Global Major Cities Guide

Stores and restaurants catering to specific dietary and cultural food preferences, including halal, kosher, Asian, and African cuisines.

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Comprehensive Guide to Halal and International Food in Cardiff, United Kingdom

Cardiff, the capital city of Wales, is a vibrant and multicultural city with a diverse food scene. Whether you're looking for Halal options or international cuisines, Cardiff offers a wide range of dining experiences to suit all tastes and budgets. Below is a detailed guide to help you navigate the food scene effectively.

1. Halal Food in Cardiff

Overview

Cardiff has a significant Muslim population, and as a result, there are plenty of Halal food options available. From Middle Eastern and South Asian cuisines to Halal-friendly fast food chains, you’ll find a variety of choices across the city.

Popular Halal Restaurants

Here are some well-known Halal restaurants in Cardiff:

Shaam Nights
- Cuisine: Syrian
- Location: 116 City Road, Cardiff CF24 3DQ
- Highlights: Authentic Syrian dishes like lamb kebabs, falafel, and mixed grills. The restaurant is known for its traditional decor and warm hospitality.
- Cost: £10–£20 per person.
Mowlana
- Cuisine: Persian/Iranian
- Location: 168 City Road, Cardiff CF24 3JE
- Highlights: Persian kebabs, stews, and rice dishes. A great spot for those looking for hearty and flavorful meals.
- Cost: £10–£15 per person.
Istanbul Restaurant
- Cuisine: Turkish
- Location: 100 City Road, Cardiff CF24 3DQ
- Highlights: Halal-certified Turkish dishes, including doner kebabs, pide (Turkish pizza), and baklava.
- Cost: £8–£15 per person.
Grameen Deshi Kitchen
- Cuisine: Bangladeshi
- Location: 96 City Road, Cardiff CF24 3DQ
- Highlights: Authentic Bangladeshi curries, biryanis, and street food.
- Cost: £10–£20 per person.
KBS Kebabish Original
- Cuisine: Pakistani/Indian
- Location: 72 City Road, Cardiff CF24 3DD
- Highlights: Grilled meats, curries, and traditional South Asian dishes.
- Cost: £8–£15 per person.

Halal Fast Food Options

Chaiiwala (City Road): Offers Halal-friendly Indian street food, chai, and snacks.
Rooster’s Piri Piri (Multiple locations): Halal-certified grilled chicken and burgers.
German Doner Kebab (Queen Street): Halal-certified doner kebabs with a modern twist.

Tips for Finding Halal Food

City Road: This area is a hub for Halal restaurants and takeaways, offering a wide variety of cuisines.
Halal Food Apps: Use apps like Halal Trip, Zabihah, or Muslim Pro to locate Halal-certified restaurants.
Supermarkets: Major supermarkets like Tesco, Asda, and Sainsbury’s have Halal meat sections. Additionally, there are Halal butchers and grocery stores on City Road and in the Grangetown area.

2. International Food in Cardiff

Cardiff’s international food scene reflects its multicultural population. You’ll find cuisines from all over the world, including Italian, Chinese, Japanese, Mexican, and more.

Popular International Restaurants

The Clink
- Cuisine: British/European
- Location: HMP Cardiff, Knox Road, Cardiff CF24 0UG
- Highlights: A unique dining experience where food is prepared by prisoners in training. The menu features locally sourced ingredients and seasonal dishes.
- Cost: £15–£25 per person.
Vivo Latino
- Cuisine: Latin American
- Location: 89-91 Cowbridge Road East, Cardiff CF11 9AF
- Highlights: Mexican tacos, Brazilian churrasco, and Peruvian ceviche.
- Cost: £15–£30 per person.
Asador 44
- Cuisine: Spanish
- Location: 14 Quay Street, Cardiff CF10 1EA
- Highlights: Specializes in Spanish grilled meats, tapas, and wines.
- Cost: £20–£40 per person.
Pho Cardiff
- Cuisine: Vietnamese
- Location: 9 Bridge Street Arcade, St David’s Dewi Sant, Cardiff CF10 2EF
- Highlights: Pho noodle soups, banh mi sandwiches, and Vietnamese curries.
- Cost: £10–£20 per person.
Yakitori #1
- Cuisine: Japanese
- Location: Mermaid Quay, Cardiff Bay CF10 5BZ
- Highlights: Sushi, yakitori skewers, and ramen.
- Cost: £15–£30 per person.

Street Food and Markets

Cardiff Market: Located in the city center, this historic market offers a variety of international food stalls, including Caribbean, Italian, and Asian cuisines.
Street Food Cardiff: Check out pop-up food events and festivals for a mix of global street food vendors.

Vegetarian and Vegan Options

Cardiff is also very accommodating for vegetarians and vegans. Many international restaurants offer plant-based options, and there are dedicated vegan eateries like Anna Loka (City Road) and Blanche Bakery (Mackintosh Place).

3. Costs and Budgeting

Budget Dining: £5–£10 per meal (e.g., fast food, takeaways, or street food).
Mid-Range Dining: £10–£25 per meal (e.g., casual dining restaurants).
Fine Dining: £30+ per meal (e.g., upscale international restaurants).

Tipping is not mandatory in the UK, but it is customary to leave a 10–15% tip for good service in sit-down restaurants.

4. How to Locate Food Outlets

Google Maps: Search for “Halal restaurants near me” or “international food Cardiff” for real-time suggestions.
TripAdvisor: Offers reviews and rankings for restaurants in Cardiff.
Social Media: Follow local food bloggers and Instagram accounts for recommendations.
Local Recommendations: Ask locals or hotel staff for their favorite spots.

5. Cultural and Local Considerations

Dining Hours: Most restaurants in Cardiff serve lunch from 12:00 PM to 2:30 PM and dinner from 6:00 PM to 10:00 PM. Some fast food outlets and takeaways operate late into the night.
Alcohol: Many Halal restaurants do not serve alcohol, but you can bring your own (BYOB) in some cases. Always check with the restaurant beforehand.
Reservations: It’s advisable to book a table in advance, especially for popular restaurants or during weekends.
Dietary Preferences: Cardiff restaurants are generally accommodating of dietary restrictions. Don’t hesitate to ask about ingredients or request modifications.

6. Final Tips

Explore Cardiff Bay: This area has a variety of international restaurants with scenic waterfront views.
Try Welsh Cuisine: Don’t miss out on local Welsh dishes like lamb cawl (stew) or Welsh cakes, which are widely available in cafes and bakeries.
Food Festivals: Keep an eye out for food festivals like the Cardiff International Food and Drink Festival, which showcases global cuisines.

Cardiff’s food scene is a reflection of its rich cultural diversity, offering something for everyone. Whether you’re seeking Halal options or exploring international flavors, you’ll find plenty of delicious and accessible choices in this welcoming city.