From Kosher to Halal: Dietary Rules and Regulations Worldwide

Curious dishes, exotic ingredients, unfamiliar smells: Those who travel extensively often encounter the most unusual foods. However, it's not just new delicacies that travelers may face; some dining rules are also common on journeys through Southeast Asia, the Middle East, or Africa. In this article, we share what rituals and origins lie behind the most well-known food regulations and what is eaten or avoided in various cultures.

Different countries, different customs. This applies, of course, to food and drink as well: Most dining rules are centuries old and deeply rooted in the religion of the respective country. In this article, we reveal which dietary regulations exist in Islam, Judaism, Hinduism, and Buddhism. This way, you will be perfectly prepared for a long journey, an exchange year, or simply a visit from friends or acquaintances who follow specific dietary rules.

'That's not quite kosher.' When something seems off to someone, this phrase often comes to mind. The expression actually stems from the most important dietary regulation in Judaism: 'Kosher' refers to all food and dishes that comply with the Kashrut, the Jewish dietary laws. These food rules likely originated from a statement by Moses.

Kosher means 'permitted' or 'suitable.' The most important rule is that meat must come from permitted animals and must never come into contact with milk or dairy products.

The separation rule does not only apply to food preparation. Often, a Jewish kitchen even has separate cabinets, sinks, utensils, and plates for dairy and meat products-sometimes even two refrigerators. Meat and dairy products are never served together on the same table.

Allowed animals include cattle, sheep, deer, and goats. Poultry is kosher if it feeds only on plants, as well as all fish with fins and scales. In Judaism, the consumption of shellfish, reptiles, worms, insects, and pork is forbidden.

Another rule states that meat must be completely free of blood before it can be consumed, as Jewish belief holds that the soul resides in the blood. How does this work? By means of kosher slaughter. Ideally, a Schochet-a trained Jewish slaughterer-opens the jugular with a single cut after a blessing and allows the animal to fully bleed out. Any leftover blood is washed away with saltwater, and for mammals, some tendons are removed.

By the way: Culinary Highlights in Jerusalem and in the Gourmet Paradise Tel Aviv have been compiled for you in Eva's travel reports from HiddenGem.

Quite a few regulations, right? Those who think that food preparation is strictly controlled will be surprised: Particularly rigorous is the interpretation of the Kashrut laws in winemaking. For instance, no fruit or vegetables may grow between the vines. The grapes of a new vine can be used for wine production only in the fourth year after planting, and every seventh year, the vineyards and fields must rest-this is called 'Shmittah', or sabbatical year.

Moreover, the kosher certificate is granted only if only male Jews who observe the Sabbath are involved in production. This is all verified by specially trained rabbis. If a non-Jew touches kosher wine, it is deemed contaminated. A popular workaround: If the wine is heated during production, it is called 'mewuschal' and can be served by non-Jews.

Similar dietary regulations can be encountered on journeys through Islamic countries like Turkey, Morocco, Oman, or the United Arab Emirates. Here, however, under the Arabic term 'halal,' which also means 'permitted.' 'Haram,' meaning forbidden, includes alcohol, pork, and products containing pork, such as gummy bears or chips made with lard. The consumption of other animals is permitted as long as they are treated humanely and slaughtered according to the rules.

In Islam, the term 'halal' refers not only to food but also to everything that is allowed. Halal foods include, for example, meat from herbivores that have been slaughtered according to specific guidelines, as well as fresh milk, fruits, vegetables, eggs, and plant oils.

In contrast to 'halal', forbidden foods are referred to as 'haram.' It is well known that devout Muslims do not consume alcohol. But do you know why? They say alcohol impairs clear thinking and distracts from daily tasks and remembrance of Allah. Interestingly, there was not a strict prohibition on alcohol in Islam from the beginning: Originally, Muslims were only forbidden from praying while intoxicated or entering a mosque while drunk. However, it soon became the prevalent belief that the harm caused by alcohol outweighs its benefits or enjoyment-and the alcohol ban became law. However, it is not true that Muslims are expected to avoid alcohol in perfumes and cleaning products. On the contrary: Cleanliness is an important commandment in Islam.

In Hinduism, which is mainly practiced in India, Bali, and Nepal, there are also some dining rules. While there are no direct prohibitions, there are customs surrounding table hygiene and the belief in reincarnation.

Until quite recently, Hindus only ate at the same table with members of their own caste. The belief that one could become impure by being around people from a lower caste was widespread. Fortunately, this misconception is becoming less common. Nevertheless, table hygiene plays a significant role in Hinduism, as rather than using utensils, the right hand or flatbread serves as a scoop for the curries. The left hand is considered impure, as it is used for toilet hygiene. Foods containing beef are completely taboo for Hindus, as cows are believed to possess a certain divinity. Various deities are said to have manifested themselves in them, and according to legend, Krishna was raised by cowherds. Additionally, cows provide humanity with the five sacred gifts: Ghee (clarified butter), dung (fuel), urine (disinfectant), milk, and yogurt.

Although eating meat is not generally prohibited in Hinduism, many Hindus live vegetarian lifestyles. The reason for this is their belief in reincarnation. According to this belief, a person's soul can also be reborn in the body of an animal. And who would want to encounter their former boss or mother-in-law as lamb curry? For the same reason, the profession of a butcher is very unpopular among Hindus, so often local Christians or Muslims take on this task.

The best tips for street food in India have been compiled by Alexandra in her travel report from New Delhi.

If we were all Buddhists, providers of diet programs could go out of business. Buddhists are supposed to eat only until their hunger is satisfied. Food should not be wasted or thrown away, and no animal should be killed just for the sake of eating.

There is no prohibition on meat in Buddhism, but most followers take animal protection very seriously and eat vegetarian diets. However, there is one exception: If a Buddhist is invited to a meal and meat is served, he should follow Buddha's words and not offend the host by refusing, and should heartily partake. This also applies in a modified form to Buddhist monks: They may only beg for their food and drink and may not reject any food offered to them.

But how can it be explained that despite all the requested restraint, Buddha himself is often depicted with a considerable belly and strong calves? There are two explanations for this: These depictions of Buddha mostly come from China. Here, many people believe in the god Hotei, who is also depicted as very plump. It is likely that a mix-up occurred, and the image of the stout Buddha spread worldwide. Secondly, in Asia, obesity was historically seen as a sign of wisdom and kindness. It makes sense that Buddha would be depicted accordingly.

By the way: Did you know that China has been influenced by Daoism, Buddhism, Islam, and Christianity? These different influences are also reflected in Chinese cuisine. The most delicious places in Beijing have been gathered for you in Franzi's travel report.

An interesting anecdote to conclude: It's not just travelers who have to deal with dietary rules; restaurant businesses wishing to expand into these countries must also adapt. A well-known fast-food chain has shown particular adaptability: Its fish burger originated in 1963 in a Catholic neighborhood of Cincinnati, where no meat was eaten on Fridays. Since 1993, there have been kosher restaurants in Israel, and since 1999, there have been kosher restaurants in Buenos Aires without cheeseburgers that close on the Sabbath. Dishes in Islamic countries are halal; in Morocco, there is even a local dish with the fasting soup Harira that is served during Ramadan. Additionally, in Hindu India, local dietary regulations are observed: Here, you find poultry instead of beef burgers and the 'McMaharaja' with lamb.