Ramadan begins as the sun goes down tonight, and runs until April 21, meaning that Muslims across Greater Manchester and across the globe will be observing their sawm - abstention from eating and drinking - during daylight hours.
Suhur, the pre-dawn meal, is then followed by Iftar, the breaking of the fast as the sun goes down, and while many do this at home with family, the city’s restaurants tend to fill up too.
Of course, hundreds of restaurants serve halal food, with the choices not limited to Indian, Pakistani or Bangladeshi cuisines, not to mention the myriad other nationalities serving our Muslim communities spectacular food from the Curry Mile to Cheetham Hill.
Read more: The best restaurants in Manchester to break your fast
Here are some recommendations from right across the board…
Zouk Tea Bar & Grill
With an entirely halal menu, go nuts at Zouk with its karahis, handis and biryanis, or go for a steak from the grill, from a dry-aged, marbled ribeye to a lamb fillet. There are sturdy burgers too, sharing barbecue platters and on Sunday, roasts, the crown jewel being its whole stuffed lamb, served in traditional Baluchi style. It serves 20, though you can get a more modest whole leg of lamb or chicken for smaller groups, obviously.
5, The Quadrangle, Chester St, Manchester M1 5QS
Bird of Prey
One of the city’s very best chicken joints, Bird of Prey knocks up stunningly good wings, slathered in sticky sauces, from your classic, vinegary buffalo, served with classic blue cheese ranch, to ‘insanity’, which is as hot as it implies. If that’s too messy, pick up a sandwich (also messy, tbf), such as their signature with turkey bacon, white Alabama BBQ sauce, pink pickled onions, American cheese and pickles.
49a Charles St, Manchester M1 7DF
Dishoom
One of the very finest Indian restaurants in the city, there are few more opulent surroundings than Dishoom. Explore a stunning menu to the backdrop of Manchester’s old masonic hall, taking in their famous sharing nihari, or something charred and majestic from the grill. Finish with their melt-in-the-middle chocolate pudding and a scoop of Kashmiri chilli ice cream.
32 Bridge St, Manchester M3 3BT
Baity
This smart little Palestinian place in Didsbury Village is an absolute gem, offering quietly excellent small plates, from hummus shawarma to whipped aubergine mutabal with khubuz bread, to braised lamb and chicken stews. Their Jericho lamb roasts require 48 hours notice, but for that you will be provided a feast.
743 Wilmslow Rd, Didsbury, Manchester M20 6RN
This and That
Tucked down a side street in the Northern Quarter, this true institution of the Manchester food scene, running since the 80s, is as humble as can be. Grab a bench at this egalitarian, subterranean cafe and choose from a range of daily changing curries and a soft, pillowy naan, while enjoying some of the very best value in town.
3 Soap St, Manchester M4 1EW
Burgerism
Among the very best burgers in town, Burgerism is also 100% halal, so you can get fully stuck into their smashed patties and fried chicken sandwiches, both layered up with turkey bacon, should you so desire. The wings are also well worth investigating.
18 W Ashton St, Salford M50 2XS or 7 Stonepail Rd, Gatley, Cheadle SK8 4EZ
Gaijin Dumpling House
If you fancy dumplings, Gaijin in Levenshulme has got you, with a whole menu loaded with halal delights. Start with the typhoon shelter squid, then head straight for the ‘lamb on crack’ - fries loaded with spicy lamb - or the fried chicken bao buns.
948 Stockport Rd, Manchester M19 3NN
German Doner Kebab
Judging by their recent expansion, there will be a German Doner Kebab on every street corner in no time at all. Not necessarily a bad thing either, as these vibrant ‘babs, served on freshly toasted, handmade breads, are packed full of 100% halal ingredients, from their chicken and beef doners to the Berlin strasse wraps.
14 Oxford Rd, Manchester M1 5QA or 311-313 Wilmslow Rd, Fallowfield, M14 6NW
Archie’s
Born in Manchester, this homegrown institution of late night patties and complicated milkshakes boasts a 100% halal menu, from its stacked burgers to its loaded waffles to its b breakfast buns.
Evelyn's
Home to some of the best breakfast and brunch dishes in Manchester, Evelyn's on Tib Street in Manchester's Northern Quarter is a great spot to treat yourself. All of their meat is halal and you can expect strong Asian and Middle Eastern influences across the menu. Brunch dishes include staples such as avocado on toast, za'atar mushrooms and shakshuka, alongside Evelyn's classics like the fish and chips and cheeseburger.
Evelyn’s, 44 Tib St, M4 1NB.
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