WE WERE supposed to go somewhere else that night, but we landed at Baitul Halal, anyway, and what started as a disappointing night ended with toasts of Blue Curacao mocktails. Baitul Halal, at the corner of Roxas Avenue and Quezon Boulevard (right side if you're coming from Aldevinco) is Wadiy's new place.
Wadiy is better known for putting up Zabadani more than a decade ago and gathering his own cult following. But that's all in the past, now he's the man behind Baitul Halal, a three-storey structure that used to house the original Timeless Treasures shop.
Only the first floor is open now as work is still ongoing on the two other floors. As usual, servings are on the bigger than regular scale. You have to be hungry to appreciate all, and it's best to stick to a few.
I was on a "takaw-mata" mode so I got the hummus, paired this with pita, ordered the mozzarella cheese sticks and nachos, and beef kebab. I was over the top full by the end of the meal, all I wanted was to sleep. 3
Ace got the Indian set meal made up of beef biryani, chapati, a tiny slice of dessert, and a glass of ice tea, while Karina ordered the Middle Eastern set meal made up of beef kabsa with fries, dessert and iced tea, while Ivy just ordered blended yogurt.
You know that Wadiy's back on your first bite. The spices and all, and yes, low salt. It's a health thing. By the way, while they still have beef in their menu, you can ask for fish instead. Just tell the waiter.
For chicken dishes, there's a bit of waiting yet as they are producing their own "super halal chicken", prepared according to international standards -- meaning, even the feeds are halal. The grand opening is worth waiting for. They're targeting to fully open by December, Wadiy says.
By then, the second and third floor will also be done. It's on the second floor where the low tables will be. So keep your eye out for the grand opening and find your own niche there, soon. In the meantime, you can mosey around and feast on their beef offerings (and fish).