By Andrew Everett

Entrance to Halali’s.
Photo credit: @halalis_resturtaurant via Instagram.

Located in the heart of Richmond, in the middle of VCU’s urban campus, Halali’s Plates and Crepes restaurant never fails to provide me with a wonderful eating experience. Upon arrival, you are instantly greeted with smiles from all the employees. Once inside, the aroma of fresh meat hitting the griddle strikes your face. As you step into line, you see all of the food being made directly in front of you. You can view every item going into your meal, which reassures the consumer about what they are actually eating. Halali’s menu is not extensive, as they specialize in a few main items. 

They have a few main meats, with an abundance of toppings that they serve in different ways. On my recent visit with Watson Andrews (‘27), Andrews picked out his own chips from a wide variety of massive bags they had to offer. Andrews then went on to load the entire bag with toppings, which consisted of rice, beef, cheese, corn, onions, lettuce, tomato, white sauce, and jalapeno-lime sauce. The Flamin’ Hot Doritos, paired with all the fixings, made for a delectable meal. Andrews rarely put down his fork during those thirty minutes. The loaded chips cost $19.99, making it an affordable meal that practically guarantees leftovers.

An incredible cheese pull. Photo credit: Andrew Everett.

Last time I sat down for a meal at Halali’s, I was accompanied by Wright Montague (‘27), Charlie Grimm (‘27), and Boice Frye (‘27). We found a table to fit everyone and got comfortable. Ismail, the store manager, asked us if we’d like to listen to anything in particular. He then changed the music on the TV, switching on some of our recommendations. It is small, simple acts like these that make the Halali’s experience one-of-a-kind. Having a pleasing tune on in the background enhances the meal. Montague really appreciates the service, saying, “The fellas here do a good job creating a good environment for customers, while also consistently making scrumptious food.” Ismail and company maintain their jolly spirits long into the night, as they do not close until 1:30 a.m. Late hours enable college students or workers to get a hardy meal after a long day of studying. 

Montague and I had been to Halali’s before, but Grimm and Frye had not, so I suggested my personal favorite meal: The chopped cheese. This sandwich is a staple on the menu. The process of making it is what truly sets this sandwich apart from others. First, they throw the ground beef, onions, and cheese onto the griddle, forcefully chopping them together. Then they add an abundance of seasoning, consisting of salt, pepper, and garlic powder. This mixture gets placed on a hoagie roll; either 8 or 12 inches. Any toppings after that are fair game.

The loaded chips. Photo credit: Milissa H. via Yelp.

Personally, I get the fresh shredded lettuce, tomatoes, corn, and creamy mayo. To finalize the sandwich, they drizzle white sauce, hot sauce, and Halali’s sauce on top. You can also get all of these sauces on the fries that come on the side. The chopped cheeses range from $8.99 to $15.99, depending upon the length and whether you get the combo, which comes with fries and a drink. Overall, Grimm and Frye rated the sandwich superbly. However, their orders varied greatly. Grimm loaded his up with every topping imaginable, while Frye stuck to the basics: meat, onions, and cheese.

Behind the counter, there is an extensive collection of different beverages. Grimm tried their Bor Fresh soda, a Turkish product none of us had seen before. After having one swig of the strawberry-flavored carbonated water, he exclaimed, “I have never had anything like this!” There are also many popular brands, ranging from Coke to Yoo-hoo chocolate milk.

All of the food they serve is real halal, meaning that it is considered permissible by the Quran. The meat is required to come from an animal that was healthy at the time of slaughter.

Savoring French fries. Photo credit: Andrew Everett.

Halali’s is only becoming more popular, due to their enticing instagram and ideal location. Recently, they have added a new breakfast menu, with classics like sausage, egg, and cheese sandwich, omelets, and a Halali’s breakfast plate, which has a little bit of everything. Although they do not open until 11:00 a.m, any of these items would make for a spectacular late breakfast. They also have crepes—both sweet and savory. There really is something for everyone on the menu, making Halali’s very versatile.