Community guides / Halal Meat & Butchers
Best Halal Butchers and Meat Markets in Minneapolis, MN
Published 2025-06-20 · Updated 2026-08-31 · 5 min read · Minneapolis, MN
Finding high-quality halal meat in Minneapolis is easy thanks to the city's large East African community. Here's a guide to the best halal butchers and meat markets in the Twin Cities.
Minneapolis has an extensive network of halal butchers and meat markets, primarily driven by the large Somali and East African community. Whether you're looking for fresh goat, camel meat, or American cuts with halal certification, Minneapolis has excellent options.
Best Halal Butchers in Minneapolis
Karmel Halal Meat (Karmel Square, Cedar-Riverside)
The anchor halal butcher inside Karmel Square Market. Fresh goat, lamb, and beef slaughtered daily according to Islamic guidelines. Whole and half animals available with advance notice. Also carries camel meat on request.
Mohamed's Meat Market (Lake Street, South Minneapolis)
Community staple for over 15 years. Known for high-quality cuts and knowledgeable staff. Excellent for American cuts done halal — ribeye, T-bone, brisket, and ground beef.
Abukar Halal Meats (Cedar Avenue)
Specializes in East African cuts — including the whole roasted leg of goat popular at celebrations. Large quantities available for weddings and events.
Al-Kamal Halal Groceries and Meats (Riverside Plaza area)
Full halal butcher counter plus an East African grocery. One-stop shop for weekend cooking. Fresh chicken daily, goat and lamb on weekends.
Somali Halal Market (Pillsbury Ave)
Neighborhood butcher serving the south Minneapolis Somali community. Great prices on bulk purchases. Known for fresh hilib ari (goat).
What Makes Meat Halal?
Halal meat must meet these requirements:
1. The animal must be slaughtered by a Muslim
2. The name of Allah must be invoked at slaughter (Bismillah)
3. The throat, windpipe, and blood vessels must be cut in one swift motion
4. Blood must be fully drained from the carcass
5. The animal must be alive and healthy at the time of slaughter
6. No pork products or cross-contamination
Popular Cuts at Somali Butchers
- **Hilib ari (goat)** — Most popular, whole or half, legs and shoulders
- **Hilib lo (beef)** — Stewing cuts, ground, and steaks
- **Digaag (chicken)** — Fresh whole chickens, cut to order
- **Hilib geel (camel)** — Specialty item, call ahead
- **Offal** — Liver, kidney, heart — prized in East African cooking
Tips for Shopping at Halal Butchers
- Call ahead for large quantities (weddings, Eid celebrations)
- Arrive early on weekends — popular cuts sell out fast
- Ask for the cut you need — butchers will cut to order
- For camel meat, pre-order 2–3 days in advance
- Many shops offer seasoning or marinating services
Sources and further reading
Next step
Search the Shaafi Directory for current local listings and contact details.