Break your fast this Ramadan with London's top 7 iftar hotspots
Break your fast this Ramadan with London's top 7 iftar hotspots
Ramadan series: It's been a long day of fasting and you are ready to feast. Food blogger Noorie shares some ideas on where to break your fast tonight.
6 min read
A huge part of Ramadan is iftar where Muslims break fasts usually with dates [Getty]
Ramadan has arrived. This is one of the most blessed months in the Muslim calendar, but it can become very difficult to refrain from food when you're a devoted brunch fan like myself.
This month from dawn to dusk, I will not be able to devour all my favourites, including delicious fluffy pancakes, mashed avocado on toast and a piping hot cup of coffee. But this is what Ramadan is all about – a month of sacrifices and a time of giving.
Refraining from food allows time for spiritual reflection, self-improvement and worship, so let this Ramadan be one where we count the blessings and not the minutes.
However, a huge and important part of Ramadan is iftar, where families and communities come together to break their fasts.
With this holy month falling during the summer, the fasts will be approximately 16-18 hours long and so iftar time is very late. Eating out may then become a challenge, especially finding a place that accommodates your fasting needs and the late hours.
But fret not, we have compiled the top seven places in London that are iftar friendly for you to have that perfect feast after you break your fast:
1. Boondocks, Old Street @ 205 City Rd, Hoxton, London EC1V 1JN
Boondocks is offering an all-American feast for £21 during the month of Ramadan and tickets are on sale via Eventbrite and their Facebook page.
The ticket comes with starters, one main dish, a side, a dessert and a drink. My personal favourite is their chicken and waffles – a perfect combination of sweet and savoury.
For Ramadan, there will be separate prayer rooms available at the venue for women and men. Be sure to book the tickets in advance and arrive by 8.30pm to ensure the order is placed in time.
2. The Great Chase, Islington @ 316 St John St, Clerkenwell, London EC1V 4NT
The Great Chase is a fully halal, completely alcohol free bar and restaurant that offers a fine-dining experience.
For Ramadan, they have an iftar set menu priced at £26 per person, which includes dates and bread, starters like crispy prawns, BBQ glazed chicken and spiced lamb shank or steak for mains, followed by a pudding. They will also have prayer facilities available.
Please note that their opening times are Wednesday - Sunday till 11pm.
3. Amigos Burgers & Shakes @ Acton Branch: 253 High St, London W3 9BY, Shepherd's Bush Branch: 120 Uxbridge Rd, White City, London W12 8AA, Gants Hill Branch: 400 Cranbrook Rd, Ilford IG2 6JD
For a cheap and cheerful iftar, Amigos is a good halal option. This place is more of a fast-food style, but their chicken burger is my all time favourite.
It can get busy during Ramadan – especially the Acton branch so make sure you go early enough to grab a table. It is convenient for iftar and suhoor as it closes as late as 12am on some days. The Acton branch is close to Acton Mosque for prayer.
Please note there are renovations happening in the Acton branch for the first 10 days of Ramadan.
4. Toros Steakhouse, Harrow @ 190 Station Rd, Harrow, Greater London HA1 2RH
Toros Steakhouse is owned by Muslims and offers famous sizzling steaks. It is open from 7pm to 11pm during Ramadan.
I love their chicken wings for starters, Toros special for mains and for drinks, their strawberry daiquiri is delicious.
There will be fruits available to open your fast as well as designated prayer areas for this month.
The Harrow branch is also very close to Harrow Central Mosque. It gets very busy during Ramadan so make sure you book and go early to place your order.
Please note they will be closed on June 16, 17 and 18.
5. Kish, Maida Vale @ 7-9 Kilburn High Rd, Maida Vale, London NW6 5SD
A Persian restaurant for a nice hearty iftar that is conveniently placed opposite the Islamic Centre of England for prayer.
Kish offers classic Persian grills and is open till 1am so a convenient spot for late night dining.
6. The Meat Co @ 1026, Westfield London, Ariel Way, Shepherd's Bush, London W12 7GA
The Meat Co is an international steakhouse and a perfect option for a fine-dining iftar experience.
For Ramadan the restaurant will be providing complimentary dates to those fasting. Make sure you book in advance and request the halal menu.
7. Talli Joe, Covent Garden @ 152-156 Shaftesbury Ave, London WC2H 8HL
Talli Joe is offering an iftar menu for £35 per person in their downstairs private area where there is no music or alcohol. There is also prayer space available. The best thing is that this menu comes with unlimited masala chai!
There are many options available this Ramadan in London and it is great to see so many restaurants cater for the halal scene.
So, for the days you're feeling too lazy to fry the samosas, there's always a place to best cater your iftar needs.
Nuranisa Mohamed Ali is a food blogger based in London offering short reviews in the form of yays and nays on her Instagram page: @noorie_foodie
The New Arab's Ramadan Series: Click on our Special Contents tab to read more on Ramadan 2018:
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