Fatima’s Filipino Halal has officially opened its doors at Promenade Mall, Greenhills, offering a unique and inclusive dining experience centered on halal-certified Filipino cuisine. The much-anticipated restaurant is making waves with its mission to celebrate Filipino culture while catering to halal dietary preferences, ensuring every guest feels welcome.
The grand opening on December 15, 2024, was a remarkable event attended by distinguished guests. Mayor Francis Zamora of San Juan City, accompanied by his beloved wife, Keri Zamora, graced the event alongside Dr. Alex Sultan, CEO and President of Halal International Chambers and the restaurateurs behind Fatima’s Filipino Halal: Eric and Emelda Teng, David and Crystal Sison, and Corinne Castañeda. The ribbon-cutting ceremony emphasized the importance of this new dining destination, celebrating its commitment to cultural harmony, culinary excellence, and creating a welcoming space for communities to connect and savor the richness of Filipino cuisine.
What is Halal?
Halal refers to food and practices that comply with Islamic dietary laws, ensuring that all ingredients and preparation methods align with the principles outlined in the Quran. This includes using ethically sourced, properly slaughtered meat, avoiding prohibited items such as pork and alcohol, and maintaining strict measures to prevent cross-contamination. Beyond dietary compliance, halal embodies a commitment to purity, ethical practices, and creating a dining experience rooted in faith and integrity.
Fatima’s Filipino Halal
The menu showcases a vibrant selection of dishes that celebrate the rich and authentic flavors of Filipino halal cuisine. It features beloved classics like sinigang and adobo to regionally inspired specialties from both the northern and southern parts of the Philippines.
The menu offers a mouthwatering selection of dishes that beautifully showcase the depth and richness of Filipino halal cuisine. Start with the tender and spiced Rendang Maranaw or the savory, aromatic Beef Kulma—each dish steeped in tradition and bursting with flavor. The fragrant Pinarat Rice serves as the perfect pairing for the hearty, slow-cooked beef Balbacua, delivering a comforting and satisfying meal. For those craving a bold kick, the Gising Gising combines the crunch of sigarilyas with a creamy coconut aligue-alamang sauce, while the Bistek Salpicao offers tender beef infused with zesty citrus, evoking the warmth of home. At the heart of the menu is the show-stopping Sizzling Hipon saAligue—succulent shrimp in a luscious crab fat sauce, promising an explosion of flavor with every bite. To complete the experience, the Tres Minatamis, a medley of traditional Filipino desserts, provides a perfectly sweet finale to your meal.
This restaurant is a venture of five restaurateurs, spouses Mr. Eric Teng and Ms. Emelda Teng, of Babyspice Food Corp, the company behind the restaurant concepts Mango Tree, Genki Sushi, Tung Lok Seafood, Wong Place; Mr. David Sison and Ms. Crystal Sison of Mama Lou’s Group Hospitality Inc., the company behind Mama Lou’s Italian Kitchen, Mama Lou’s Premio Ristorante, Nonna’s Gourmet Italian, and FAMU Filipino Flavors; and Ms. Corinne Castañeda, the quick-witted woman behind the House of Wagyu, whose flair for excellence elevates this collaboration.
Mr. Teng expressed their motivation for pursuing this halal concept, stating, “In the recent census by the Philippine Statistics Authority on Religious Affiliation in the Philippines, it was reported that there are 12 million Muslim Filipinos. They are over 10% of our population, and there are very few halal restaurants to serve their needs. We believe it’s time to showcase halal Filipino cuisine, not just for Filipinos and Filipino Muslims to experience, but for our visitors from around the world to try.”
Adding to this, Mr. Sison explained, “Fatima’s Filipino Halal is our way of ensuring that everyone, regardless of their dietary requirements, can savor the rich and comforting taste of Filipino cuisine. Our commitment goes beyond just the ingredients—we. We strive to uphold the traditions, values, and practices that are integral to the halal way of life.”
Ms. Castañeda further shared her perspective, saying, “I’ve always believed in delivering not just a meal, but anexperience. With Fatima’s Filipino Halal, we ensure that every dish tells a story—a story of inclusivity, authenticity, and our deep respect for halal culture.”
The restaurant’s dedication to inclusivity reflects in every detail, from sourcing halal-certified ingredients to implementing preparation standards that respect Islamic dietary laws. This approach ensures a dining experience that is both authentic and culturally sensitive, setting Fatima’s apart in the local food scene.
Fatima’s Filipino Halal aims to bridge the gap by providing a welcoming space where Filipino Muslims and halal-conscious diners can gather, dine, and celebrate their shared love for Filipino food. It’s a bold step forward in making Filipino cuisine accessible to all while honoring the diversity of the country’s rich culinary heritage.
For those seeking a memorable dining experience, Fatima’s Filipino Halal offers the perfect setting for family gatherings, casual meals, or culinary exploration. With its vibrant yet cozy interiors, the restaurant creates a warm and inviting atmosphere that makes every visit special. It’s more than just a meal; it’s a celebration of culture and community.
Located on Level 1 of Promenade Mall, Greenhills, Fatima’s Filipino Halal is the newest go-to spot for halal-certified Filipino flavors. Whether you’re a local, a tourist, or simply a food lover, this restaurant promises a delicious journey through the heart of Filipinos.