One of the common challenges faced by Muslim travellers is to find halal food. Many of us have planned and experienced cooking our own food while we are abroad. Perhaps, we just miss the taste of food from home, and we can also save some money if we cook ourselves! If you are travelling to London soon, don’t fret as there are several halal supermarkets in London that sell halal meat for you to whip up your own meals while travelling!
Credit: Giphy
There are plenty of supermarkets and grocery stores all around London, in the vicinity of every metro station. There are also a variety of unique Muslim-friendly snacks and souvenirs that you can bring back home! Not all of them sell halal products and meat, and if you want to be more certain, an alternative to head to the supermarkets that are located in the Muslim-majority neighbourhoods, especially if you are planning to cook your own meals (We will be talking more about this later, so do read on!). Here are some useful tips to help you out!
P.S. Can’t wait to start planning for your trip? Check out our 7D6N London itinerary to find out how to have an amazing time for under £30/day!
1. Major supermarket retailers – Tesco, Sainsbury’s, Asda etc
The main supermarket chains found in London are namely Tesco, Sainsbury’s, Marks & Spencer, Waitrose, Asda, Co-op and Morrisons. In the UK (and some Western countries), some of the supermarkets do not clearly label their meat products (if they are halal or kosher) due to their policies, so we advise you to consult the staff if you are uncertain.
Credit: Haloodies on Facebook
Supermarkets like Tesco and Asda will clearly label their meat if it is Halal to ensure that their customers can make informed choices. You can look out for brands such as Haji Baba, Tahira, Najma, Thahima, Tahira and Haloodies. Haloodies has also introduced a fresh range of halal meat with Harrods, located in London’s upmarket area, Knightsbridge. Other than that, Marks & Spencer has recently launched a range of own-label halal products. This is all a far cry from those days when Muslim locals and travellers had to source for halal meat only in butcher shops.
Credit: Haloodies on Facebook
Today, there are also online shopping services launched by major supermarket retailers including Tesco and Asda, and even halal butcher shops that deliver your selection of halal meat to your doorstep. This will be especially convenient for Muslim travellers who stay in AirBnBs during their vacation!
[P.S. Check out affordable accommodations near amazing halal food here!]
2. Halal neighbourhood butcher shops
Another way to source for halal products is to head to neighbourhood butcher shops and supermarkets located in areas such as Bayswater, Queensway, Edgware Road, Earls Court, Whitechapel Road, Aldgate East and Hammersmith.
A lot of such grocery shops are like a melting pot of cultures – you’ll find a selection of halal products and spices which include those imported from Asian, South African and Middle Eastern countries. Here, the things that you buy are mostly halal-certified and you can cook your own meals with ease and peace of mind! Here are some halal supermarkets you can head to:
Bayswater
Tesco Express
Opening hours: Mon-Thur; 7AM-11PM, Fri-Sat: 24 hours, Sun; 12AM-11PM
Address:62-64 Queensway, Bayswater, London W2 3RL, United Kingdom
Contact:+44 345 026 9296
Al-Ikhlas Supermarket
Address: 42 Queensway, Bayswater, London W2 3RS, United Kingdom
Opening hours: Mon-Fri; 8AM-11.45PM, 12AM-3AM, Sat; 8AM-3PM, Sun; 8AM-11.45PM
Contact:+44 20 3489 9876
Whitechapel
KNB Halal Butcher and Grocers
Address: 76-78 Cambridge Heath Road London E1 5QJ
Contact: +44 20 7790 3518
Watney Market
Opening hours: Open daily; 8.30AM-6PM
Address: 22 Watney Market, Whitechapel
Taj Stores
Address: 112 Brick Lane London E1 6RL
Opening hours: Open daily; 9AM-9PM
Contact:+44 20 7377 0061
Edgware Road
Tesco Metro
Opening hours: Mon-Fri 7AM-10PM Sat 7AM-9PM Sun 11AM-5PM
Address: 94 Church St, St John's Wood, London NW8 8EX, United Kingdom
Contact:+44 345 677 9534
Zam Zam Supermarket
Opening hours: Open daily; 8AM-12AM
Address: Edgware Rd, London W2 1EA, United Kingdom
Al Jannat
Opening hours: Open daily; 8AM-11PM
Address: 405 Edgware Rd, Paddington, London W2 1BT, United Kingdom
Contact:+44 20 7724 8693
P.S. Shopping in London? Make sure you check out these 15 brands that are cheaper in London than back home!
3. Halal products that you can buy in major supermarkets
1. Chargrilled Chicken Mini Fillets by Haloodies
Haloodies has cemented itself as UK’s pioneer halal brand to be introduced in almost all big supermarket chains, and it’s not difficult to see why.
Credit: Haloodies on Facebook
The high-quality meat products are packed in nice packaging – that's definitely a bonus! One of the products that they offer is char-grilled chicken mini fillets which can be used in sandwiches, stir-fried rice or noodles, or eaten as it is with some vegetables at the side for your dinner!
Where to find: Available in all major supermarket retailers
2. Cold Cut Turkey Rashers by Najma Foods
Najma is another well-known UK brand that has made it to supermarkets nationwide, offering delicatessen meats including turkey rashes, sliced turkey, salami and chicken ham. These are great to be made with wraps, subs and sandwiches, with vegetables and cheese. They can also be used in pastas.
Where to find: Tesco, Sainsbury’s, Co-op, Asda, Morrisons
3. Snacks: Cartwright & Butler Assorted Biscuits Box
Credit: Jk's Deli on Facebook
This luxury biscuit brand was founded in Yorkshire in 1981, and has prepared quality biscuits and baked goodies. Their classy and beautiful packaging makes them perfect for gifts to bring back home from London! Some of the products are suitable for ovo-lacto vegetarians (consume eggs and dairy) and are Muslim-friendly, so just take a look at the packaging before you purchase them.
Where to find: Selfridges and Harrods
4. Jacob’s Twiglets
Credit: Tesco
Twiglets are the quintessential British party snack. These baked sticks of whole wheat are rich in vitamin B and celery seed! The best part is they are a little healthier than your typical chips and crisps when you want to reach out for a snack. The original flavour, and Worcester Sauce flavour are halal and also suitable for vegetarians.
Where to find: Available in all major supermarket retailers
5. PG Tips Tea
When you travel to London, it is almost impossible to sample one of their teas! PG Tips is one of the best known and most popular brands of tea in the UK for over 75 years. PG Tips offers a wide selection of products that comes in loose leaves or tea bags, and they even come in special gift sets to bring back home. For those who enjoy drinking tea at night, try their decaffeinated tea blends.
#HHWT Tip:Check out this article for more Muslim-friendly snacks from London that make perfect souvenirs!
4. Halal Apps
Thanks to modern technology, many of us are fortunate enough to have access to important information while on the go, including apps to find halal food and mosques. Loading some apps on your phone can ease your affairs, especially when you want to shop in the supermarkets!
Scan Halal
Credit: Apple
This app scans the barcodes on food items to check the halal status, and it does so by comparing them to its database. With such convenience on your smartphones, there is no need to squint through the ingredients list to meet a Muslim traveller’s dietary requirement.
The Scan Halal app is available on iOS and Android.
P.S. You should also check out 9 Mobile Apps Every Muslim Needs To Download Now to help you while travelling!
We hope this article has given you some insights on where and how to get halal products and meat from London if you want to cook or buy some Muslim-friendly souvenirs to bring back home. There’s also a lot to see and do in London, so be sure to check out our London travel guides for more ideas!