Thanks guys, just wondered. No real thoughts on the halal side or not halal side of things and view it as simply the ingredients I want at the right price.
Although I do use chicken breast, my cut of choice is the thigh for curries ... feel it has better flavour and texture. Supermarkets do sell thighs, but normally on the bone (I know some do fillets) which is a hassle.
My reasons for going to the Asian butcher are:
1) Cost .... ridiculously cheap at about ?2.50/kg for filleted thighs.
2) Better choice of meats - mutton, goat, oxtail etc readily available again at great prices.
3) Seem to last longer freshness wise.
4) The chicken seems a lot more tender ... probably age of the birds as the whole chickens are small.
5) Great, friendly service with a good choice of spices, herbs and advice.
It's not something I normally mention to people as it's a subject some people get really upset about, but looking at it objectively, it's a piece of meat that will be enjoyed. Nothing more, nothing less.