Edinburgh, Scotland’s historic capital, offers good halal food options for Muslim visitors. The city’s diverse population has created halal infrastructure, and the famous Edinburgh Festival brings international dining options each summer. Compare with halal. Explore halal certification for more information.
Halal Food Accessibility in Edinburgh
Edinburgh has good halal accessibility:
- 100+ halal restaurants across the city
- Nicolson Street area has best concentration
- Pakistani and Indian cuisine dominant
- Halal haggis available
- Festival season brings more options
Best Areas for Halal Food
Nicolson Street / South Bridge
Best halal concentration:
- Multiple curry houses
- Near university: Student-friendly
- Kebab shops: Late night options
- Walking distance from Royal Mile
Leith
Diverse port area:
- Growing halal scene
- International restaurants
- Waterfront dining
Old Town
Tourist area:
- Some kebab shops
- Limited but available
- Near attractions
Lothian Road
West End:
- Some Indian restaurants
- Theater district dining
- Mixed options
Must-Try Halal Options
Scottish-Halal
Unique offerings:
- Halal haggis: Lamb-based versions
- Halal Scottish breakfast: Some cafés
- Fish and chips: Verify halal
South Asian
Most common:
- Pakistani curry: Excellent options
- Indian restaurants: Throughout city
- Biryani and kebabs
Middle Eastern
Growing scene:
- Turkish restaurants: Some locations
- Lebanese: A few options
- Shawarma: Available
Halal Haggis
Try Scotland’s national dish halal:
- Select butchers: Make halal versions
- Some restaurants: Offer on menu
- Lamb-based: Instead of traditional
- Burns Night: Special halal options
Near Tourist Attractions
Edinburgh Castle / Royal Mile
- Some kebab shops nearby
- Walk to Nicolson Street (10 min)
- Limited on Royal Mile itself
Arthur’s Seat
- Pack food before hiking
- No halal on the hill
- City options before/after
Scottish Parliament
- Holyrood area limited
- Walk to South Bridge
- Some options nearby
Princes Street
- Very limited halal
- New Town has fewer options
- Cross to Old Town for more
Edinburgh Festival (August)
- More food vendors
- Ask about halal options
- International variety
Halal Shopping
Halal Butchers
- Several in city: South Side best
- Fresh halal meat: Daily
- Some supermarkets: Halal sections
Supermarkets
- Tesco/Sainsbury’s: Some halal products
- Asian groceries: More variety
- Specialty shops: Near mosques
Practical Tips
- Nicolson Street: Go-to halal area
- Halal haggis: Try this Scottish specialty
- Festival time: More options in August
- University area: Good variety, good prices
- Old Town walks: Pack snacks
- Book dinner: Popular spots fill up
- Cash useful: Some small shops
- Weather variable: Indoor dining preferred
- Glasgow day trip: More halal options there
- Ask clearly: “Is this halal?” understood