The best halal restaurants in East London

East London halal restaurant Preem is one of the best curry houses on London's famed Curry Mile. They've been around since the early 2000s, serving a wide and varied assortment of authentic Indian dishes, ranging from classic curries and biryanis to their signature baltis. With white-washed walls and bold blue tiling, the restaurant offers a welcoming setting for casual and more formal meals alike, and the late opening hours make it a good choice for a midnight snack too.

Aba-Ra! is a modern restaurant on Brick Lane serving classic Georgian cuisine, such as freshly baked khachapuri – Georgia's famously cheesy bread – alongside a short, carefully chosen menu where most dishes are halal. There are exposed brick walls, playful chalk art, and shelves lined with Georgian wine, as well as friendly staff and a laid-back vibe.

Tayyabs is a traditional Whitechapel institution serving authentic South Asian dishes in a pared-down setting, including a range of halal options. Follow the famous neon blue sign and you'll find a buzzing crowd tucking into traditional dishes like pakora, samosas, saag paneer, rich curries and pillowy naan. Bring your own booze makes it more affordable and means there's more money to spend on food. 

Tottenham's Chuku's is a slick, small Nigerian tapas restaurant that's all about sharing plates. The space is inspired by the sociable vibes of Nigerian dining, and the menu features modern takes on West African classics, with halal options available. Tuck into dishes like yam dumplings, suya meatballs and jollof quinoa, or swing by for an easy weekend brunch.

Dishoom is a Bombay-inspired café serving up fresh Indian food from morning to night. In the mornings, they sling naan rolls at breakfast filled with bacon or egg, as well as sharing small plates like gunpowder potatoes and black daal during the daytime and evening. The buzzing vibe and vintage Irani-style decor give the place a cool ambience. Their all-day menu is halal, with lamb, chicken, and turkey sourced from certified suppliers, and the animals are humanely stunned before slaughter.

Gökyüzü has several branches across London, including Walthamstow in East London, where they serve generous halal-friendly dishes. Tuck into a pide with your choice of fillings or order delicious grilled dishes to share. The lighthearted and casual vibe, along with the broad range of dishes on the traditional menu, make this a popular destination for groups and those celebrating a special occasion.

For coffee that's just been roasted and a halal brunch made with organic ingredients, Grounded is the place to go. The coffee is roasted nearby each day, the bread and eggs are organic, and all of the food is freshly prepared on-site. Throughout the day, you can enjoy a variety of cooked breakfast options, including omelettes, pancakes, toast, porridge, and granola. In the evening, try the halal burgers, grilled meat, and fresh salads.

Panda's Kitchen in East London is your go-to for authentic, halal Chinese comfort food. This Forest Gate favourite nails classic Chinese fare with dishes like crispy beef, sweet 'n' sour chicken, and meaty noodles. It's a chilled local spot, perfect for a casual bite to eat or a weekend treat with friends.

Asado Steakhouse is all about Argentinian food and aims to bring a true taste of Argentina to East London. You'll find classic dishes like empanadas, premium halal cuts of steak, burgers, chicken, and seafood recipes on the menu, which is entirely halal. The space is contemporary and comfy, with atmospheric hanging lights and plush leather banquettes.

Tuck into classic halal-friendly Thai and Lao dishes at Thaispice on Hackney Road. The vibe here is as tropical as it gets, with a covered terrace and private dining for special occasions. Expect all the classics like chicken satay, spicy soups, curries, stir-fried noodles, and Asian burgers. They've got kids' meals and non-alcoholic drinks on the menu, too.

 Halal Restaurant is East London's oldest Indian spot, serving 100% halal food. This laid-back, BYOB joint serves all the classics you'd expect, from crispy samosas and bhajis to fragrant fish curry, chicken biryani and rich saag paneer, all entirely halal, but you probably guessed that from the name.