Borough Market offers multiple halal food options, including Arabica To Go, JUMA Kitchen, and Tas Restaurant Borough. Located near London Bridge, this historic market features a mix of permanent stalls and rotating vendors, with several explicitly serving halal-certified dishes. The area attracts a diverse crowd, including Muslim visitors, due to its proximity to central London and the availability of halal dining. While not all vendors are halal-certified, many clearly label their halal offerings, making it easier for Muslim patrons to identify suitable options.
Halal Restaurants in Borough Market, London
What Are Halal Restaurants in Borough Market?
Halal establishments in Borough Market include Mei Mei London, JUMA Kitchen, Horn Ok Please, Arabica To Go, Roast Restaurant, Casa do Frango London Bridge, Brother Marcus Borough, Tas Restaurant Borough, Coco Grill & Lounge, Comptoir Libanais, Tas Pide, Cafe Nawaz, Shrigley’s Moroccan Cuisine, Tower Tandoori Restaurant, and Tower Mangal Turkish Restaurants.
1. Mei Mei London
Mei Mei London is a Singaporean stall that transports visitors to the vibrant hawker centres of Singapore. With its authentic dishes and lively atmosphere, Mei Mei London provides an immersive experience that complements the energetic ambience of Borough Market.
2. Arabica To Go
Arabica To Go is a must-visit spot for those craving Middle Eastern flavours. Famous for its halal chicken shawarma, sliced to order, this eatery brings the essence of Middle Eastern street food to the market. The aroma of spices and the sizzle of grilled meats entice passersby, making it a popular choice among halal food enthusiasts.
3. Horn Ok Please
Horn Ok Please is an Indian vegetarian stall that offers a range of halal options. Its dishes have aromatic spices and vibrant colours, and the halal certification ensures that the food adheres to Islamic dietary guidelines.
4. Roast Restaurant
Roast Restaurant offers British cuisine, with halal options available upon request. This restaurant’s commitment to accommodating diverse dietary needs reflects Borough Market’s inclusive spirit.
5. Other Notable Halal Eateries
Other notable halal eateries in the market include Casa do Frango London Bridge, known for its Portuguese specialities; Brother Marcus Borough, serving Greek delicacies; and Tas Restaurant Borough, offering authentic Turkish cuisine. Coco Grill & Lounge, Comptoir Libanais, Tas Pide, Cafe Nawaz, Shrigley’s Moroccan Cuisine, Tower Tandoori Restaurant, and Tower Mangal Turkish Restaurants also contribute to the halal dining options available at Borough Market.
How Accessible Is Halal Food in Borough Market?
Halal food is highly accessible in Borough Market, with multiple dedicated stalls and restaurants. The market operates from 10 AM to 5 PM most days, ensuring visitors have ample time to explore halal options. Key vendors like JUMA Kitchen (Kubba Iraqi cuisine) and Arabica BOROUGH MARKET prominently display halal certifications or confirm halal status on their menus. The market’s central location near public transport, including London Bridge Station, makes it convenient for both locals and tourists.
Which Borough Market Vendors Serve Halal Food?
Arabica BOROUGH MARKET, JUMA Kitchen, and Shrigley’s Moroccan Cuisine are among the halal-certified vendors. Arabica specializes in Middle Eastern small plates, including halal chicken shawarma, while JUMA Kitchen offers Iraqi dishes like kubba and grilled meats. Shrigley’s serves Moroccan breakfast and lunch options, all halal. Tas Restaurant Borough, though primarily Turkish, also provides halal meat upon request. These vendors are clustered within the market, allowing visitors to easily navigate between them.
How Can Visitors Identify Halal Vendors?
Visitors should look for clear halal certification displays at vendor stalls and can directly ask vendors about their certification status. Some vendors may use halal meat without explicitly advertising it, so it’s worth inquiring. Documentation from recognized halal certification bodies should be visible at certified vendors’ locations.
Are There Halal-Certified Options Beyond Middle Eastern Cuisine?
Yes, Borough Market includes halal options in non-Middle Eastern cuisines, such as Mei Mei’s Singaporean dishes. While Middle Eastern vendors dominate the halal offerings, Mei Mei serves halal-certified Hainanese chicken rice and kaya toast. Parrilla Argentinian Grill, though not fully halal, accommodates halal requests for specific dishes. This variety ensures Muslim visitors can enjoy diverse flavors without compromising dietary requirements.
How Do Vendors Verify Their Halal Status?
Most halal vendors in Borough Market display certifications or confirm sourcing from halal suppliers. For example, JUMA Kitchen and Arabica BOROUGH MARKET explicitly state their halal compliance on their websites and menus. Shrigley’s Moroccan Cuisine highlights halal preparation methods in customer reviews. Visitors unsure about a vendor’s halal status can inquire directly, as staff are typically knowledgeable about their ingredients.
What Are the Price Ranges for Halal Food in Borough Market?
Halal meals in Borough Market range from budget-friendly (£5–10) to mid-tier (£15–30). Street food stalls like JUMA Kitchen and Arabica To Go offer dishes under £10, while sit-down restaurants like Tas Restaurant Borough average £20–30 per person. The market caters to different budgets, making halal dining accessible for solo travelers and families alike.
Is Borough Market a Muslim-Friendly Dining Destination?
Borough Market is Muslim-friendly, with clear halal labeling and prayer spaces nearby. While the market itself does not have prayer facilities, the nearby East London Mosque and Islamic Cultural Centre are within a 15-minute commute. The market’s diverse and inclusive atmosphere, combined with verified halal options, makes it a reliable choice for Muslim visitors.
When Is the Best Time to Visit for Halal Food?
Weekday lunches (12 PM–3 PM) are ideal for avoiding crowds while accessing full halal menus. Some vendors, like Shrigley’s Moroccan Cuisine, open as early as 8 AM, offering halal breakfast options. Weekends see higher foot traffic, but all halal-certified stalls remain operational during standard market hours.
Do Any Halal Vendors Offer Takeaway or Delivery?
Several halal vendors, including Fresh Halal Food – Elephant & Castle, provide takeaway and no-contact delivery. While most Borough Market stalls prioritize dine-in, some collaborate with delivery platforms like Deliveroo. Visitors preferring takeaway can check individual vendor policies or order directly from their websites.
Are There Vegetarian or Vegan Halal Options?
Yes, Horn OK Please and other vendors serve vegetarian halal dishes like moong dal dosa. Horn OK Please specializes in South Indian vegetarian street food, all prepared in halal-compliant kitchens. This ensures Muslim visitors with dietary preferences beyond meat have ample choices.
How Does Borough Market Compare to Other London Halal Food Hubs?
Borough Market stands out for its historic setting and diverse halal offerings, though smaller than dedicated halal hubs like Whitechapel. Unlike Whitechapel’s concentrated halal scene, Borough Market blends halal options with gourmet and international vendors. Its central location and high-quality produce make it a unique destination for halal dining in London.
What Should Visitors Know About Halal Food Hygiene Here?
Halal vendors in Borough Market adhere to strict hygiene standards, with ratings visible on display. The market itself maintains high cleanliness levels, and halal stalls like JUMA Kitchen and Arabica consistently receive positive reviews for food safety. Visitors can check the UK Food Hygiene Rating Scheme plaques at each stall for verification.
Are There Seasonal or Limited-Time Halal Offerings?
Seasonal halal dishes appear during festivals, such as Ramadan or Eid pop-ups. Some vendors introduce special menus during holidays, like Arabica’s Ramadan platters. Visitors planning trips around religious events should check vendor social media pages for updates.
Can Large Groups or Families Dine Halal Here?
Yes, sit-down halal restaurants like Tas Restaurant Borough accommodate groups with reservations. While street food stalls are better for smaller groups, larger parties can book tables in advance at halal-friendly eateries. The market’s layout also allows families to sample multiple vendors in one visit.
Why Maintain a Strict Halal Diet At Borough Market?
Maintaining a strict halal diet at Borough Market is important for several reasons:
- Religious adherence and personal discipline
- Ethical considerations regarding animal slaughter
- Health benefits from halal preparation methods
- Maintaining cultural and community connections
These factors make it important for Muslim visitors to verify the halal status of their food choices at the market.
What Resources Are Available For Finding Halal Options?
Visitors looking to find halal food in the UK can utilize several resources to locate halal options:
- Borough Market’s official website and social media
- Halal restaurant apps like Zabihah.com and HalalTrip
- Local Muslim community recommendations
- Direct inquiry with vendors
- Market information services