In San Mateo County, This Market Is a Community Destination for Food, Faith and Ramadan Staples | KQED
Briefly

Besan’s International Market in San Bruno, California, is a crucial community resource, particularly for Arab, North African, South Asian, and Middle Eastern populations. It functions as a halal butcher, take-out restaurant, and grocery store that caters to cultural needs, especially during Ramadan. Owner Thaher Shehadeh notes the heightened activity during this period as families prepare for iftar meals. Additionally, the growing Muslim population in San Mateo County emphasizes the increasing relevance of such establishments, which serve both everyday needs and cultural traditions.
Owner Thaher Shehadeh noted, 'In Ramadan, people gather: to worship, to be in community and to step away from material life.'
San Mateo County has the largest percentage of Arabs of all faiths in California, with the Muslim population tripling in the last 15 years.
Besan's International Market offers halal butcher services, catering, and a market for Middle Eastern and South Asian goods, serving local diverse communities.
During Ramadan, sales surge, as customers prepare for iftar meals and plan for the upcoming Eid al-fitr celebration.
Read at Kqed
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