Finding tasty halal food in a big city like London can feel like a giant treasure hunt. You walk down a street, smell something amazing, and wonder, “Can I eat that?” Well, I have some great news! London is actually one of the best cities in the world for halal food. Whether you want a juicy burger, spicy curry, or fancy grilled chicken, London has it all.
In this guide, I’m going to share my favorite spots that I’ve actually visited. I’ll tell you what to order, how much it costs, and give you some “insider secrets” so you can eat like a pro!
What is Halal Food?
If you are new to this, “Halal” simply means food that is allowed to be eaten according to Islamic rules. It usually refers to how the meat is prepared. London is amazing because so many famous restaurants now make sure their meat is halal so everyone can enjoy a meal together.
The Best Famous Halal Restaurants in London:
Short on time? Here is the list of the top spots you shouldn’t miss:
- Dishoom (Famous for Indian breakfast and grills)
- The Halal Guys (Famous for NYC-style street food)
- Tayyabs (Famous for the best lamb chops in town)
- Meat & Shake (Famous for huge burgers and crazy milkshakes)
- Hoppers (Famous for Sri Lankan “pancakes”)
- Berenjak (Famous for Persian kabobs)
- P.F. Chang’s Asian Table (Famous for dynamite shrimp)
Top Best Famous Halal Restaurants in London
1. Dishoom
Dishoom looks like an old-fashioned cafe from Mumbai, India. It’s very popular, and there is almost always a line outside! The atmosphere is buzzing, and it smells like warm spices and toasted buns.
- Cuisine: Indian / Irani Cafe
- Halal Status: All chicken and lamb is halal. They do serve some non-halal items (like pork breakfast items), but they are cooked separately.
- Why it’s famous: Their “Bacon” Naan Roll (they use delicious halal turkey bacon for Muslim guests!) and their creamy Black Daal.
- Estimate Budget:(About £20–£30 per person)
- Pro Tip: Go for breakfast! Their “Big Bombay” breakfast is huge, and the breakfast lassi (a yogurt drink) is super refreshing.
2. The Halal Guys
This started as a famous food cart in New York City, and now it’s in London! It’s simple, fast, and very filling. It’s perfect if you are exploring the city and need a quick, delicious lunch.
- Cuisine: Middle Eastern Street Food
- Halal Status: 100% Fully Halal.
- Why it’s famous: The “Platter.” It’s a mix of chicken or gyro meat over yellow rice with pita bread.
- Estimate Budget: (About £10–£15 per person)
- Pro Tip: Be very careful with the Red Sauce! It is extremely spicy. Start with just one tiny drop. The White Sauce, however, is magic ask for extra.
3. Tayyabs
If you want to see where the locals eat, go to Tayyabs in East London. It’s been around since 1972! It’s loud, busy, and the food comes out sizzling on hot metal plates.
- Cuisine: Pakistani
- Halal Status: 100% Fully Halal.
- Why it’s famous: The Lamb Chops. People travel from all over the world just to try these spicy, grilled chops.
- Estimate Budget: (About £20–£25 per person)
- Pro Tip: It gets very crowded, even on weekdays. Make sure to book a table online at least a few days before you go.
4. Meat & Shake
This is a fun spot that feels like a cool American diner. If you love burgers that are so big you can barely fit them in your mouth, this is the place for you.
- Cuisine: American Burgers & Shakes
- Halal Status: 100% Fully Halal.
- Why it’s famous: Their smoking burgers (they literally come out with smoke!) and their massive Ferrero Rocher milkshakes.
- Estimate Budget:(About £15–£25 per person)
- Pro Tip: Try the “Dirty Fries.” They are covered in cheese and toppings and are big enough to share with a friend.
5. Hoppers
Hoppers is inspired by the street food of Sri Lanka. A “Hopper” is a bowl-shaped pancake made from rice flour and coconut milk. It’s crunchy on the edges and soft in the middle.
- Cuisine: Sri Lankan
- Halal Status: All chicken, lamb, and beef is halal.
- Why it’s famous: The Egg Hopper. It’s a hopper with a fried egg cooked right inside the bottom!
- Estimate Budget: (About £25–£35 per person)
- Pro Tip: Order the “Karries” (curries) to dip your hoppers into. The chicken curry is rich and full of flavor.
6. Berenjak
Walking into Berenjak feels like walking into a cozy home in Tehran, Iran. The kitchen is open, so you can see the chefs grilling the meat over open flames.
- Cuisine: Persian (Iranian)
- Halal Status: All meat is halal.
- Why it’s famous: Their Koobideh Kabobs (minced lamb) which are incredibly juicy.
- Estimate Budget:(About £30–£45 per person)
- Pro Tip: Don’t just eat meat! Their hummus and coal-baked flatbread are some of the best in London.
Cheap Halal Food in London (Budget-Friendly)
If you want to save your pocket money for shopping but still want a great meal, try these:
- ICCO (Charlotte Street): Amazing halal pizza that is very cheap.
- Roti King (Euston): Famous for Malaysian “Roti Canai” (flaky flatbread). It’s a bit of a wait, but very cheap!
- Chicken Cottage: A London classic. It’s fast food, but it’s a local favorite for a quick halal snack.
Halal Fine Dining in London
If you are celebrating a birthday, London has fancy places where you can dress up:
- Novikov (Mayfair): They have a special halal menu if you ask. It’s very fancy and expensive.
- Cut at 45 Park Lane: If you want a luxury halal steak, this is the place, but you must call 48 hours early to request halal meat.
Halal Street Food in London
Street food is fun because you can try many different things in one place.
- Borough Market: Look for the “Khanom Krok” stall for Thai street food or the many grilled meat stalls. Always ask if it’s halal!
- Camden Market: This place is a halal heaven. You can find halal Chinese noodles, Dutch pancakes, and even halal steak and chips.
Tips for Finding Halal Food in London
- Look for the Sign: Most places will have a small “Halal” sticker in the window.
- Ask the Staff: Don’t be shy! Just ask, “Is the meat halal?” Most waiters are happy to help.
- Check the Menu: Sometimes only the chicken is halal, but the beef isn’t. Read carefully.
- Use Apps: Apps like “Zabihah” or even Google Maps (search “halal food near me”) are super helpful.
- Visit Edgware Road: This area is famous for Middle Eastern food, and almost everything there is halal!
FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)
1. Is halal food easy to find in London?
Yes! It is very easy. London is one of the most Muslim-friendly cities in the world.
2. Are all restaurants in London halal?
No. Many are not, but many “regular” restaurants now use halal meat to welcome more people. Always check first.
3. What is the best halal restaurant in London?
If you want a fun experience, Dishoom is the best. If you want the best meat, Tayyabs is the winner.
4. Is halal food expensive in London?
It depends! You can get a meal for £7 at a market or spend £100 at a fancy steakhouse.
5. Where can I find cheap halal food in London?
Check out Camden Market or small shops in East London (Whitechapel area).
Eating your way through London is a total blast. You can taste food from India, Iran, New York, and Sri Lanka all in one day! From the spicy lamb chops at Tayyabs to the cool milkshakes at Meat & Shake, there is something for everyone.
The best part about halal food in London is that it brings people together. You’ll see people from all over the world sitting at the same tables, enjoying amazing food.
Which halal restaurant would you try first? Let me know if you go. I’d love to hear what you ordered!