Halal restaurants serve food prepared according to Islamic dietary law. Halal means “permitted”: it rules out pork and alcohol, and requires that meat comes from animals slaughtered in the prescribed way (zabiha), with the name of God pronounced. For Muslim travellers and expatriates, finding a trustworthy halal table is often the first task in a new city, and this directory is here to make it simple.

Certified or self-declared?

Not every “halal” sign carries the same weight. Some restaurants hold a certificate from a recognised halal authority, which audits their suppliers and kitchen; others are self-declared, relying on the owner’s word. Both can be perfectly reliable, but they are not the same, so it pays to check. Where a listing shows a certifying body, you can eat with extra confidence.

What to check before you order

Look for a visible halal certificate and note which authority issued it.
Ask whether the meat is zabiha and where it is sourced.
Check whether alcohol is served or used in cooking, many Muslims prefer venues that serve none.
For fully meat-free needs, vegetarian and seafood dishes are naturally safe options.

Eat well wherever you travel

Meals shape the rhythm of a trip, and never more so than during Ramadan, when iftar gatherings bring communities together, our guide to Ramadan and fasting (Sawm) explains the fast and its timings. Browse the Halal restaurants listed below, filter by city, and read the details each venue provides so you can choose with confidence, whether you want a quick bite near the mosque or a family feast.