It’s the holy month of Ramadan, meaning Muslims across the city will be fasting, consuming no food or water until after the sun sets, for thirty days. Breaking the fast is traditionally done with dates, before Iftar (the main evening meal) is shared with friends and fam. Here are the best Iftar meals in London to eat during Ramadan.
Honey & Smoke
Iftar is back in person at Honey & Smoke for the first time since the pandemic and what a menu it is. After kicking off with orange blossom iced tea, dates and almonds, the feast includes mezze of hummus, labneh balls, falafel, aubergine rolls and pickles; sharing mains like lamb shish, garlic chicken shish, freekeh & pea tabouleh, and green tahini; and finishes with feta & honey cheesecake nests, date & pine nut cookies and fresh mint tea. Plus, 10% of the menu sales will also be donated to Choose Love’s Turkey & Syria Earthquake Appeal.
Available until 21st April 2023
216 Great Portland Street, London, W1W 5QW
honeyandco.co.uk
Spice Village
The Southall branch of Spice Village is putting on a mega Iftar buffet, costing just £21.99 Monday – Friday and £24.99 on weekends, which also includes a round of complimentary dates, pakoras and Rooh Afza. Or you can push the boat out a bit more and go for the Iftar set menu for £35 a head, featuring aloo papri chaat, chicken tikka, lamb karahi, Lahori chana masala, gajar halwa and lassi.
185-189 The Broadway, Southall UB1 1LX
spicevillagerestaurants.co.uk
Benares
Break your fast in style at Michelin-starred Benares with samosas and chutneys; classic lamb, chicken, prawn and veggie biryanis; and rich curries like butter chicken and lamb rogan josh. Traditional lassi made with fruit, yoghurt and spices will also be on offer, and everyone will be given complimentary dates at the end of their meal too.
Available until 20th April 2023
12a Berkeley Square, London W1J 6BS
benaresrestaurant.com
The Cinnamon Club
The Cinnamon Club’s chef Peeruddin Khan has created a special four-course Iftar menu running for the whole of April. Start with a mango lassi, fruit chaat and tandoori paneer, chargrilled trout and chicken platter, before tucking into the likes of chargrilled halibut with tamarind sauce, Old Delhi-style butter chicken tikka masala, Hyderabadi-style braised lamb leg, and saffron pistachio kulfi.
Available during April 2023
The Old Westminster Library, Great Smith St, London SW1P 3BU
cinnamonclub.com
Ritu Seasons of India
This St John’s Wood spot, founded by restaurateur Anubhav Srivastava and ex-Benares chef Navin Prasad, is serving a £30 per person Iftar menu during Ramadan. You can begin with a traditional platter of dates, fruit, rose & nut sherbet and laban, with the likes of corn & jalapeno samosa, stuffed yellow pepper pakoras, Chukander chicken tikka, Nawabi-style lamb chapli kebabs and cheese kulcha also on offer.
1 Blenheim Terrace, London, NW8 0EH
ritu.london
