Navigating London’s Halal Food Scene

Lana Shevchenko
Places App
Published in
4 min readApr 19, 2023

As the holy month of Ramadan comes to a close, London’s Muslim community is gearing up to celebrate the upcoming Eid al-Fitr with their family and friends. For many, this includes indulging in some mouth-watering halal cuisine, and luckily, the Places App has come to the rescue with a list of halal food options in London.

From traditional Pakistani and Indian dishes to premium halal Argentine beef steaks, there is something for everyone on the Places App. Whether you’re in the mood for succulent kebabs, fragrant biryanis, or rich curries, these halal food restaurants will tantalize your taste and fully satisfy you.

Imagine sinking your teeth into a succulent lamb shank, slow-cooked to perfection in aromatic spices, or savouring the tender chunks of meat in a flavourful biryani. The spices dance on your tongue, the aroma tantalizes your senses, and you cannot help but feel grateful for the abundance of delicious halal food options in London.

So, as you celebrate Eid with your loved ones, why not take a culinary journey through London's diverse and delicious halal food scene? Let the Places App be your guide, and discover some of the city's halal food restaurants.

First up is Tayyabs, a Pakistani restaurant in Whitechapel that has been around since 1972. Known for its juicy grilled meat dishes, especially the lamb chops and the seekh kebabs, Tayyabs offers a lively atmosphere perfect for groups looking for a fun night out. But beware, be prepared to queue, as this popular spot is always buzzing.

Halal status: verbally confirmed that meat is halal.

Photo: Tayaabs

Elvet Steakhouse is your choice if you are looking for a good steak. It can offer delicious premium halal Argentine beef steaks, including rib eye, sirloin, fillet cuts, and even halal wagyu beef, but they also make its own halal desserts. Finding such high-quality halal steak in East London is a rarity, but Elvet Steakhouse goes above and beyond to satisfy its customers.

Moreover, the cozy and romantic atmosphere makes Elvet Steakhouse one of the best halal restaurants in London.

Halal status: certified halal.

Photo: Elvet Steakhouse

Next on the list is Dishoom, a Bombay-style cafe that pays homage to the Irani cafes that were once an essential part of life in Bombay. With several locations across London, Dishoom’s menu is a fusion of Indian and British influences, featuring unique dishes like chicken tikka. And the vintage decor and laid-back vibe only add to the experience.

Halal status: halal dishes are served from 12 pm onwards, except for breakfast.

Photo: Dishoom

Check out Mamasons, a Filipino ice cream parlour in Camden, for something sweet. All of their ice creams are made in-house and come in a range of unique flavours, like ube (purple yam) and mango. And their Filipino-inspired desserts, including the refreshing halo-halo made with shaved ice, evaporated milk, and a mix of sweet beans, fruits, and jellies, are simply heavenly.

Halal status: confirmed verbally.

Photo: Mamasons

If you’re in the Canary Wharf area, Chai Ki is a must-visit. This Indian restaurant puts a modern twist on traditional Indian dishes, featuring unique items like the chicken tikka pie and the masala beef burger. But the standout dish is the railway lamb curry, slow-cooked with a blend of spices and served with a soft buttered bun.
The restaurant’s stunning location overlooking the River Thames and flooded with natural light during the day, creates a perfect ambience for a special dinner, with the option of a private dining space.

Halal status: verbally confirmed, that they serve halal food.

Photo: Dexigner

And last but not least, The Halal Guys have expanded to London with several locations across the city, bringing their famous gyro and chicken dishes and signature white and hot sauces to a new audience. Their commitment to using high-quality ingredients and 100% halal-certified meat has made them popular among the city’s Muslim community.

Halal status: halal-certified.

Photo: Tha Halal Guys

And let’s not forget London’s thriving street food scene, with many halal food vendors offering a range of dishes from around the world. Street food markets like Camden Market and Borough Market are great places to discover new and exciting halal food options, and there are often pop-up events and food festivals happening throughout the year.

Don’t limit your halal food adventure to just this list of restaurants. Download the Places App to explore and discover more halal and other food options in London. Happy eating!

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Lana Shevchenko
Places App

FoodTech startup co-founder. Strategic Marketing Advisor for Founders & Startups. A little bit alien.