It’s no secret that the UK has a proud Muslim community that is often seeking dining experiences that offer halal-friendly meat. Halal butchering can also follow the same process as Kosher, so those with Kosher restrictions may benefit from this list.
Halal industry statistics tell us that while Muslims make up 3% of the UK population, they consume 20% of the lamb sold country-wide, showing an evident demand for halal meat that many restaurants have noted.
Big cities like London have restaurants that are fully committed to the provisions of halal food of high quality, and cities like Glasgow are following in their footsteps. Takeaways and fast-food chains aren’t the only places to pick up a halal grub. There are many sit down casual dining restaurants in addition to fancier fine dining that rival London halal restaurants in all the right ways!.
The Best Halal Restaurants In Glasgow
Doner Haus
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The Berlin-style kebab of Doner Haushas proven to be a popular addition to the culturally diverse offerings of Glasgow. Although not all of their items are halal, they can assure that their most sought after items – like the shwarmas and doners – are halal-friendly. Accompany it with one of their famous chocolate shakes and you’ll have yourself the perfect meal.
Thaikhun
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Thaikhun is a fascinating little spot on the Southside of Glasgow. It’s intended to look like the casual, rustic restaurants of Bangkok. Thaikhun will have you feeling like you were transported right to the city of Thailand’s capital, with food mimicking the exact serving style and providing the big bold punchy flavours.
Thaikhun does serve pork, so not everything on the menu will be halal friendly. You can check with your waiter which chicken and veg dishes are available, and they’ll be happy to assist you. Their chicken satay is served on a mini grill, paired with one of their many alcohol-free refreshers. Their Thai iced tea served with condensed milk and whipped cream is sure to take your tastebuds on a South-East Asian flavour excursion.
Bar Soba
If you’re looking for something a bit more sophisticated, Bar Soba is a pan-Asian themed restaurant in Merchant City. Their decor is chic and trendy, decorated with murals by local artists and neon pink lights. You’ll definitely want to snap a pic of their beautifully presented meals, like the teriyaki chicken noodle bowl, or one of their share plates with a variety of delectable treats like prawn dumplings or Korean popcorn chicken.
Best Halal Steakhouse In Glasgow
The Steakhouse Lounge and Grill
A halal steakhouse that specializes in dry-aged and matured steak, cooked to perfection on the grill and served up generously on the bone can be tricky to find. The Steakhouse Lounge and Grill has been mentioned on Tripadvisor to be the best halal steakhouse in Glasgow – boasting an impressive 5-star rating, and it’s easy to see why. This place really is all about the meat, accompanied by the classic sides like steak cut chips and a simple green salad – so that you can tuck into your juicy steak without any distractions.
Best Halal Restaurants In Glasgow City Centre
Chakoo Bombay Cafe
Chakoo Bombay Cafe has taken the energy of the cafes you might find in Bombay. They’ve put their sophisticated spin on the theme, and as a result have created a magical, classy yet casual atmosphere that caters to refined renditions of classic Indian street food.
The Irani kebabs are a must-try, like the spiced honey lamb chops or the chargrilled chicken tikka. Served with a side of simply delicious Bombay spiced potatoes, fragrant lemon rice and garlic naan. End it with Kheer rice pudding flavoured with cardamom and vanilla, and your tastebuds will be singing.
Bread Meats Bread
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Bread Meats Bread has taken the humble smash burger to the next level. Their award-winning burgers have ditched the boring diner-style menu and gone for something a little more creative and enticing. They have classic American favourites like “tater tots” but with added truffle flavour. Or the halal version of their signature burger is topped with pulled beef brisket, gochujang mayo and crispy onion.
They’ve taken all the diverse flavours of America and given them a place in Glasgow. You’ll find burgers with influence from Korea, Eastern Europe and Canada (their poutine is the best in Glasgow). Bread Meats Bread prides itself on its high-quality ingredients, creative flavours, low prices and generous portions.
Another innovative concept space from the same team behind Bread Meats Bread, Babs has taken over Glasgow city centre and has become the talk of the town with their take on “posh” kebabs. Everything you expect to find at a high-class middle eastern feast can be enjoyed in the warm and welcoming dining space of the restaurant. From mezze to kofte, shawarma to shish, you’ll be able to find a wide range of flavoursome share- foods.
The Absurd Bird
The Absurd Bird in Glasgow City has quickly become the go-to spot for a fried chicken hankering. Everything on their menu is halal-certified, so you can spend less time inquiring and more time tucking in. Except for the crispiest fried chicken, coated in their special blend of spices. If you’re looking for something new, try their peanut butter and maple coated chicken wings, t’s almost like the Canadian version of chicken satay, so not as “absurd” as it may sound!
Best Halal Dining Experience Overall
Horn Please
Horn Please is an Indian- fusion concept restaurant in the city centre that offers not only a creative menu filled with exciting foods you’re unlikely to find elsewhere, but it also has a stunning ambience that’ll make you feel like you’ve discovered a hidden gem.
The stairway leading to the space is unsuspecting and doesn’t give much away except the name of the restaurant, but once you enter the underground area, you’ll be pleasantly surprised by the light and bright space decorated with woven dining chairs and pops of colour. The food is said to “blow you away”, with modern dishes like chilli battered squid with fenugreek, roasted cauliflower and Mughlai korma sauce.
There’s no doubt that Glasgow halal restaurants are innovating fast and coming up with some impressive dining experiences, so don’t hesitate and get to tasting!
Sebastian is a former hedge fund trader who worked only to indulge his true passion – food.
He has dined at over 240 Michelin-starred restaurants around the world, savoring culinary masterpieces and understanding the stories behind them. He now advises restaurants on menu design, decor and holistic diner experience.