The UK is a pretty diverse place, and with that comes a range of different cultures and ways of living. Nowadays the population of people who choose exclusively to eat halal meat is much higher and more and more restaurants are catching on to this and acting accordingly. According to a census done in 2011 over 20% of the population in Birmingham are Muslim meaning a large majority of those are likely to eat halal meat only.
With those big statistics it makes sense that mainstream restaurants would want to cater to everyone’s dietary requirements which is why you’ll find so many fantastic halal restaurants in Birmingham nowadays. From trendy Indian eateries to well-known steak houses Birmingham has halal food in a range of cuisines. It can sometimes be tricky to decipher which ones are halal however so we have put together this handy little list to refer to next time you want to go for a meal out in Birmingham.
Why: With stunning views of Birmingham and an al-fresco dining area for those rare sunny British days, try Chaophraya’s Thai cuisine with a modern twist after exploring the Bullring. Go for the barbecue chicken skewers, panang curry with your choice of meat, or the classic Pad Thai. All housed in a modern and luxurious two storey restaurant that works perfectly for a casual lunch as well as a special dinner, this is a crowd-pleasing spot.
Where: 6 Spiceal Street, Bullring, B5 4BW
Why: For a long time it was rare that mainstream steak houses offered up halal steaks. Thankfully now it is a much more common occurrence all over the UK. At Gaucho Birmingham you can request halal meat up to 48 hours in advance. So if you are organised enough to call in advance, you can enjoy all the best cuts of steak, burgers and a selection of sides including chips (of course), creamed mash potato and mac and cheese.
Where: 55 Colmore Row, B3 2AA
Similar to Gaucho, this well-known steakhouse asks for 48 hours’ notice before visiting here to enjoy your halal steak, although guest at the restaurant have stated that they often have it on hand too in case you forget. So if you feel like trying your luck, or call up in advance, try all its prime cuts of meat from fillet to grilled Delmonico steak. To accompany your meat try its sides of triple cooked chips, grilled woodland mushrooms or crispy onion rings. With views of the entire city through its window, Marco Pierre White Steakhouse really is a great place to feast on a halal steak.
Where: The Cube, 200 Wharfside Street, B1 1PR
Fazenda
Why: This restaurant has a whole separate menu for its halal-eating diners. Again, like a lot of places on the list, 48 hours’ notice is required so they can source the correct type of meat. Once you have made your booking and arrive to Fazenda however, the menu features the likes of Picanha cap of rump, cordeiro lamb and frango picante spicy chicken. This restaurant really is a meat fest. To balance out your dinner, head to the side bar where you can pick your salads, bread and cheeses.
Where: 207 Hagley Road, B16 9RE
Why: This may be a chain; however Comptoir Libanais serves up a taste of the Middle East with its extensive menu. You’ll find lamb kofta, aubergine tagine and the slightly more modern Lebanese lamb and halloumi burger with batata harra. As well as a great menu to choose from, the kitschy out-there interiors make for great Instagram opportunities.
Where: 68A E Mews, Birmingham B2 4XJ
Mowgli
Why: Inspired by the Indian way of eating from tiffin boxes, the founder of Mowgli went about setting up a restaurant that mimicked that method and so this restaurant was born. With a selection of exciting curries including butter chicken, Goan fish curry and bunny chow you can experience dishes from all over India as well as international dishes heavily influenced by the cuisine. All these dishes are served in metal tiffin boxes, so you’ll feel as if you’ve been transported to the busy lunch time rush of an Indian city.
Where: Unit 30, Stephenson Place, B2 4BF
Why: Named the biggest restaurant in Birmingham with the ability to seat 350 people, all located in the basement, this Indian restaurant is quite something to witness. With luxurious Indian décor that you would usually expect to find in a palace and an extensive halal menu you need to give Varanasi a try if just to witness the interiors. You’ll also find some gems on the menu too. Try the Desi style chicken lollipop, lamb Karahi and Nawabi chicken biryani.
Where: 184 Broad Street, B15 1DA
Why: With locations all over the world, Asha’s decided to have its flagship restaurant in Birmingham, which it calls ‘the UK’s spiritual home of Indian food’. Mixing together the simplicity of Indian street food with the opulence Marharaja’s are used to, you can find dishes like lamb saag, Jaipur chicken tikka and if you’re feeling particularly indulgent go for the president’s platter. You’ll also find also the Indian classics Brits have come to know and love including kormas, vindaloo and chicken tikka masala on this menu.
Where: 12-22 Newhall Street, B3 3LX
Why: Kitted out to look more like a restaurant that serves modern European food than Indian cuisine, Lasan serves up its modern take on one of the UKs favourite cuisines. Opt for the haleem mutton stew, guinea fowl korma and vegetable dum biryani and relax in this laid back and fun Indian restaurant.
Where: 3-4 Dakota Building, James Street, B3 1SD
Why: Using only the highest quality, seasonal ingredients, this modern and unique Indian restaurant is located just outside Birmingham, so you may have to travel a little to get to this one, but it will be worth it. The menu at Umami Indian Kitchen is extensive, with dishes like the mature cheddar seekh kebab, british railway lamb curry and of course a chicken tikka lababdar. You can enjoy exciting new takes on dishes as well as all the old classics. Everything on the menu is of course halal and they have lots of veggie options to, so everyone can enjoy this restaurant no matter what their dietary restrictions.
Where: 25 Lordswood Road, Harbone, B17 9RP
Visiting Birmingham anytime soon? Check out our list for the best restaurants in Brum