Ramadan is upon us and this year, fasts are longer than ever. Saranoor (@SteezeLDN) shares her favourite places to have Iftar this month.
1) The Aziziye Mosque Restaurant
117 Stoke Newington Rd, London N16 8BU
Aziziye Masjid in Stoke Newington offers perhaps the most unique Ramadan experience in London; they actually have a purpose built restaurant underground serving hot and cold mezze, pide, hellim, you name it. If you’re an ambassador of Turkish-Cypriot delicacies and want to expand the “Ramadan feeling” beyond Taraweeh, then this is the perfect place. The opportunity to socialise and unite the local Muslim community from an eclectic variety of ethnic origins over Adana kebab is most certainly a treat you can’t miss this Ramadan. Aziziye also provides private seating rooms for an additional surcharge perfect for a family gathering. Check our their delectable Iftari delights..
Website: aziziyeturkishrestaurant.co.uk
2) Ramadan Tent
Malet Street Gardens, Malet Street, London WC1E 6DP
Every single night of Ramadan, a group of volunteers from the Ramadan Tent Project unite to welcome guests of all socio-economic backgrounds, religions, and ethnicities to come together to eat, pray and converse. The quaint gardens behind SOAS and Senate House make the experience intimate and friendly, with separate prayer and eating spaces, friendly volunteers and an ample variety of food. You can visit this pop-up tent which runs exclusively in Ramadan, to break your fast and enjoy an assortment of savoury snacks, dates, and biryani.
What’s more, every guest takes home a goodie bag with an English translation of the Quran, charity literature, newspapers and paraphernalia upon which they can treasure and use to reflect in this blessed month. Check out their website below and be sure to visit with a friend soon.
Website: ramadantentproject.com
3) Brioche Burger
East Shopping Centre, 232 Green Street, London, E7 8LE
Located in the heart of East London’s halal haven, Brioche serves the hearty British palette whilst also maintaining its’ Islamic etiquette. Brioche is one of a kind. The originality of its organic grass-fed Aberdeen Angus burgers, uniquely compliments the urban-chic décor making Brioche the only Muslim kitchen in London to offer such high-quality meat at an extraordinarily reasonable price.
Whilst Ramadan inspires modesty and nutrition in our appetites, this burger joint exclusively offers the chance to sink your teeth into proper British beef whilst maintaining an ethical conscience. Personal favourites include the Hand of the King beef burger and the Fresh Prince, filled with succulent beef Cheese Steak, bred and raised in Philly. Alongside burgers, Brioche also offers incredible Prime Rump, Sirloin and Rib Eye steaks all under £23.00, a remarkably decent price considering its’ central London locality and scrumptious fresh produce.
From mocktails to milkshakes, there’s literally nowhere belittling the burger bullseye Brioche from making a name for itself this Ramadan, with opening hours between 8.30-11pm Mondays to Saturdays until usual daytime hours resume on July 6th.
Website: www.briocheburger.com
View The Menu Here
4) Shrigley’s
125 Borough High St, London SE1 1NP
The cutest corner chill out spot in London Bridge offers everything from breakfast to desserts to take away orders in the form of a quaint Moroccan café. Shrigley’s is a King’s College favourite and a delicious Ramadan treat. The Moroccan mint tea is a personal favourite alongside their unique chilli sauce and hummus blend, and with a meal for 2 costing approximately £15 in total, it’s no wonder Shrigley’s is such a hit with the local student population.
Menu: Shrigley's
5) Shinwaris
229 – 231 Cranbrook Road Ilford Essex IG1 4TF
Last but by no means least, Shinwari in Ilford offers the perfect fix for your Afghan and Persian cuisine cravings. What makes this gorgeous restaurant fundamentally unique has to be its broad variety of colours, flavours and kebab platters. With fused Pakistani/Afghan origins in the Chappli Kebab to the Iranian/Afghan aata Karrey, Shinwari most definitely offers the fasting person the very best range in Asian gastronomy.
The private prayer space and separate seating for both genders add to the comfort and hospitality of this traditional eatery which unusually requires guests to sit on the floor! Moreover, the extremely well priced main course dishes at approximately £14.00 each makes Shinwari an unmissable affair this Ramadan, check out their divine selection below.
Website: shinwaris.co.uk
Author: Sara Zubair
