In the heart of the Mid-South, a duo known as the Dining Duo explores local culinary delights while keeping their identities hidden behind the masks of their favorite comic book heroes. Their mission is to provide unbiased reviews of the region’s dining options. This week, they ventured into the world of Mediterranean cuisine at Halal Boyz, a restaurant that promises a unique fusion of flavors.

A Reluctant Introduction to Mediterranean Food

Despite being known as a self-proclaimed non-fan of Mediterranean cuisine, one of the reviewers decided to give it another chance. Memories of a single gyro experience during college in Boston left a lasting impression, but the allure of trying something new, especially when the corporate board was footing the bill, was too tempting to resist. The Dining Duo was intrigued by the mention of Halal Boyz, located in Olive Branch, a bit of a trek from their usual haunts.

Discovering Halal Boyz

Halal Boyz is situated on Hwy. 302 and Hacks Cross Road, a location that may seem remote but is worth the journey. Lucius Fox, the President and CEO of Wayne Enterprises, took the initiative to order takeout for the entire board. He opted for the falafel ($8.99), a vegetarian alternative to the gyro made from ground chickpeas and fava beans, deep-fried to perfection, and served with a dairy-free tzatziki sauce, lettuce, and tomatoes on pita bread.

Fox was pleasantly surprised by the falafel, declaring it one of the best he had ever tasted. He praised its seasoning and noted how the tzatziki sauce enhanced the overall flavor, bringing all the ingredients together. The meal was not only satisfying but also budget-friendly, making it a great choice for a corporate lunch. He also tried the Masala fries ($2.99), which are seasoned, oven-roasted fries served with a tangy red sauce. Fox rated Halal Boyz a perfect 5 out of 5 POWs, expressing eagerness to return.

A Flavorful Gyro Experience

Joining Fox was Dr. Jonathan Crane, known as Scarecrow, who was eager to try the lamb gyro ($8.99). He found the meat to be well-cooked and seasoned with traditional Mediterranean spices like thyme, rosemary, and oregano. Scarecrow also enjoyed the tzatziki sauce, which he described as a delightful addition that made the gyro even more enjoyable. He noted that the gyro was generously topped with sauce and had a satisfying level of spiciness. Reminiscing about a similar gyro he had while traveling in Europe, Scarecrow awarded Halal Boyz another 5 POWs for a fulfilling lunch experience.

A Surprising Choice from Livewire

Livewire, known for her adventurous palate, surprised everyone by choosing a chicken over rice platter ($12.99). She found the chicken tender and well-seasoned with curry, which added a pleasant heat to the dish. The same beloved tzatziki sauce complemented her meal, and she expressed her fondness for it, calling it her favorite part of the meal. Livewire also enjoyed the Masala fries, which were a new experience for her. She joined her companions in giving Halal Boyz a unanimous 5 POW rating.

A Personal Take on the Fish Platter

Despite reservations about Mediterranean food, the fish over rice platter ($12.99) was chosen for sampling. The dish featured lightly fried white fish fillets served over fluffy yellow Basmati rice, garnished with lettuce, tomatoes, and tzatziki sauce. While the fish was found to be tasty, it reminded some of the imitation catfish often found at buffets. The rice had a pleasant texture, though it wouldn’t be described as particularly nutty. The tzatziki sauce didn’t resonate with all taste buds, and the Masala fries were slightly undercooked. While some may not return to Halal Boyz, the experience still received a solid 5 POWs due to the generous portions, freshness, and reasonable prices.

A Culinary Gem

Overall, Halal Boyz offers a delightful fusion of Mediterranean and Middle Eastern cuisine, making it an excellent choice for lunch. The Dining Duo, along with their companions, found the food to be fresh, flavorful, and satisfying. Whether one is a fan of Mediterranean fare or just looking to try something new, Halal Boyz is worth a visit.

Original Article:

DeSoto Times-Tribune. (2025, April 26). Halal Boyz: A perfect fusion of Mediterranean and Middle Eastern food. DeSoto Times-Tribune. https://www.desototimes.com/lifestyle/halal-boyz-a-perfect-fusion-of-mediterranean-and-middle-eastern-food/article_04e3d15a-ef27-434e-95d6-5af9a418ea9a.html