Deliciously Durban: A Halal Food Affair

During my last few visits to Durban, I’ve been on a small yet significant culinary adventure. Even though I’ve grown up and lived in Durban for 22 years, the food scene wasn’t my thing. Since moving out of Durban and visiting like a tourist, I’ve come across a few halal places that quickly became my favourites. If you’re looking for halal food while in the ‘hood, feel free to give these a try.

Halal Restaurants in Durban that I Love

Please note: All restaurants listed below were certified halal and/ Muslim-owned at the time of writing this post. If you have any doubts or queries, please call the outlet directly to clarify.

Sparx Shawarma

This takeaway in Bluff doesn’t have much of an online presence. But don’t let that deceive you. Arguably the best shawarmas I’ve tasted… ever. There are only 2 options: Chicken or Steak, with a variety of condiments and add-ons. I’ve had both and they were perfection! Be careful though, it’s very messy (but you probably won’t care because it’s just so good).

Alfresco Garden

Modern and trendy, Alfresco Garden is an awesome eatery with a good enough variety to satisfy several preferences. From waffles and mocktails to traditional Indian and pizzas, the menu will leave you spoilt for choice. It’s a lovely option for something a little fancy. We had my mum’s birthday supper here earlier in the year and thoroughly enjoyed it.

The Address

I’ve been told that this place is known for their aloo paratha with cheese, so that’s what I had from here. And Oh.My.God. It’s like having a paratha pizza. The parathas are huge, stuffed, hot, so filling and absolutely tasty! It’s a main on its own. The thought of it is making me crave…

Hubcaps Woodfired Pizza 

This car-themed pizza place makes awesome pizzas… and their milkshakes are pretty good too! Which is the ideal antidote after wolfing down a hot and spicy pizza. The milkshake bottles are fashioned to look like oil pints… and is rather cute!

Vapor Cafe

This cafe serves tasty food – the menu items aren’t extraordinary, just that whatever it is you’ll order, it’ll taste good. The place has an old American gangster theme going on, with some creative names for dishes on their menu. It’s also a hookah lounge.

Canvas Grill

When you think of halal fine dining in Durban, think Canvas Grill. From the decor and ambience to the food and service, this place gets it all right. The menu items are named after famous artists and creatives (such as Michelangelo, Da Vinci, Rembrandt) and the quality and taste are outstanding.

Chateau Gateaux

This patisserie simply satisfies my absolute love for cake. Their cakes and baked goodies are crafted with care and are so indulgent. Go for the Chocolate Mozart – it’s my favourite! It’s not overwhelmingly sweet. Actually you’d just want another bite, and another one… and another.

Randerees Braai

Braaing your own food is fun for everyone… but so is getting everything barbecued to perfection for you. All you need to do is order and eat. The menu has every single thing you could want from a braai… plus all the salads and sides. Braai-on-the-go is simply the best.

Wicked Donuts

Krispy Kreme’s got competition. That’s all I can say. Every single donut I’ve tasted from WD was… well, wicked. If I really had to choose, I’d say the English Tea, Salted Caramel and Snowball are my favourites… but honestly, every single one is delicious.

Casablanca

What will this list be without Casablanca? This place is one of my all-time favourites. The prawns are divine and their garlic bread is still one of the best I’ve had. They also sell uncooked prawns + masala with instructions on how to prepare it, if you’re up for making your own at home and impressing your guests.

I feel like this list should be longer… and I’ll probably alter it in time as I go along and find new favourites. If you have any suggestions that have been particularly great for you, do share in the comments below.

(Psst, my top halal restaurants in Cape Town may be a help if you’re visiting the Mother City).