Today we’d like to introduce you to Faraz Siddiqui.
Hi Faraz, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start maybe you can share some of your backstory with our readers?
My story as a Halal food blogger began over a decade ago when I moved to London, United Kingdom, for my master’s degree. What started as a casual hobby of capturing the meals I enjoyed and the places I visited quickly grew into something more. Initially, my contributions were limited to Google Local Guide reviews—a way to document my experiences and share insights with others. Slowly but steadily, I found joy in sharing my pictures and reviews, and the growing number of views and my rising rank on Google encouraged me to continue.
After completing my studies in the UK, I moved to the United States. Here, the landscape was different—Halal dining options were far more limited. I began to explore, identify, and document the Halal restaurants and food establishments I came across. My reviews, along with pictures of the food and the ambiance, started gaining traction. People began recognizing me as someone who had explored nearly every Halal dining option and appreciated my honest and detailed reviews. This newfound recognition inspired me to take my hobby more seriously.
Marriage added a new dimension to my journey. My wife and I, both being food enthusiasts, embarked on this adventure together, which only deepened my passion for food blogging. I started posting regularly on Instagram, and to my surprise, people began following my journey. I also created a Facebook group to complement my Instagram presence, and together, these platforms became the cornerstone of my blogging efforts.
When I moved to San Antonio, I realized how much the Halal community needed someone to bridge the gap between diners and restaurants. There were many small, family-owned Halal businesses that deserved attention but lacked the resources to promote themselves. I decided to dedicate my efforts to showcasing these gems, helping them grow, and connecting them with customers. I worked tirelessly to grow my platforms, and the love and appreciation I received from the community motivated me to push forward.
One principle has guided me throughout this journey: I do not charge restaurants for my reviews or promotions. My mission is to support small businesses and give back to the community. If even one customer visits a restaurant because of my posts, I am deeply grateful to God for allowing me to contribute in this way.
Of course, this journey is not without sacrifices. Balancing my professional career, family life, and passion for food blogging is challenging. Visiting restaurants, capturing content, tasting food, editing videos, and posting about my experiences is a time-consuming process. Yet, the love and respect I receive from the community make it all worthwhile. San Antonio has embraced me with open arms, and for that, I am eternally grateful.
I owe my success to every individual who has supported me—my family, my followers, and the restaurant owners who trust me to tell their stories. My Instagram account, @thehalalblogger, and my Facebook group, San Antonio Halal Restaurants and Food Trucks Reviews, are my pride and joy. To everyone who has ever tried a restaurant based on my recommendations or shared my posts, thank you for trusting me. To the restaurant owners who treat me like family, thank you for your partnership and trust.
This journey is my passion, my service, and my way of giving back to the community. I am truly honored to be a part of your lives and will continue to work hard to celebrate Halal dining one post at a time. Thank you for inspiring me every day.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
When I first started my journey as a Halal food blogger, the struggle was real. Restaurant owners didn’t initially take me seriously. In the beginning, I was just another voice in the crowd—someone showing up, taking pictures, and posting reviews without much recognition. But I was persistent. I would visit the same places over and over, trying new dishes, capturing the essence of the food, the restaurant, and its ambiance. Even when my efforts seemed unnoticed, I continued because I believed in the value of what I was doing.
As time passed, my audience started to grow. With that growth came more love, more engagement, and eventually, respect. People began recognizing me as someone who was truly dedicated to exploring and sharing Halal dining experiences. I became known not only for my reviews but for my commitment to supporting small, family-owned businesses, especially those that didn’t have the means to promote themselves. The appreciation I received motivated me to keep pushing forward.
But this journey hasn’t come without its sacrifices. There are countless times when I’ve had to choose my work over family time. Instead of spending evenings with loved ones, I found myself at a restaurant or food truck capturing every moment—the food, the ambiance, the preparation—anything that could give my audience an authentic look at what I was experiencing. Afterward, the real work began: coming home and dedicating hours to editing videos, refining content, and crafting posts. This constant cycle of creating content while balancing my personal life has been challenging.
Yet, every time I see the impact I’ve had on a small business, every time I hear that someone visited a restaurant because of my post, it all feels worth it. The respect, the recognition, and the joy I feel in helping others experience the best Halal food is what keeps me going.
The struggle is real, but it is also rewarding. And as I continue on this journey, I remain grateful for every moment, every lesson, and every person who has been part of this path.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
Outside of my passion for Halal food blogging, I have a fulfilling and challenging career at USAA, where I work as a data engineer. I have the privilege of leading a team of 20 talented individuals spread across the globe—spanning the USA, Mexico, and India. Our primary focus is handling data for the financial department, ensuring accuracy, efficiency, and innovation in every project we tackle.
What makes my role so meaningful is the mission of USAA itself: serving those who serve us—our military community and their families. Knowing that the work I do ultimately supports such an important cause fills me with immense pride and purpose.
Another aspect of my job that I truly cherish is the incredible management team I work under. Their guidance, trust, and support create an environment where my team and I can thrive. Together, we work hand in hand, ensuring that every project is completed with precision and delivered on time. Even when inject work comes our way, my team’s adaptability and dedication allow us to blend it seamlessly into our workflow without compromising on quality.
What sets me apart, I believe, is my approach to leadership. I strive to connect with each team member on a personal level, understanding their strengths, challenges, and aspirations. Building these relationships fosters trust and collaboration, which are key to our success. It’s not just about delivering results but about creating an environment where everyone feels valued and motivated.
I’m incredibly proud of the work we do and the team I lead. Balancing my professional responsibilities with my passion for food blogging isn’t always easy, but the fulfillment I get from both aspects of my life makes it all worthwhile. Whether it’s leading a global team or supporting small Halal businesses, I’m grateful for the opportunities I’ve been given to make an impact in different yet equally meaningful ways.
What do you like best about our city? What do you like least?
What I truly love about San Antonio is witnessing its transformation into a thriving and diverse city. When I first moved here, the city had its charm, but its offerings were limited. Today, it’s a different story. The growth is not only noticeable but deeply appreciated, especially by someone like me, who is passionate about food and culture.
San Antonio is becoming a hub for diversity, with people from all walks of life moving here. Along with this influx, the Halal food scene has expanded significantly. New restaurants, grocery stores, and food trucks are popping up, offering a broader range of cuisines to explore. The opportunity to try multiple flavors and dishes, representing cultures from across the globe, has grown tremendously, making this city an exciting place for a foodie like me.
However, like any growing city, San Antonio has its challenges. Traffic is becoming increasingly chaotic, which can be frustrating. Another downside is the city’s layout—everything is spread out, making commuting a necessity. This can be especially challenging for someone like me, who strives to connect with every Halal restaurant, food truck, or grocery store. The scattered nature of the city means more time on the road and less time to dedicate to covering everything comprehensively.
Despite these challenges, I’m grateful to be a part of this vibrant and evolving community. San Antonio’s growth and diversity continue to inspire me, and I look forward to seeing how the city further transforms in the coming years.
Contact Info:
- Website: Www.thehalalblogger.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thehalalblogger/profilecard/?igsh=MXQ1dHdva3ZlaDhwNQ==
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/296742129339897/?ref=share&mibextid=NSMWBT
- Other: https://www.tiktok.com/@thehalalbloggertx?_t=8rj4Fc2QGhq&_r=1
