Halal restaurant in Hongdae: small vs regular platter at Halal Steaks

I had a reason to head to Hongdae, so I picked up some halal food for the first time in a while. I used to be absolutely obsessed with halal food, and even now, it was just as delicious as I remembered. This is Halal Steaks near Exit 9 of Hongik University Station — a place that recreates New York street-style halal food. If you're looking for good restaurants in Hongdae or you love exotic food, here's my review.

Where is Halal Steaks and when is it open?

• Name: Halal Steaks (Halalstacks)
• Address: 2F, 26 Yanghwa-ro 16-gil, Mapo-gu, Seoul (499m, 6-minute walk from Exit 9 of Hongik University Station)
• Directions: From Exit 9 of Hongik University Station, go straight; at the intersection with the Apple Store, cross and keep going straight, then turn left at Baeknyeon Tojong Samgyetang — it's on the 2nd floor of the building across from A-Land
• Hours: Daily 11:00 - 22:00
• Amenities: Vegan menu, takeout/delivery, reservations, Wi-Fi, group seating, pet-friendly, solo/bar seating
• Parking: Paid (₩6,000 for the first 60 minutes, Nice Park Seogyo Zion parking lot nearby)

What kind of restaurant is Halal Steaks?

Halal Steaks is a trendy halal fast food brand that reinterprets the halal street food loved by Muslims worldwide to suit Korean tastes and sensibilities. It's a specialty restaurant that recreates the original halal food craze that swept New York's streets.

They use clean, halal-certified ingredients, and the country of origin for everything is clearly posted in the store.

There's also a falafel option, made from fried chickpeas, so vegetarian or vegan customers can enjoy it too.

The store has a slightly hip fast-food vibe, with window bar seats and larger group tables, so it works well whether you're eating alone or with a crowd. There really were a lot of solo diners there.

What is in a Halal Steaks combo platter?

I ordered two combo platters — one small and one regular. Just so you know, there's also a large size above the regular! The combo platter comes with gyro and chicken over basmati rice, lettuce, tomato, and bread, plus white sauce and hot sauce.

True to their signature style, the fire-grilled chicken and gyro meat come piled generously on top of firm, fluffy basmati rice. If you get a set, it comes with a side dish and Coke, but I just ordered à la carte. Also, just adding ₩2,000 to the small upgrades it to a regular.

Small vs regular combo platter: how much food do you get?

I have to talk about the portion sizes. The small is about the size you can grab with one hand, while the regular needs your hand fully spread out. I underestimated myself and ordered the small first, but next time I'm getting the regular. It's only a ₩2,000 difference, and the regular definitely fills you up. Just something to keep in mind!

How does the chicken, gyro and basmati rice taste?

The combo mixes chicken and gyro together so you don't get tired of it — alternating between the two meats kept it interesting all the way through. I especially loved the fluffy, separate grains of basmati rice. It has a totally different texture from the sticky rice we usually eat, and it pairs really well with the sauces.

Mixing in white sauce and hot sauce to taste is pure bliss. The white sauce is savory and smooth — kind of addictive — while the hot sauce is seriously spicy, so start with a small amount. Add the bread on the side and it's a really satisfying meal.

My boyfriend said it was his first time trying halal food, and he ate it right up. It's a flavor that even first-timers can enjoy without any hesitation.

Tip: Taxis are easy to catch near here, so it's convenient to grab this to go.

Which platter size is worth ordering at Halal Steaks?

If you're looking for a good restaurant near Hongdae Station, I recommend Halal Steaks. You get to properly enjoy New York-style street halal food, and the fire-grilled chicken and gyro over fluffy basmati rice with that addictive white-and-hot sauce combo is excellent. The portions are generous (regular size highly recommended!), and with vegan options plus both solo and group seating, it works for anyone. Even if it's your first time trying halal food, you can dive in without worry — visit when you want an exotic meal in Hongdae. Next time, I'm definitely getting the regular.