Halal Food in London

Our run-down of worthy restaurants to flock to when hunger strikes in London.

image: sxc.hu

Travel can be one of the most enriching and educational adventures available, and even a relatively short trip can offer experiences you’ll never have at home. But travel can also be inconvenient for those on a halal diet. To ensure that your halal needs are met during your travels, a little planning can go a long way.

This summer, a lot of people will be travelling to London, England for the 2012 Summer Olympic Games – more fondly known as London 2012. England has earned an infamous reputation as a ‘culinary wasteland’ to travellers with few or even no dietary concerns. So it might seem that travellers seeking halal food may have an even grimmer dining prognosis. But exceptional athleticism does not have to co-exist with mediocre cuisine. London 2012 offers England an opportunity to change that reputation, and it looks like they’re accepting the challenge.

England’s gastronomy landscape has evolved over the past 20 years. Celebrity chefs and specialty restaurants that have popped up are pleasantly surprising foodies the world over. For a halal culinary experience, venture out into the city of London and enjoy flavours from around the world. A small portion of the wealth of halal and halal-friendly options include:

Iranian cuisine at Alounak (halal)
44 Westbourne Grove, London.
10 Russell Gardens, West Kensington.

Contemporary Indian at Café Naz in Brick Lane (halal-friendly)
46/48 Brick Lane, Greater London.

The flavours of India by chef Atul Kochhar at the Michelin-starred Benares in Berkeley Square (halal-friendly)
12a Berkeley Square House.

Caribbean and Latin dishes at the family-run Guanabana in Camden (halal-friendly)
85 Kentish Town Road, Greater London.

Lebanese food at the restaurant and deli chain of Maroush (halal-friendly)
43 Edgeware Road, 4 Vere Street, 1 Connaught Street and other locations in London.

South African dishes from The Meat and Wine Co (halal-friendly)
Unit 1026, Westfield London, Ariel Way, London.

As you can see, should London 2012 be calling you and you are planning to answer it, your halal diet should not stop you. In fact, why go simply for London 2012? Why not visit London — or England — just to sample its halal dining?