning this October, this new food festival will run year-round, every Saturday, in South Downtown at 140 Forsyth Street SW. More than 40 food vendors will be featured weekly, including pop-ups, food trucks, bars, and artists. Originating in New York in 2011, the festival is an incubator space for up-and-coming culinary talent. Vendor applications for the festival are open now.
'Smorgasburg has always been about discovering and championing the most exciting emerging culinary voices,' said Gaston Becherano, a former Brooklyn vendor who is now the co-owner and CEO of Smorgasburg, in a statement. 'When we looked at where to expand next, Atlanta stood out immediately — there's a dynamic and thriving pop-up food scene here that's deeply rooted in creativity, community, and cultural pride.'
South Atlanta is going through major revitalization, with the team behind Sammy's announcing a barbecue restaurant opening in the neighborhood next year. 'Atlanta is such a food-loving city, and the experience Smorgasburg will bring to South Downtown is going to be unlike anything else that exists here in Atlanta,' said April Stammel of South Downtown in a statement. See More: