6 Must-Try Halal Eats in the UK for 2024

The UK’s Halal Eats scene has never been more dynamic. From Middle Eastern delights to Asian fusion wonders, there’s no shortage of mouthwatering options for food enthusiasts. For Muslim travelers and locals alike, the demand for Halal-certified food continues to grow, pushing restaurants, food stalls, and cafes to offer a variety of cuisines while ensuring strict adherence to Islamic dietary laws.

If you’re searching for the best Halal eats in the UK for 2024, we’ve got you covered. Here’s a list of six standout Halal eateries nationwide that promise to leave your taste buds craving more.

1. Azadi, Peterborough

Cuisine: Kurdish-Iraqi
Location: Lincoln Road, Peterborough
Specialties: Shawarma, Grilled Meats, Iraqi Bread (Samoon)

Azadi is more than just a restaurant — it’s a Kurdish-Iraqi supermarket, butcher, bakery, and takeaway all rolled into one. Open till 3 a.m. daily, it’s a beacon of comfort for night owls in Peterborough. The spotlight is on its shawarma, which many claim to be the best-value sandwich in the UK at just £3.50.

Their lamb shawarma, grilled to perfection with a crispy char, is served in either fresh-baked naan or saloon, a diamond-shaped Iraqi bread with a light, airy texture. Toppings include pickled cabbage, lettuce, cucumber, tomato, onions, and an incredible selection of 11 sauces. Choices range from traditional amba (mango pickle) and tamarind to green chili and sweet chili. The affordability, portion size, and flavors make Azadi a must-visit.

2. Eastern Oven, Leeds

Cuisine: Syrian
Location: Leeds
Specialties: Puck Cheese and Honey Pide, Syrian Pastries

Eastern Oven is a gem in Leeds, celebrated for its simple yet exquisite dishes. The Puck cheese and honey pide is a dish that’s captured the hearts of food enthusiasts. Priced at just £4, this delicacy features a rich cheese spread over fresh pide (Turkish-style flatbread), accompanied by a squeezy bottle of honey on the side.

Is it sweet? Is it savory? It’s both! This playful balance of flavors is unforgettable. Eastern Oven’s minimalist approach to authentic Syrian food emphasizes flavor over fancy presentation, and that’s why it’s beloved by so many. For foodies looking for an affordable yet memorable meal, Eastern Oven is an essential stop.

3. Berenjak, London

Cuisine: Persian
Location: Soho, London
Specialties: Joojeh Kabab, Persian Classics

Berenjak brings a contemporary flair to traditional Persian cuisine. Tucked away in the heart of Soho, this restaurant has earned glowing reviews from food critics and diners alike. Their joojeh kabab is the star of the menu — a barbecued poussin marinated in garlic, chili, and sumac.

This £29 dish takes the humble chicken kebab to new heights with the addition of Turkish acı biber salçası (spicy red pepper paste). The result? A symphony of flavors that’s juicy, spicy, and charred to perfection. Berenjak’s unique fusion of Persian and Turkish ingredients elevates it to one of the most memorable Halal dining experiences in London.

4. Hafiz Mustafa, London

Cuisine: Turkish
Location: Knightsbridge, London
Specialties: Turkish Tea (Çay), Forest Fruit Chocolate Cake

Turkish sweets and tea lovers rejoiced when Hafiz Mustafa opened its first UK branch in Knightsbridge. As one of Istanbul’s most iconic patisseries, Hafiz Mustafa’s arrival in London was a long-awaited moment for many.

From classic Turkish delight to decadent cakes, every bite at Hafiz Mustafa is a taste of Istanbul. Their çay (Turkish tea) is strong and aromatic, served for £5 a glass. The showstopper, however, is the forest fruit chocolate cake. Imagine layers of fresh strawberries, blueberries, and raspberries mingling with rich cream and moist sponge. At £9.50 per slice, it’s an indulgence worth every penny. And yes, it’s big enough to share!

5. Chaii Master, Hayes

Cuisine: Pakistani Street Food
Location: Hayes, London
Specialties: Chicken Tikka Paratha Wrap, Chai (Tea)

The chai culture is taking London by storm, but Chaii Master is leading the pack with its authentic take on Pakistani street food. Their chicken tikka paratha wrap is a modern twist on a classic, filled with tender chicken tikka, mozzarella cheese, chopped cucumber, and spicy mint chutney, all bundled in a perfectly flaky paratha.

This £5 wrap is a flavorful adventure, but it’s not the only item worth ordering. Pair it with a warm, spiced chai — which many claim to be the best in the city — for a satisfying meal. Chaii Master’s menu also includes chapli kebabs and other street-style favorites, making it a popular pit stop for foodies on the go.

6. Toteil, Acton

Cuisine: Sudanese
Location: Acton, London
Specialties: Agashe (Peanut-Coated Beef), Basbousa (Semolina Cake)

Toteil’s arrival in Acton has introduced Londoners to the flavors of Sudan. This authentic restaurant is known for its agashe — beef marinated in a peanut spice blend before being grilled to crispy, tender perfection. Served with rice, salad, and a side of spicy green shatta (chili sauce), it’s a bold, flavorful meal you’ll be talking about long after.

Dining at Toteil is a communal experience. Food is often served on large metal trays, encouraging diners to eat together, much like at a family gathering. End your meal with a cup of chai laban (spiced milk tea) and a slice of basbousa, a syrup-soaked semolina cake with notes of orange blossom. The warmth and hospitality here make every visit memorable.

The Growing Demand for Halal Eats in the UK

The Halal dining scene in the UK is more than a trend — it’s a movement. Muslim and non-Muslim diners alike are increasingly looking for ethical and high-quality food options. As a result, restaurants are stepping up their game, offering more Halal-certified meals that cater to diverse palates.

According to a report by the Halal Food Authority, the UK’s Halal food market is worth over £2.6 billion, and it’s growing every year. This surge is driven by the Muslim population’s rising purchasing power and a wider societal shift towards ethical consumption.

The world of Halal eats in the UK is vast, vibrant, and deliciously diverse. Whether you’re in the mood for Kurdish shawarma, Persian kababs, Turkish desserts, or Sudanese street food, there’s a Halal option waiting for you. The UK’s commitment to offering diverse and high-quality Halal food has cemented its place as a top destination for food lovers.

If you’re looking for authentic Halal Eats, this list is a great starting point. With flavors from Iraq, Turkey, Syria, Pakistan, and Sudan on offer, your taste buds are in for an unforgettable experience. Plan your next culinary adventure and savor the best of Halal Eats in the UK.