Ramadan in central London is a strange experience. You are surrounded by some of the best food in the world and cannot eat any of it from sunrise to sunset. Then maghrib comes and you have about 20 minutes to find somewhere that is halal, near a tube line, and not packed.
Here is how to do iftar in Chinatown properly.
Why Chinatown for iftar?
Three reasons:
1. Central location. Five tube lines within ten minutes 2. Late opening. Most Chinatown restaurants serve until 10pm or later 3. The Greedy Sheep. Chinatown's only 100% halal Chinese restaurant - so you can actually eat the food the area is famous for
For years, the Muslim community had to skip Chinatown during Ramadan or settle for one or two halal-friendly options. Now there is a proper halal Chinese restaurant in the middle of it.
What to order for iftar
Ramadan iftar is about replacing energy quickly without overwhelming your stomach. Northern Chinese food is well suited to this:
- Soup first. Our lamb noodle soup is rich, hot, and rehydrating. Perfect to break a fast on
- Dates and water. Bring your own dates, we will not judge. Most Muslim families do
- Rou jia mo. Bread and meat in one. Easy on the stomach after a long fast
- Hand-pulled noodles. Slow carbs that keep you going through taraweeh prayers
- Cumin lamb. Iron rich, fast to eat, deeply satisfying
Skip the heavy fried dishes for the first round. Build up.
Iftar timing during Ramadan
In London, maghrib (sunset) shifts from around 4:45pm in winter Ramadan to around 9:20pm in summer Ramadan. Plan your booking accordingly.
We recommend booking 30 minutes before maghrib so you can be seated, watered, and ready to eat the moment the call to prayer goes.
Book a table or just walk in - we are at 8 Little Newport Street.
Suhoor in Chinatown?
Most Chinatown restaurants close by 11pm. For suhoor (the pre-dawn meal), you are better off eating at home or finding a 24-hour spot in Edgware Road or Whitechapel.
Some local mosques in central London hold communal iftar - check with the East London Mosque or Regent's Park Mosque for current schedules.
Coming in as a group
Ramadan brings community groups, university Islamic societies, and big family tables through the door. We are walk-in only, so for parties of 8 or more give us a call on 020 8037 8128 and we will let you know the quietest times to arrive. Group dining works well here because the whole menu is halal and the food is built for sharing.
Eid celebrations
If you are looking ahead, we are open through Eid al-Fitr and Eid al-Adha too. Expect it to be busy - come early or late.
We are at 8 Little Newport Street, London WC2H 7JJ. Open 12pm to 10pm daily during normal hours, with extended hours during Ramadan.
Ramadan Mubarak. Come hungry. Leave grateful.
