Connecticut’s halal food scene is undergoing rapid growth, fueled by a rising Muslim population and increasing mainstream demand for high-quality halal options. One of the strongest examples of this transformation is Halal Buns, a new restaurant in New Britain founded by Fayyaz Bhinde and his wife, Rida Niazi—two parents who long struggled to find the food they loved close to home.
From Hours-Long Trips to NYC to a Thriving Local Business
Before opening their restaurant, Bhinde and Niazi would routinely travel from Meriden to New York City just to enjoy a halal smash burger. These trips, often lasting four hours round-trip, became nearly impossible once they had a child. One trip ended in a snowstorm, bumper-to-bumper traffic, and a crying toddler—an experience that pushed them to say “never again.”
Instead, they made a bold decision: bring halal smash burgers to Connecticut.
In late October, they opened Halal Buns in a former Wing It On! location right next to the Central Connecticut State University campus, instantly filling a gap in the region’s food landscape.
Connecticut’s First Halal Smash Burger Destination
Every item at Halal Buns is 100% zabiha halal, meaning the meat is slaughtered according to Islamic law. No pork products appear on the menu, and even the bacon is beef-based.
Bhinde believes Halal Buns is the first restaurant in Connecticut offering halal smash burgers—crafted from grass-fed Black Angus Creekstone beef. These four-ounce patties are smashed to perfection and used in both classic and creative burger builds.
Popular menu items include:
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The Aloha: pineapple, pepper jack, bacon bits, jalapeño, jerk seasoning, Nashville hot
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The Fuego: double patties, pepper jack, jalapeño, bacon, Nashville hot + chipotle ranch
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Juicy Lucy: cheese-stuffed burger inspired by Minnesota tradition
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Big Boy: triple patties, double cheese
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Karachi Fire: chapli kebab patty, mint chutney, tamarind, grilled onions & tomatoes
A Menu Designed for Both Muslim and Non-Muslim Diners
Although Halal Buns’ mission includes serving Connecticut’s Muslim communities, about 70% of their customer base is non-Muslim. What brings them in is simple: the quality.
Students from CCSU walk over for loaded fries, gourmet hot dogs, red-lava chicken sandwiches, wings in 17 sauces, and bubble-waffle cone chicken bites. Fans of spice come for “Lunatic” wings or Mumbai Spice sandwiches drenched in inferno sauce and jalapeño aioli.
The dessert selection is just as exciting—classic milkshakes plus rotating flavors like:
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Red velvet cheesecake
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Churro
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Reese’s peanut butter
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Falooda (a rose-based Indian favorite)
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Paan (refreshing mint-based blend)
Community Impact: Halal Food Without the NYC Commute
Bhinde estimates that roughly 30% of customers are Muslim, many of whom thank him for saving them from the long drives they once made for authentic halal food. The restaurant has become a gathering point, especially for families who no longer need to leave the state for halal cuisine.
To serve the community during Ramadan (beginning Feb. 28), Halal Buns will remain open overnight, ensuring guests have access to pre-dawn suhoor meals.
What’s Next: A Dessert Lounge and More Expansion
Halal Buns is actively expanding its physical space to create a full dessert lounge with:
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Loaded waffles
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Crepes
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Premium milkshakes
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A chocolate fountain
This development aligns with a larger statewide trend: halal restaurants are becoming central community hubs, not just dining spots.
Halal Buns is at 1537 Stanley Street in New Britain. 860-357-3629