The best halal food in Manchester

It’s no secret that these guys sling an excellent smashed patty burger, or a fried chicken burger for that matter – so much so that they serve over 5,000 of them every week. From their dark kitchen out in Salford, the Burgerism team are making some of the city’s favourite street food using halal chicken and beef. It’s just another reason to keep Burgerism on your food delivery rotation.

A welcome addition to the thriving Gatley food and drink scene is Brewch, an all-halal brunch spot from the culinary minds that also brought you Old Trafford’s MLK Burgers. Where MLK is all about outrageous smashed burgers, Brewch go about satiating your hunger in a slightly different way. They serve up enticing plates of sweet and savoury brekkie like avo and eggs, smoked salmon-based creations, a show-stopping steak sandwich and French toast topped with all sorts of sweet treats and a floral garnish. Coffee is important too, you can be sure your iced latte or flat white will have been made with a locally roasted, single origin bean.

Don Tacos is the Mexican spot that spent years feeding people in Bolton, then set up in another busy Manchester location (the Curry Mile), before expanding to town (Piccadilly Gardens). It’s now drawing in diners from far and wide, brought here largely through word of mouth. Everything is made freshly on site but delivery is speedy, perfect for a fast, flavoursome feed. The whole menu is halal, rare for often pork-heavy Mexican food. Enjoy juicy lamb chops, quesadillas, birria tacos and, of course, hefty burritos. All with super-fresh salad and sauces. There’s even loads of plant-based options too.

Unapologetically carnivorous, Withington’s Eat Meat describes itself as a ‘boutique steakhouse’, which means they serve up perfectly-charred meat and fried chicken dishes. Steak obsessives, prepare to be impressed: you can choose from the likes of Uruguayan, Argentinian and Prime Irish Wagyu, all served with a chimichurri dressing. The rest of the menu is a blend of middle eastern dishes and American diner-style mains, like the ultimate cheese burger, where the bun itself is glazed with molten cheese. There’s also an extensive drinks menu full of alchohol-free cocktails which are served with just as much panache as the burgers.

A pretty spot in the Northern Quarter with exposed brickwork, hanging plants and all the other hallmarks of a trendy cafe, you might be surprised that Evelyn’s is a fully halal restaurant. When you learn that it’s the sister restaurant of the iconic Mughli Charcoal Pit on the Curry Mile, you realise that you’re in safe hands. The centrepiece of their kitchen is an Inka charcoal grill, and all their aesthetically-pleasing brunches and dinners are infused with middle eastern flavours like shakshuka, za’atar chicken, grilled octopus and picanha steak.

There are plenty of reasons to heap praise on Dishoom, and their halal offerings are no exception. All the lamb and chicken on the menu is halal, though they do stress that alcohol is served, and bacon makes an appearance on that breakfast menu (though measures have been taken to prevent cross-contamination). If you’re looking for delicious Indian food in a beautiful environment which caters for both halal and non-halal diners, you better get in that famous Dishoom queue. It’s worth every moment.

Named after one of the most culturally significant sites in Kathmandu, Durbar Square is an authentic Nepalese spot on West Didsbury’s Burton Road. Starting life as a takeaway before expanding into a restaurant, the menu is packed with Nepalese and Indian street food, sharing platters, momos and kebabs. There’s also plenty of veggie and vegan options like masala dosa and okra fry. Amongst Didsbury’s abundant food options, Durbar Square is a real treat, and a halal-friendly one too.

A Hong Kong-style dumpling house which is also halal? Gaijin Dumpling House in Levenshulme have dreamed big with this one, and by all accounts they’ve pulled it off. A cosy, slightly moody spot illuminated with red neon, Gaijin is an inviting spot to enjoy bao, noodles and katsu as well as the star of the show – bamboo trays brimming with picture-perfect fried and steamed dumplings, won ton and ha kow.

Part of Salford Quays’ independent food market Kargo.MKT, House of Habesha is one of a growing number of Ethiopian and Eritrean restaurants in the city. The key component is the injera, the spongy, sour bread/pancake which acts as a platter for heaps of rich, comforting curries like the kulwa keyh (made with spicy lamb finely sliced and slow cooked with lentils) and the dorho — a full chicken leg, stewed and served with a boiled egg. There’s plenty of veggie and vegan dishes on the menu, and the meat dishes are halal-friendly too.

Arguably one of the most serene cafes in the city centre, Nùr is an Arabic brunch spot where as much attention is paid to presentation as to what’s on your plate. Sweet and savoury dishes are equally represented on this halal menu which features hearty shakshukas and Turkish breakfasts alongside pastel-coloured desserts like pistachio croissants and petal-sprinkled baklava. We can’t think of a prettier halal spot in Manchester.

Flying the flag for rice ‘n’ three outside of the city centre is Maida Grill House, a halal spot in Salford who specialise in non-nonsense lunches and authentic Indian and Pakistani dishes. Alongside your ‘three’, you can also order from the grill menu, which is abundant with juicy lamb chops, lamb karahi on the bone, and heaps of tender chicken dishes. The keema and cheese stuffed naan comes highly raved-about too.

“Our mission is simple, to provide delicious, high-quality food and authentic beverages, to be enjoyed in a halal, relaxing and comfortable ambience.” The team behind MilJul Chai House couldn’t be any clearer with the idea behind their take on the tea room if they tried. Head here for brunch, lunch and dinner – British classics are infused with Indian flavours like a breakfast of chicken or vegetarian sausages, eggs, masala beans, fried tomatoes, hash browns, toast or paratha, or simply relax with a nice cup of chai.

A heavyweight even among the strong field that is Rusholme’s Curry Mile, Mughli Charcoal Pit is a go-to for rich, flavoursome curry dishes, heaps of grilled meat and punchy street food snacks. While it may not have been around as long as some of its Wilmslow Road neighbours, their blend of authenticity and innovation (see: Punjabi poutine, for instance) has won them a dedicated following. Plus, all the meats they use are Halal Monitoring Community approved.

A city centre steakhouse with a touch of glamour, Ribeye are all about the theatrics. This halal steakhouse take all things grilled to the next level, serving dishes with a certain artistic flair like crispy chicken cheddar globes and a tower of dynamite prawns – and that’s just for starters. They keep it simple with mains though, simply pick which outstanding steak you’d like from a list of premium options, and add sauces and sides. With a comprehensive list of mocktails on offer, you’re in for a decadent experience.

Named after a palace-sized museum in Istanbul, which is home to a huge collection of cultural artefacts, Manchester’s Topkapi Palace is our own culinary treasure trove. Here you’ll find loads of mezze dishes with both European and Middle Eastern influences, as well as plenty of immaculately sizzled mixed grills. A family favourite, this Deansgate spot is great for a multi-generational get together, whether you eat halal or not.

Fried chicken purists Yard & Coop are well-known for their exceptionally crispy buttermilk burgers and nuggets, and the seemingly endless combinations of sauce, garnishes and sides they can come with. What is less well-known about Yard & Coop is that they only use halal chicken, which is another reason to visit their Edge Street spot to enjoy your fill of indulgent junk food. They’ve even swapped the obligatory pulled pork for pulled chicken.