Halal American Breakfast and Lunch Now Served at Saskatoon’s Loft Breakfast Club

SASKATOON – Businesses and non-profit organizations regularly open and move in Saskatoon. Today, the StarPhoenix talks to Inesh Rai, who opened The Loft Breakfast Club, a new spot for American-style halal breakfast and lunch, downtown in February.

Unique Halal Breakfast Experience

The Loft Breakfast Club stands out in Saskatoon’s vibrant food scene by offering a traditional American-style breakfast with a unique twist—it’s entirely halal. This means all meat products are prepared according to Islamic guidelines, making the menu inclusive for those following halal dietary restrictions. Instead of typical breakfast staples like bacon and ham, The Loft offers delicious alternatives that stay true to halal standards.

The Story Behind The Loft Breakfast Club

Located at 105 – 21st Street East, The Loft Breakfast Club shares its space with the House of Hakka, a restaurant run by Inesh’s parents, Harry and Sheena Rai, in the evenings. Inesh, 23, transitioned from being the operations manager at House of Hakka to running The Loft while also managing his own real estate business. The Loft opens daily (except Mondays) at 9 a.m. and serves breakfast and lunch until early afternoon, effectively utilizing the same space for two different dining experiences.

A Halal Twist on American Breakfast Favorites

Q: What sets The Loft Breakfast Club apart?

A: We offer all the classic American breakfast dishes like waffles and French toast but with a halal menu. Many halal restaurants in the area primarily offer Indian or Pakistani cuisine. We wanted to provide an option for those who crave typical American breakfast items but need halal options. This inclusivity has brought in a diverse crowd, and we’ve received a lot of appreciation for our approach.

Crafting a Halal American Menu

Q: How do you create an American-style halal menu?

A: People here are familiar with the American breakfast concept and love it. Adapting it to halal standards means no pork products and ensuring all meat is halal. We’ve created our substitutes. For example, we use chicken breakfast strips instead of bacon, and vegan sausage casings filled with spiced chicken instead of ham. These alternatives have unique flavors that our customers enjoy.

Menu Highlights

Q: What are some popular items on your menu?

A: We’ve infused our menu with flavors from our heritage. Our breakfast club sandwich uses tandoori chicken instead of regular grilled chicken, offering a distinctive taste. We also serve breakfast poutines with homemade hollandaise sauce, enhanced with a hint of saffron. Our handheld section includes a double beef patty rink burger and a chicken burger, catering to both breakfast and lunch cravings.

Q: Any standout unique items?

A: Our Korean barbecue jackfruit tacos are a hit. We use unripened jackfruit, which absorbs flavors beautifully, giving a meat-like consistency. The Korean barbecue sauce adds a delicious twist, making this dish a customer favorite.

Specials and Dietary Options

Q: Do you offer any specials?

A: Our pancakes are half-price on Tuesdays, topped with either blueberries or Saskatoon berries, and served with our signature maple butter made from pure Quebec maple syrup. It’s a crowd-pleaser that tastes almost like toffee.

Q: How do you accommodate dietary restrictions?

A: Besides being halal, we cater to various dietary needs by offering gluten-free bread and a dedicated fryer for gluten-free items. We strive to ensure everyone can enjoy our menu.

Beverage Offerings

Q: What drinks do you serve?

A: Our milkshakes are a big hit, available in classic flavors like vanilla, strawberry, chocolate, and Oreo. We also offer a full bar with drinks specially crafted for our menu, including Irish coffee and mimosas in various flavors. Our La Marzocco espresso machine brews top-quality coffee, perfect for cappuccinos, lattes, mochas, and Americanos.

Balancing Two Restaurants

Q: How is it managing two restaurants in one space?

A: It’s a good arrangement. We noticed most of our sales at House of Hakka were after 4 p.m., so we decided to offer something unique in the morning. The Loft Breakfast Club fills that niche perfectly.

Inesh Rai’s Culinary Background

Q: What is your restaurant background?

A: I started young, helping my parents at the Spice Trail Restaurant in Prince Albert. My dad, with his extensive experience managing five-star resorts and opening bars and pubs, has been a huge influence. This hands-on experience has helped me create and experiment with our menu at The Loft.

The Loft Breakfast Club offers a unique dining experience in Saskatoon, blending American-style breakfast with halal preparations. It’s a place where diverse communities can come together to enjoy delicious, inclusive meals.