What is a halal snack pack?
A halal snack pack, or HSP, is an Australian takeaway dish made of hot chips topped with halal doner kebab meat, cheese and sauces such as garlic, chili and barbecue. It is popular as a late-night meal.
The dish developed in kebab shops run by Middle Eastern and Turkish Australian communities. It became widely known in the 2010s, especially through social media.
The meat can be lamb, chicken or a mix. The sauces are usually garlic, chili and barbecue, a combination sometimes called the holy trinity.
National fame
In 2016, a Facebook group dedicated to reviewing snack packs grew to many thousands of members. That same year, a federal senator publicly invited another senator to share one, drawing national media attention.
The halal snack pack has been described as a symbol of multicultural Australia, combining Middle Eastern ingredients with Australian chips and cheese.
The dish is usually served in a foam or plastic container. Variations include adding tabouli or different sauces.
Snack packs are often shared between friends and are most popular late at night after sports games or nights out.