HALAL NOMADISM: HOW TO SURVIVE IN SPAIN
Traveling with Dietary Restrictions
Traveling when you have specific dietary restrictions doesn’t have to be a massive hurdle. For people who follow a halal diet, it may have felt daunting in the past to travel without knowing what you would find for food in your destination. Well, no longer! With the information we can pick up by networking with fellow travelers, plus resources available to us through the internet and apps, it’s never been easier to ensure that you’ll be eating whatever you want - wherever you are.
This opens up a whole new world of opportunities, particularly when combined with the rise of remote work. Digital nomads and slow travelers are finding themselves with the chance to really settle into new places, to actually live in the locations they visit instead of just…well, visiting.
If you’re embarking on this kind of journey, Spain is definitely a place to put on your list. Beautiful, bustling, and full of history and culture to explore, there’s no country quite like it. You’re sure to find plenty of food options that fit in with your halal diet as well. Let’s dive in and explore how to make the halal experience in Spain as smooth as possible!
Research
Spain is a large and diverse country, so it’s natural that a little guidance before you get there will be helpful. Take some time in advance to explore your options in the cities you’ll be visiting. Chances are high that someone has already written on the internet about the halal food there. Try a Google search for halal in your area, or look on a website like HalalTrip or Zabihah that have existing databases with reviews for a lot of restaurants. There are also some great resources on the Spain Tourism Info website, like lists of halal-friendly restaurants and hotels.
Local Markets
Particularly in the larger cities like Madrid or Barcelona, you might have some luck finding halal food in local markets and shops. Keep your eyes open for butchers that label their products as halal-certified. It’s quite likely that there’ll be plenty of options at the popular markets like La Boqueria in Barcelona or San Miguel in Madrid, but don’t be afraid to explore elsewhere too. Small markets may have what you’re looking for!
Cook Your Meals
If you’re comfortable cooking, it’ll be very worthwhile to look for accommodations with a kitchen area that you can use. When you want to know that your food is prepared to specific standards, nothing can give you the same confidence as when you do it yourself, of course! You can also breathe easy knowing the origins of your ingredients, assuming the tip above about local markets worked out for you. Chances are high that you will also find halal-certified foods in larger markets and grocery stores, so you should have plenty of options to keep your refrigerator well stocked…
If cooking isn’t so much your game, or you just want a night off after a lot of cooking, here are a few ideas about eating out in Spain when you follow a halal diet:
Check For Certification in Restaurants
Some restaurants will display their halal certification credentials to give their customers peace of mind when ordering. Take a look around while you’re dining out, and look for special designations on the menus as well. This way, you can order with confidence.
The Spain.info site also helpfully states that in certain establishments, if you call ahead, they’ll prepare your food using ingredients governed by Sharia or Islamic Law. This leads us smoothly to our next suggestion for successful halal eating in Spain…
Communicate!
When eating at restaurants that are not specifically halal, don’t be shy to communicate your dietary needs to the staff. You can ask about ingredients and preparation methods, and it’s likely that the staff will do what they can to accommodate you if possible.
Learning a few key phrases in Spanish and using a translation app will also come in handy to ensure that you’re eating the way you need to. Here’s a big one to get you started: "Tengo requisitos dietéticos halal". It means, “I have halal dietary requirements.” You may find yourself saying this phrase a lot, so be sure to practice! It makes sense that if you regularly find yourself on the hunt for any particular ingredients, it’ll help a lot to learn the Spanish words for them. Keep your phone handy to help you in a pinch, and you’ll soon have no trouble communicating just what you need.
Local Muslim Communities
See if you can find a way to connect with a Muslim community or mosque in the area. They may have some valuable advice and suggestions about nearby halal food. Plus, it’ll be nice to meet some people in your neighborhood!
Vegetarian & Seafood Options
If the search for halal meat is feeling a bit daunting on a given day, relax! You can still eat extremely well and enjoy some exciting dishes. Look for vegetarian restaurants or vegetarian options on menus. There is delicious vegetarian food all over the country. Spain also has some outstanding seafood, and you’d be remiss not to try some out. Especially if you’re near the coast!
Though it might take a bit of research and effort to find halal options, don’t forget that Spain is a large and diverse country with a thriving culinary scene. You’ll definitely be able to find something for you in the area, and with a bit of work over a bit of time, your halal food network will grow. For travelers who are staying in Spain for an extended vacation or work period, you’ll be amazed at how quickly you can build a comfortable network of trusted sources for your halal diet. So, what are you waiting for? Go enjoy all that Spain has to offer!