10 Halal Restaurants in Leuven

Leuven, a vibrant university city in Belgium, is home to a diverse community, including many Muslim international students. So, getting halal food in Leuven isn’t too tricky! In this article, we have compiled a list of halal-friendly restaurants to make your food hunt a little easier.

Some restaurants on this list are halal-certified, while others are self-proclaimed halal. Also, keep in mind that not every menu item may meet halal standards, so be sure to confirm your preferences when placing an order.

Poule & Poulette

If you’ve been around Leuven, you’ve probably come across Poule & Poulette. This popular restaurant chain serves a variety of halal-certified chicken dishes and is conveniently located near the Grote Markt, just a 5-minute walk from the KU Leuven University Library.

I’ve dined here multiple times, and the flavors never disappoint! While the prices are on the higher side, students can take advantage of a 15% discount on main courses and sides with a valid student card.

Leuven Chicken Rice

Run by a friendly Malaysian owner, the Leuven Chicken Rice offers rice or noodles paired with chicken cooked in various styles like Hainan, curry, Korean, or honey-roasted. Don’t miss their authentic teh tarik (Malaysian milk tea).

It is also conveniently located near KU Leuven’s psychology faculty and Group T Campus, making it perfect for students!

Cappadocia

I used to live in Brusselsestraat, so Cappadocia was my go-to spot for a quick halal meal. They offer a tasty selection of Turkish and fast-food favorites, including durum, kapsalon, and kebab. Vegetarian options like falafel are also available, along with snacks like curryworst, boulet, kip satay, mini spring rolls, and crispy fries.

Habibi Leuven

Habibi Leuven is a cozy Palestinian restaurant located on Diestsestraat, Leuven’s vibrant shopping street. Known for its delicious falafel, hummus, and baba ganoush, it’s a perfect spot to enjoy authentic Middle Eastern cuisine in the heart of the city.

Barouche Leuven

Barouche Leuven brings Mediterranean street food to the heart of the city with its signature sourdough pita bread and fresh salad bowls. Located next to the Poule & Poulette, this restaurant chain—also found in Ghent, Antwerp, and Brussels—prides itself on homemade flavors and healthy ingredients. Their pita bread is baked daily in-house, paired with fillings like falafel, hummus, and halloumi.

Belchicken

Belchicken is a popular fast-food chain serving crispy fried chicken, burgers, wraps, and salads—all made with 100% halal ingredients. Since opening its first store in Ghent in 2016, it has expanded to over 47 locations across Belgium, Germany, and France. Don’t miss their speculoos dessert for a sweet finish!

O’Tacos

O’Tacos is a French fast-food chain famous for its unique ‘French tacos‘—a fusion of Mexican wraps with a French twist, filled with fries, meat, and cheese. All their meat is halal-certified, and no alcohol is served, so you can enjoy their offerings with peace of mind.

Leuven has two O’Tacos outlets—one at Oude Markt, which is reported for better taste and service, and another at Rector de Somerplein, which has received mixed reviews.

Chee Kofte & Wraps

Chee Kofte & Wraps offers fresh, customizable wraps with vegan, vegetarian, fish, and chicken options. Their signature Turkish vegan specialty, Chee Kofte, is a must-try—made with bulgur, nuts, and spices. Don’t miss their Avocado Fries and Mozzarella Caprese Bites, perfect with wraps or salads. Mix and match tortillas, salads, and dressings to create your perfect meal!

Al Amir Grill

Al Amir Grill serves Lebanese and Syrian dishes like shawarma, falafel, and hummus. With open-air seating, it’s a great spot to relax and enjoy flavorful meals. It’s also conveniently close to KU Leuven’s Faculty of Social Sciences, Agora, and Pangaea, making it a perfect stop for students looking for a quick halal meal.

Karoen

Karoen offers a mix of Middle Eastern and Mediterranean flavors, featuring baba ghanoush, hummus, kapsalon, and falafel. They also serve pizzas, grilled fish, and pasta, making it a versatile spot for any craving.