Ten of the best halal restaurants and cafés to visit in Canberra
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Looking for places to eat that serve halal food? This list is for you.
First of all, let’s start with what halal means when it comes to food.
Halal is an Arabic word meaning ‘lawful’ or ‘permitted’ and is a dietary standard outlined in the Quran (the Muslim scripture). Wondering what the difference is between ‘regular’ and halal meat? Halal meat adheres to Islamic law, which involves the slaughtering of animals with a sharp knife to cut through the windpipe and blood vessels in one go. To be considered halal, the animals must be alive and healthy at the time of slaughter, and all blood must be drained from the body.
While Canberra is a small city, and it sometimes feels hard to find halal options, we’ve got you covered with where to find halal cafés and restaurants satisfy your cravings.
From hot newcomers to time-honoured businesses, all of these businesses are local and offer plenty of flavour, variety and value for money.
Bubba’s BBQ (Mitchell)
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Canberra’s first halal charcoal box truck is here. Launched by two best friends to serve flavourful, street-food inspired dishes located in Mitchell, Bubba’s BBQ offers something a little bit different.
Hungry late at night? Bubba’s BBQ is open from 4 pm to 1 am, satisfying your cravings from Thursday to Sunday. Make sure to try the Nashville-style fries, chicken burger, skewers and BBQ snacks – they have everything covered. The setup and vibe are casual, vibrant and social, focused on great flavours rather than formal dining.
2 Callan Street, Mitchell | @bubbasbbqcbr
Zaiqah (Dickson)
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Craving Pakistani cuisine? The newly opened Zaiqah in the inner north of Canberra has quickly become very popular, focusing on authentic Pakistani food. The spice profiles are bold, aromatic and layered – exactly what Pakistani food is famous for.
There is a quiet sense of peace in enjoying Chapli kebab flattened spiced patties (which are crispy on the outside, and juicy on the inside) with freshly baked garlic bread and a side of lassi. And what better way to end your day than finishing off with their traditional Gajar ka Halwa (carrot pudding cooked slowly with milk, sugar, and cardamom)? It’s warming and aromatic with a soft, melt-in-the-mouth texture.
This restaurant is open 5 pm – 10 pm throughout the week.
21 Challis Street, Dickson | zaiqah.com.au
Royal Bait Al Mandi
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Thinking of hosting a family/office dinner or an event? You can never go wrong with Mandi, a traditional Yemeni dish which is a fragrant, aromatic rice served with slow-cooked meats.
Royal Bait Al Mandi is a standout if you’re after authentic Arabian Mandi in Canberra. It is a great place for casual dinners, group meals or trying something different from typical takeaway, thanks to its great portions. If looking for a lighter option, the crispy fish fillet on seasoned rice is a great choice
Shop 2/1 Woolley Street, Dickson | @royal_bait_al_mandi
Moowingsteak (Braddon)
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We all know great value and great steak are two different things, but at Moowingsteak it’s the opposite. Here it’s all about where premium meets affordable, all found on a food truck. Yes, you read that right.
There’s no fancy dining here, you can enjoy your takeaway on the side outdoor tables or simply enjoy your meal while strolling. Located at the heart of Canberra, it’s perfect for a quick bite after work, simply enjoying around Braddon’s energy or even for a laid-back lunch break.
26 Elouera Street, Braddon | moowingsteakbraddon.com.au
Bamiyan (Braddon)
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Bamiyan takes its name from the historic city of Bamiyan in Afghanistan. Just as the city of Bamiyan was a meeting place of cultures, this restaurant aims to be a gathering place in Braddon where people can come together to share traditional Afghan food, warm hospitability and a sense of community.
This restaurant has a warm and inviting environment, offering a blend of modern dining comfort and cultural touches. Their signature dishes include Kabuli Palau, Ashak, Mantu, and grills on skewers, with many more options for vegetarians too. Gluten-friendly options are also available, making it suitable for a range of tastes and dietary needs.
62/10 Lonsdale Street, Braddon | bamiyanrestaurant.com.au
Makanan Dumpling House (City)
And how can we forget about Malaysian food, especially when it comes to dumplings and noodles? Mankanan Dumpling House is a casual restaurant influenced by Malaysian dumplings and Asian cuisine. The restaurant focuses more on good food and efficiency rather than fine dining.
As the name indicates, dumplings are definitely their most popular item on the menu, followed by their OG Laksa. You will find generous portions at a reasonable price and in terms of taste, think bold and flavourful spices. Makanan is open from 11 am until 9.30 pm.
35 Childers Street, Acton | makanandoumplinghouse.lifeintouch.net
Café Cultura (City)
Café Cultura is a perfect stop for a quick bite when shopping in the heart of Civic. Perfect for a relaxing pause, with outdoor seating under a shaded umbrella, they offer a fresh and satisfying Turkish feast, reflecting the café’s cultural roots and community-focused spirit.
Think flavourful options like manti (Turkish dumpling), sujuk and egg rolls, fresh salads, gozleme, as well as hearty breakfast plates and classic favourites such as smashed avo and burgers. The café is open every day from 7 am to 4:30 pm.
87/105 Petrie Plaza, City | @cafeculturacanberra
Star Kebab House (Gungahlin)
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For those who love big portion snack packs, Star Kebab House has got you covered. This casual Turkish/Middle Eastern restaurant and takeaway is known for its flavourful meals, serving the popular Turkish-style kebab. Expect rich, well-seasoned grilled meat, served with fresh salad, rice and sauces.
For vegetarians who still want a hearty, flavourful meal, the mixed veggie pide is very filling. The dough is very soft yet crisp at the top and is filled with assorted colourful veggies like capsicum, mushroom, zucchini, eggplant, and tomatoes, topped with cheese. Trading hours are 10 am – 9 pm all week long.
9/33 Hibberson Street, Gungahlin | ozfoodhunter.com.au
Saffron Room (Gungahlin)
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In the northern district of Canberra, you can find this warm, ric,h and cosy restaurant, inspired by Iranian heritage.
Here they have a Persian-influenced menu that aims to showcase classic flavours with a mix of grilled, stewed and traditional dishes. You can never go wrong with a Persian Kabab (minced lamb/veal) skewers with fragrant grilled onion, often served with saffron-flavoured basmati rice and grilled tomatoes.
The Torshi Kebab (tender lamb chops) marinated with pomegranate, molasses and walnut, and served with saffron rice, is also a good choice.
57A Nellie Hamilton Avenue, Gungahlin | saffronroom.com.au
Uyghur Cuisine (Belconnen)
A casual halal restaurant specialising in Uyghur/Chinese Central Asian food, the cuisine here blends bold spices with hearty proteins and hand-pulled noodles. They have a long menu with lots to choose from for both meat lovers and vegetarians.
The heart of their menu would be their freshly handmade noodles, which are a bit chewy, adding a great texture and authentic feel to the dish. It’s open seven days a week from 11.30 pm to 9.30 pm.
Shop 4/114 Emu Bank, Belconnen | uyghur-cuisine.tuckerfox.com.au
