Halal Meat Market
Samiullah Niazi, owner Halal Meat Market
This post is written by Cenezhana “Cindy” Rokhaneevna. Cenezhana is a big-picture thinker who has nonprofit, corporate, and government sector experience. She has always admired the way small businesses create stability and a sense of belonging within the local ecosystem.
Samiullah Niazi, a former Afghan refugee and co-owner of the beloved Halal Meat Market, recently shared his journey toward becoming a small business owner. Driven by the dream to be his own boss and financially support his family, Samiullah also felt a deep responsibility to provide employment for other Afghans seeking stability for their own loved ones.
His path began in 2020, just as the COVID-19 pandemic began to take hold. Launching the first Afghan-owned Halal store in the area amidst such global uncertainty was a daunting task. With rising expenses and looming restrictions, Samiullah worried whether the local market would embrace Afghan goods during such a difficult time. However, he remained determined; having witnessed the growth of Asian and African small businesses, he saw an opportunity to make Afghan cuisine and culture not only familiar but cherished by the Utah community.
“I recommend starting with our specialty dried fruits, including four varieties of Afghan raisins, Afghan almonds, and two types of Afghan dried mulberries.”
As the initial waves of the pandemic stabilized, Halal Meat Market’s clientele grew, expressing a deep appreciation for the carefully curated product lines, particularly the masalas and dried fruits. For Utah’s Afghan population, the store provided a sense of comfort, offering home-cooking staples that were previously impossible to find locally.
Samiullah is eager to welcome more of the Utah community into the store. For first-timers, he recommends starting with their specialty dried fruits, including four varieties of Afghan raisins, Afghan almonds, and two types of Afghan dried mulberries.
A cornerstone of Halal Meat Market is the commitment to fair pricing. Samiullah personally travels to California to source high-quality goods—from oriental carpets and beautifully crafted kitchenware to unique food items—at the best possible prices for his customers. The store also honors those who serve by providing a discount for veterans and police officers.
During Ramadan, the Islamic holy month, he offers a 10% discount on all transactions. Rather than viewing this as a financial loss, he sees it as a point of pride and a vital way to give back. This spirit of generosity extends year-round, with monthly charitable contributions to a local mosque.
Directly connected to the market is Kabul Kitchen, a traditional food counter offering tea, baklava, and authentic Afghan entrees. Expanding on this success, Samiullah recently partnered with a fellow Afghan entrepreneur to open Kabob House, which features an even wider variety of traditional dishes and sweets. Looking ahead, he is eager to remain a fixture in Utah’s thriving small business scene and hopes to eventually transition Halal Meat Market into a more expansive flagship location.
“During Ramadan, the Islamic holy month, Samiullah offers a 10% discount on all transactions. This spirit of generosity extends year-round, with monthly charitable contributions to a local mosque.”
Through these ventures, Samiullah isn’t just selling goods—he is sharing the flavors and heritage of his home, one guest at a time.
Locations & Social Media
Location 1: Halal Meat Market & Kabul Kitchen
Market and traditional food counter
Address: 2407 S Redwood Rd, West Valley City, UT 84119
Location 2: Kabob House
New full-service restaurant
Address: 748 Blue Vista Ln Suite 600, Midvale, UT 84047
Website: kabobhouseslc.com
Instagram: @kabobhouse600
Facebook: Kabob House & Halal Meat Market
