9 Best Halal Restaurants In Cologne, Germany

Looking for the best halal restaurants in Cologne can be a bit tricky with when there are so many options!

But don't worry, we've made it easier by putting together a list of the 9 best halal restaurants in the city.

From flavorful grilled lamb chops to delicious shawarma, this article will introduce you to the top halal food in Cologne!

Top Halal Restaurants In Cologne, Germany

Kebapland

Interestingly, Kebapland is the one eatery that is always mentioned when we ask our friends about halal food in Cologne. We could smell the aroma of charcoal-grilled meats from the moment we stepped onto Venloer Straße.

"Get the Adana", we're told. Succulent minced lamb is expertly spiced, skewered and grilled over burning charcoal. Don't worry, the smoke that engulfs your clothes and hair is worth it.

Then the Adana is coated with a special oil, and served with a toasted wrap or a bed of flavored rice. It's phenomenal, and you'll have to mentally debate if you should order another (to be fair, the portions aren't that big).

Give this cult-favorite a try if you're around the hipster Ehrenfeld district!

📍 Venloer Str. 385, 50825 Köln, Germany

Habibi

We found this absolute gem on Zülpicher Straße! Centered on Lebanese-style cuisine, inspired by the owner's roots in Baghdad, this down-to-earth eatery captures the ambiance of the streets of Beirut.

In fact, the vintage movie posters plastered on the walls make it clear – this isn't one of those snobbish or pretentious restaurants.

Prices are fair and food is good, what's not to like? My favorite is the classic Falafel Plate – consisting of fresh tabouleh, perfectly crispy falafel with just the right texture, all served on a bed of creamy hummus. 

If you opt for plant-based options and skip the grilled meats, they can put together vegan-friendly plates for you too. [1]

📍 Zülpicher Str. 28, 50674 Köln, Germany

Saman Restaurant

The star of the show here has to be the grilled lamb. It's unbelievably delicious – so juicy it practically melts in your mouth. Just by how effortlessly the fork pierces the meat, you can tell how tender it is. The subsequent bites only confirms just how succulent it really is!

Prices here are a bit on the higher side, but the quality and huge portions make it worthwhile for us.

Service is top-notch too.

We started our meal with a complimentary starter meze with homemade bread fresh from the oven (so, so delicious) and ended with cups of tea on the house.

Every staff member, without fail, was friendly, and our requests were promptly attended to. Even the owner goes the extra mile to welcome guests and ask about our meal!

📍 Deutz-Kalker Str. 142, 50679 Köln, Germany

Adana Et Restaurant

This restaurant came strongly recommended for their mixed grill plate, and we wholeheartedly agree! It's possibly the best in Cologne – even beating out the others on Weidengasse.

The meat is incredibly juicy, and very well marinated. You can tell it's good when the grilled chicken isn't dry – something many places struggle to achieve.

The Adana kebab is some of the best I've ever had, and the rest of the plate consists of smokey, melt-in-your-mouth lamb cuts. Yum!

📍 Weidengasse 42-44, 50668 Köln, Germany

Mangal Restaurant

It's not often that one encounters a place in Germany that does authentic Cağ kebab, a specialty of the city of Erzurum in Turkey. [2]

At Mangal Restaurant, choice cuts of lamb and fat are marinated for hours, threaded onto a spit and grilled over an open wood fire.

The mouth-watering result is tender and succulent slices of lamb that's savory, juicy and just the right amount of smokiness. 

But just a small tip: If you're coming for the Cağ kebab, make sure to arrive early. In the evening, there's often a line, and sometimes it's already sold out. It's that popular!

📍 Weidengasse 62, 50668 Köln, Germany

3H's Burger & Chicken

Usually its hard to find decent Halal burgers, and you may have to travel to the outskirts of the city to find 3H's Burger & Chicken.

But my friends say it's worth the time (and money) because they are one of the best gourmet halal burger joints in Cologne.

I have to say the burger sizes are big, the patty is well-seasoned and juicy, and the toppings taste very fresh. In my opinion, these burgers are tasty and definitely hit the spot. Better than the normal fast-food chains out there.

If you're craving for a good burger experience, I'd say it's worth the trip and the slightly higher prices. But if you're expecting something extraordinary, perhaps this isn't the place.

📍 Koblenzer Str. 1-9, 50968 Köln, Germany

Ahlan Imbiss

For the best falafels in town, people say go to Ahlan Imbiss. 

Forget the trendy falafel shops popping up in hipster districts, because the ones made here are authentic. Fluffy, light, always hot and doesn't coat your tongue with grease!

Plus, they are so affordable compared to the ones you get from other shops in Cologne. Our go-to, the falafel-halloumi plate, is only 8€!

I enjoy taking a few pieces home to eat with a salad, soup, or just on their own as a snack. Just pop them in a toaster oven briefly, and they're just as delicious!

📍 Severinstraße 189, 50678 Köln, Germany

French Tacos Cologne

A short walk from Heumarkt is a unique fast food joint offering tasty halal French tacos!

Despite the name, French tacos have little to do with traditional Mexican tacos. They are more similar to a burrito – folded around grilled chicken, falafel, or beef, along with ingredients such as French fries and cheese sauce.

This is the ultimate comfort food, and fortunately, at French Tacos Cologne, it's 100% halal.

For the "protein" element, you have a variety of playful options such as curry chicken, chicken tandoori, nuggets, and more. Personally, I'm a fan of the Chicken Cordon Bleu!

📍 Hohe Str. 30a, 50667 Köln, Germany

Royal Punjab

For a classy dining experience of authentic Pakistani and Indian cuisine, consider paying the Royal Punjab a visit.

If you're used to the milder food in Germany, then you may want to ask for "less spicy" since the dishes here are seasoned to the spiciness level of Asian standards.

But if you're craving for dishes like they make them in Punjab, then this will help you scratch that itch. There are the classics like Butter Chicken and Chicken Tikka, and my favorite, the Lamb Lahori Tikka.

To end your meal, the mango lassi (a sweet yogurt drink) is a must-have. The smooth and creamy blend of ripe mangoes and yogurt was super addictive!

📍 Venloer Str. 4, 50672 Köln, Germany

Understanding Halal Food And Halal Restaurants

Halal food and restaurants refer to a set of dietary laws and regulations that Muslims follow, including the types of animals that are allowed for consumption and the proper method of slaughter.

Definition Of Halal Food And Restaurants

One of the essential aspects of Islamic dietary laws is Halal food, an Arabic term that translates to "permissible" or "allowed." When it comes to food and drink consumption, these guidelines are crucial for Muslims in preserving their religious beliefs and practices.

For a cuisine to be considered Halal, it must adhere to several rules outlined within Sharia law.

Halal restaurants cater specifically to this need by offering meals prepared according to Islamic traditions.

Most often Muslim-owned or managed establishments guarantee their customers that they operate under strict adherence to Halal standards, from sourcing ingredients at certified halal butcheries right up through meal preparation.

Importance Of Halal Food For Muslims

The importance of Halal food for Muslims goes beyond just following religious dietary guidelines. Adhering to these rules is a way to ensure optimal physical, mental, and spiritual well-being.

Muslims must be cautious about the foods they consume as only pure, wholesome, and permissible options are allowed according to Islamic dietary laws outlined in the Holy Qur'an.

For instance, consuming meat from animals that have been slaughtered humanely and following specific standards set forth by religious authorities results in Halal meat.

Muslim-Friendly Hotels

For Muslim travelers visiting Cologne, finding halal food and restaurants is just one part of the equation.

Another crucial aspect is finding Muslim-friendly hotels that not only offer comfortable accommodation but are near places that serve halal food.

Some of the popular Muslim-friendly hotels in Cologne include B&B Hotel Köln-Messe, Courtyard by Marriott Cologne, and Hyatt Regency Cologne. These hotels either offer halal food options for breakfast or room service upon request or have halal food nearby.

Conclusion And Recommendations

Summary Of Top Halal Restaurants In Cologne

If you're a Muslim traveler looking for the best restaurants in Cologne, we've got you covered.

Our top picks include

• Kebapland, where you can try their famous Adana kebab and Turkish pizza;
• Habibi, which serves delicious Lebanese food like falafel and shawarma;
• Saman Restaurant, known for their grilled lamb, meze and homemade bread;
• Adana Et Restaurant, offering tasty Turkish dishes such as mixed grill and Adana kebab;
• Mangal Restaurant, specializing in authentic Cağ kebab;
• 3H's Burger & Chicken for the best burger in town;
• Ahlan Imbiss for crispy and fluffy falafels;
• French Tacos Cologne for burritos with a unique French twist;
• Royal Punjab offering authentic Punjabi and Indian cuisine and creamy mango lassi (yogurt drink)!

These restaurants are all certified halal by Cologne's Muslim community and are popular among tourists and locals alike!

Tips For Finding Halal Food Options In Cologne

As a traveler, finding the best halal food options in Cologne can be challenging but rewarding.

This article was created with the feedback of Muslim friends, as well as our own personal experiences. We try all the food we recommend, and many are our regular lunch or dinner spots!

👉 Go here for the best cafés in the area.

Before dropping by a popular restaurant, it's wise to make reservations or arrive early as there many be a queue.

Also, keep an open mind as some non-halal establishments offer vegetarian menus or have accommodating staff that can cater to dietary restrictions upon request!

Best Areas For Halal Restaurants In Cologne

Keupstraße in the Mülheim district, is known as "Little Istanbul" due to its vibrant Turkish community. 

The street is lined with Turkish restaurants that serve halal food, shops, markets, and even music stores, and is worth a trip to check out this unique slice of Turkey in Cologne!

Weidengasse is another great spot to find lots of halal restaurants in Cologne, such as Mangal Restaurant and Adana Et Restaurant.

Key Takeaways

• Cologne has a wide variety of halal restaurants serving authentic cuisine (from Punjabi to Turkish) that cater to Muslim travelers.
• Some of the top-rated halal restaurants in Cologne include Kebapland, Habibi, Saman Restaurant, Adana Et Restaurant and Mangal Restaurant. These establishments are managed and follow strict adherence to Halal standards from sourcing ingredients at certified halal butcheries up to meal preparation.
• It's also important to look for Muslim-friendly hotels that offer comfortable accommodation that offering halal food options on-site or nearby.