Many Muslims follow zabiha / halal eating regulations, which call for meat to be prepared in a particular manner (similar to kosher). To facilitate this dietary need, Baker Dining (362 Memorial Drive; Building W7) has agreed to provide halal on some meals each night, 5:30-8:30pm. Please ask the chef for “halal meat” when placing your order. They need our support to continue the service, so please do use the service as much as possible. Also check out the dining discount plan, which is required of those who live in dorms with dining halls, and voluntary for all others. Note, however, that signing up for the discount (”preferred”) dining plan will require that you eat about 75% of your dinners in a dining hall to break even. For that reason, it is usually not a good deal, and best avoided.
Baker Mondays
Every Monday at 6:45pm, the MITMSA community eats dinner together in Baker Dining. This is a terrific chance to catch up with your Muslim friends from distant dorms (and sometimes other schools).
Other Options
Many students — undergraduate and graduate — cook their own food (or bring food from their parents!). Altenatively, Sepal in Lobdell Dining Hall has a fully halal menu. Elsewhere around campus, there are two food trucks — “Couscous Kitchen” (near 77 Mass. Ave) and “The Jerusalem Cafe” (temporarily located between the T and MIT Medical) — that offer zabiha options.
The largest nearby grocery store is Star Market, located right next to the Le Meredian Cambridge. Be careful of products containing non-bovine gelatin — even things as innocent as yogurt might contain some.
More information about Muslim food options in the Boston area can be found at zabiha.com.
