International students from different countries, cultures and backgrounds come to Queen’s to follow their dreams and get one step closer to achieving their goals. As an international student, I understand how scary it can be to move to another country and be away from friends and family. It can be quite challenging. This handy guide will save your time and effort and help you to make the best of your stay here in Belfast.

1. Madinah Grocery

Madinah is a grocery store located on 131 Lisburn Road (BT9 7AG), where you can get halal meat and Mediterranean food.

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2. Makkah Market

A convenience store located on 41 Bradbury Place (BT7 1RR).

3. Bangla Bazaar (update from Maisha Hossain, Bangladesh)

I was over the moon when I discovered Bangla Bazaar on Ormeau Road. With Ramadan round the corner, the Bangladeshi market meets the culinary needs of all South Asian, African and Middle Eastern cuisines.

Bangla Bazaar also offers fresh halal meat of lamb, beef and chicken with or without bones as per your preference. There’s also chicken hearts and beef livers and lamb legs and… yeah, everything.

There’s plenty of fish in the sea and here, too. If you’ve been missing your South Asian fish dishes, you’re in for a pleasant surprise. Basa fish, hilsa, chitala, rohu, catfish, pomfret, tengra, tilapia – the list is endless!

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4. Istanbul Market

Just 5 minutes from campus at the bottom of Botanic avenue is Istanbul Market.  It tocks Halal meat and loads of big bags of spices and speciality ingredients that you won't get in most shops.  If you're there you must try their Baklava- it is delicious!

Don't want to cook? 

Maybe you fancy eating out or ordering in? Then here’s a list of restaurants and diners in Belfast where you can enjoy delicious halal food:

1. Umi Falafel

Close to campus and 100% vegetarian!

Location: 96 Botanic Ave, Belfast BT7 1JR

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2. The Raj 

The Raj is actually an Indian restaurant where you can get lalal curries and tandoori. It’s on the Lisburn Road and it’s around 10 minutes away from Queen’s Elms BT9.

Location: 461 Lisburn Rd, Belfast BT9 7EQ

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3. Frango 

If you’re craving fried or even grilled chicken you should check Frango out.

Location: 41 Bradbury Place, Belfast, BT7 1RR

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4. Chick’n Lick’n   

Chick’n Lick’n is quite similar to Frango, they’re around 5 minutes or less away from each other. You can order chicken wraps and burgers, Peri Peri dishes and fried chicken, and guess what? They offer 10% discount for students.

Location: 25-27 Dublin Road, Belfast, BT2 7HB

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Find out more

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