Halal International: Where to Find Halal Groceries in South Carolina

What Halal International offers and where to find it

Halal International is a grocery store in Columbia, South Carolina, that stocks halal-certified meat, poultry, and prepared foods alongside international ingredients used in Middle Eastern, South Asian, and African cooking. The store is located on Devine Street in the Five Points neighborhood, a central area with street parking and nearby restaurants.

The halal certification means the meat has been slaughtered according to Islamic dietary law, which matters to Muslim customers and to others who prefer this method of processing. Beyond meat, the store carries fresh produce, frozen items, spices, rice, oils, and prepared dishes that rotate seasonally. You can also find halal-certified snacks, beverages, and baking ingredients that are harder to locate in standard supermarkets.

The store is independently owned and operated by people familiar with the communities it serves, so staff can answer questions about ingredients, preparation methods, and what's in stock on any given day. Hours and inventory do shift, so calling ahead before a special trip is worth the time.

Key Takeaways

• Halal International stocks halal-certified meat and poultry slaughtered according to Islamic dietary law, plus prepared foods and international groceries.
• The store is located on Devine Street in Columbia's Five Points neighborhood, with street parking available nearby.
• Beyond meat, you'll find spices, rice, oils, fresh produce, frozen items, and prepared dishes that reflect Middle Eastern, South Asian, and African cuisines.
• Calling ahead to confirm hours and check whether specific items are in stock saves a trip, since inventory changes with seasons and demand.

Types of meat and poultry available

Halal International carries whole chickens, chicken parts, ground chicken, and beef in various cuts. The meat is halal-certified, meaning it meets the standards set out in Islamic dietary law for how animals are raised, handled, and processed. This certification is important to Muslim customers and is also sought by people who prefer this method of slaughter on animal welfare grounds.

The store also stocks lamb, goat, and sometimes specialty cuts like oxtail or beef liver that are central to many Middle Eastern and South Asian dishes. Prices are competitive with other specialty meat markets in the area, though halal meat typically costs more than conventional supermarket meat because of the certification process and smaller supply chain.

Prepared meat dishes—such as kebabs, shawarma, and marinated meats ready to cook—are made fresh or frozen depending on the day. These are useful if you want to cook a meal quickly or try a dish before buying raw ingredients to prepare it yourself.

International spices, grains, and pantry staples

The spice selection includes cumin, coriander, cardamom, sumac, za'atar, and blends specific to Middle Eastern and South Asian cooking. These are sold in bulk bins or packaged, and the prices are lower than you'll find in the international aisle of a chain supermarket because the store buys directly from suppliers.

Grains and rice include basmati, jasmine, arborio, and short-grain varieties used in different cuisines. The store also carries lentils, chickpeas, split peas, and other dried legumes in bulk. Oils include olive oil, sesame oil, and ghee, which is clarified butter used in South Asian and Middle Eastern cooking.

Flour, sugar, baking powder, and other baking staples are stocked, along with halal-certified versions of items like bouillon cubes and cooking pastes. If you're looking for a specific ingredient and don't see it on the shelf, ask—the store can often order it or tell you where else in Columbia to find it.

Fresh produce and frozen foods

The produce section changes with the season and includes items like fresh herbs (cilantro, parsley, mint), okra, eggplant, bitter melon, and leafy greens used in Middle Eastern and South Asian cooking. Availability depends on what's in season and what suppliers have on hand, so what's there in summer may not be there in winter.

Frozen items include samosas, spring rolls, naan bread, and prepared vegetable and meat dishes. These are useful for quick meals or for trying a dish before you commit to making it from scratch. Frozen herbs and vegetables are also available when fresh versions aren't in stock.

Prepared foods and ready-to-eat options

The store makes or stocks prepared foods that change based on what's being cooked that day. These might include rice dishes, stewed vegetables, meat curries, and flatbreads. Some items are available daily, while others appear on weekends or during holidays.

Prepared foods are useful if you're short on time or want to sample a dish before buying ingredients to cook it at home. Prices are reasonable for prepared food, and portions are generous. Ask staff what was made that day and whether anything can be heated up or taken cold.

Beverages and snacks

The beverage section includes halal-certified juices, sodas, and drinks specific to Middle Eastern and South Asian markets. You'll find mango lassi, rose water drinks, and fruit juices that aren't common in standard supermarkets. Tea and coffee are also stocked, including loose-leaf varieties and specialty blends.

Snacks include halal-certified cookies, crackers, nuts, and dried fruits. Sweets like baklava, halva, and date-filled pastries are available, especially around holidays. These are good for gifts or for having on hand if you're hosting guests from communities the store serves.

Hours, location, and how to shop

Halal International is located on Devine Street in Columbia's Five Points neighborhood, which is walkable and has street parking. The store is small, so you can browse the entire space in 15 to 20 minutes if you know what you're looking for. If you're new to halal groceries or unfamiliar with ingredients, allow extra time to ask questions.

Hours vary, so call ahead before making a trip. The store is closed on some holidays and may have reduced hours during Ramadan. Staff speak multiple languages and are used to customers asking about ingredients, preparation methods, and substitutions, so don't hesitate to ask.

Payment methods include cash and card. The store does not take online orders or offer delivery, so you need to visit in person. If you're looking for a specific item and aren't sure whether it's in stock, calling ahead saves time.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does halal certification mean?

Halal means the meat has been slaughtered according to Islamic dietary law, which specifies how animals are raised, handled, and processed. The certification is verified by a halal authority and is important to Muslim customers. Some non-Muslim customers also prefer halal meat for animal welfare reasons.

Are prices higher than at a regular supermarket?

Halal meat typically costs more than conventional supermarket meat because of the certification process and smaller supply chain. However, prices for spices, grains, and pantry items are often lower at Halal International than in the international aisle of a chain supermarket because the store buys directly from suppliers.

Can I find ingredients for specific cuisines?

Yes. The store stocks ingredients for Middle Eastern, South Asian, and African cooking. If you're looking for something specific and don't see it, ask staff—they can often order it or direct you to another source in Columbia.

Does the store offer delivery or online ordering?

No. Halal International is a walk-in store only. You need to visit in person to shop. Calling ahead to confirm hours and check whether specific items are in stock is recommended.

What if I'm new to halal groceries and don't know what to buy?

Staff are accustomed to helping customers who are unfamiliar with ingredients and can answer questions about what things are, how to prepare them, and what substitutions work. Allow extra time on your first visit to browse and ask questions.