As adventurous young Londoners, it’s impossible to live in this artistic metropolis without eating out at least 80 times a week. However, as Muslims, it’s admittedly difficult to find halal eateries that serve a variety of cuisines and don’t break the bank. Let’s face it, there’s only so much falafel, biryani and lamb sheesh we can take; so we scoured London’s bountiful restaurants and found three charming bistros offering authentic global gastronomy originating from non-Muslim majority destinations.
While we wouldn’t expect these restaurants to be halal, it’s truly delightful to see how cosmopolitan our society of 8.6 million people is becoming. Check out our favourite places to munch, below.
Disclaimer: All establishments listed are advertised as serving Halal or partially Halal meat and poultry. Methods of Halal certification may vary from restaurant to restaurant so we advise double checking before purchase.
1. Brazilian: Cabana
Cabana’s affordable Brazilian delicacies serve as an authentic ambassador for Latin American street food. Inspired by the Portuguese mantra ‘tudo bem’ meaning ‘everything’s good’, Cabana offers it’s customers a slice of Brazil’s community spirit with their fresh BBQ grills of chicken and beef skewers mixed with fiery spiced vegetables. Their best-sellers include the Malagueta Chicken and the infamous Picanha Burger and at just £8.95, we can understand why Cabana boasts the Britain’s Best Latin American Group 2012/2013 Award.
Along the lines of their celebrated community spirit, what many customers don’t know is that chicken at Cabana is actually halal and Muslim friendly. They also accept family friendly tastecards, it’s great to see a company truly embracing their all-inclusive and neighbourly Sao Paulo vibe. With seven branches scattered across the whole of London, Cabana’s delicious streetfood can be found in both Westfields as well as Brixton, Islington, Wembley and for a more central snack, St Giles Piazza.
(Disclaimer: It's just the chicken that's halal, they also serve pork and alcohol)
2. Pan-Asian: Chi Kitchen
Serving steaming, scrumptious, lip-smacking pan-asian gourmet, it’s hard to go wrong with Chi Kitchen’s Chinese treats. The open plan nature of the pop-up store enables guests to watch their sashimi as it cooks right in front of them. With it’s metaphorical doors open from breakfast till dinner, it’s unsurprising their seats are always full.
Located inside Debenhams flagship Oxford Street Store, Chi offers sushi, grilled meat entrée’s, Malaysian roti and Japanese pancakes, there is literally nothing you can’t order at this fabulous foody retreat. The best part, it’s all halal! From their Thai Iced Tea to their Tom Yum chicken soup, Chi Kitchen serves the best of far-eastern delights, visit their website and book a table link below..
3. South African/Kenyan: Jungle Braai
Their specialty seems not to stop at simply mouth-watering steak, Braai’s exceptional grilled BBQ menu treats us to their home grown Peri Peri Chicken concoction and Zulu Beef burgers, how could we possibly decline? Everything, from the owners to its menu to it’s quirky store on London’s Brick Lane, is halal. What’s more; their latest menu offers FREE sides and drinks alongside some of their best meat dishes as part of the Lunch time deal, you’d certainly be mad not to give it a try.
With their origins in South Africa, Jungle Braai celebrates the tribal cuisine of Mtumbu. Their apt ardor towards wholesome, delicious and well thought out menus attract Londoners from all over town. But it’s not just the tasty African delights that leave us in awe of this place, their drinks menu also leaves a confident impression; famous for their creative mocktails, Jungle Braai offers fantastically affordable Blue Mango and Zobo African blends at only £2.95 each. If you aren’t already sold, I’m in no doubt their website with truly impress you and your friends, check it out below:
Author: Sara Zubair
