With the COVID-19 Outbreak still uncontrolled as some States fail to adhere to the most basic public health guidance, the infection rate is expanding faster than mandazi dough in the hot Florida weather. The government is preoccupied with elections and power and it is unlikely to provide any relief or safety for the citizens it is meant to serve. As a result, restaurants and citizens are caught in between trying to do what they think is best to protect their health and wealth.

At this point in the pandemic, many restaurants have transitioned to carryout options for their menu items. However, not all foods translate well to take-out. Foods that need to be eaten as soon as they are made tend not to do well as a take-out option. By the time you arrive home and open that to-go box, the food has either lost its visual appeal or is only a fraction of its former glory in taste.   This is why it is important to know what you are ordering and how it will survive the drive on the way home. For this reason, I’ll avoid listing halal spots that offer primarily burgers that are best enjoyed right off the grill and fried foods best enjoyed right out of the fryer. I’ll also be avoiding sandwiches and wraps as the bread can become a soft soggy mess, much like mandazi in chai.

So in this list, I put together my TOP 5 favorite take-out spots and highlight some menu items that are better geared towards takeout.

1. CHINA 3

Located near Disney Springs, this Indo/Chinese restaurant is open for carryout during dinner and late night hours. While dishes taste better when they are fresh, Indian and Chinese food tend to retain their taste over time and when reheated. So you can pick up the food, drive home and pop it in the mircowave and still be able to enjoy it. This restaurant is right next to Slims in the Winn-Dixie plaza with plenty of free parking.

2. Chaat House

For pretty much the same reason as China 3, I have selected Chaat House as an option because of their Indo/Chinese creations. While they also offer burgers and gyros, those have a very short shelf life for enjoyment. Another viable option for take-out is their specialty pizzas. Pizza is a common take-out item much as it has been in the B.C (Before Corona) era. While you are there, you can always pick up some of their famous Indian sweets.

3. Friendly’s New York Style Pizza

Located in Sanford, north of Orlando this pizzeria has made a name for itself offering good value. Again, they offer burgers, wings and other hot sandwiches which are best enjoyed right out of the gate, but they make the list for their pizza. While it is best when eaten hot, it is still enjoyable after a brief drive home. In addition, they also offer calzones and stromboli for those seeking something a little different. Don’t forget to ask for extra sauce on the side.

4. Hot Krust

Located off Sandlake in the Whole Foods plaza this halal panini shop is a great stop for fresh meals. In addition to the hot panini and burgers, they offer a wide variety of fresh salads. For this reason, they are on the list for their fresh and healthy options. The salads can be enjoyed as a take-out item that doesn’t need to be hot. They also offer an online order option which is convenient.

5. The Mexican Camel

This fast causal restaurant offers fusion of Middle-Eastern and Mexican flavours. They offer traditional wraps and burritos but they also offer a variety of fresh salads. Thankfully salads are best served warm to cold so there is little taste lost in a lengthy drive. They are located off I-Drive in the Boot Barn plaza off Kirkman and I-Drive. For best results, it’s best to go in to the restaurant and pick your toppings from the many fresh choices on display, much like you would at a Subway or Chipotle. If you’re already out of the car, you may want to dine at their outdoor seating.

During these times, we all want to enjoy eating out as we have in the past, but the added fear and safety precautions are changing the way we eat. Ordering your favorite meal may not translate well to a carryout item and may diminish the dining experience. So hopefully this list helps broaden your choices when it comes to eating out. And remember, be smart and safe, wear a mask and wash your hands.

Looking for other Halal options in the Orlando area? Let me be your guide to the Orlando Halal Food Scene. Follow me as I highlight the best Halal restaurants that Orlando and other great cities in Florida has to offer.  Also, don’t forget to share this post with friends and family that may be traveling to Orlando or Florida.