Nestled on New Zealand's South Island, Christchurch offers a surprisingly diverse halal dining scene that caters to both locals and Muslim travelers. From authentic Middle Eastern grills to aromatic Indian curries and traditional Moroccan tagines, the Garden City presents a world of flavors for those seeking halal food options.
In this guide, we've compiled the top 10 halal restaurants in Christchurch based on customer ratings, certification status, and overall dining experience. Whether you're a resident or just passing through, these establishments promise to satisfy your culinary cravings while adhering to halal requirements.
1. Mashawe Mediterranean BBQ
Located in the heart of Christchurch on the picturesque New Regent Street, Mashawe Mediterranean BBQ offers an authentic taste of Middle Eastern grilled specialties. This halal-certified restaurant has quickly become a favorite destination for those seeking genuine Mediterranean cuisine.
Their menu showcases expertly seasoned and grilled meats, with the Mixed Grill Platter being a standout choice for first-time visitors. The restaurant's commitment to traditional BBQ methods and high-quality halal meats has earned them an impressive reputation and perfect five-star rating.
Must-Try Dishes: Mixed Grill Platter, Lamb Skewers, Chicken Shawarma
Location: 1 New Regent Street, Christchurch Central City
Price Range: $$
2. Mosaic By Simo
Mosaic By Simo brings the vibrant flavors of Morocco to Christchurch with its authentic North African cuisine. Chef-owner Simo creates traditional Moroccan dishes using genuine spice blends imported directly from Morocco.
This budget-friendly eatery offers an excellent value proposition with its flavorful tagines, couscous dishes, and other Moroccan specialties. The colorful decor and warm atmosphere complement the aromatic dishes, creating an immersive dining experience.
Must-Try Dishes: Tagine, Couscous, Moroccan Lamb
Location: No. 3/300 Lincoln Road, Addington
Price Range: $
3. Indo Tempeh House
Indo Tempeh House stands out as a unique culinary establishment, specializing in Indonesian cuisine with a particular focus on tempeh-based dishes. This plant-forward restaurant brings the rich, complex flavors of Indonesia to New Zealand, offering a dining experience that's both authentic and health-conscious.
Their tempeh is made fresh using traditional methods, resulting in a product that's vastly superior to commercial versions. Beyond their regular menu, they also offer cooking classes and tempeh-making workshops.
Must-Try Dishes: Tempeh Goreng, Nasi Goreng, Rendang, Gado Gado
Location: 96 Oxford Terrace, Christchurch Central City
Price Range: $$
4. The Kiwi Kebab
The Kiwi Kebab has established itself as a standout halal kebab shop in Christchurch, successfully blending traditional Middle Eastern flavors with local New Zealand influences. Their bold claim of serving the "Best Kebabs in Christchurch" is backed by an impressive reputation and consistently excellent reviews.
Each kebab is served with freshly baked bread and a selection of house-made sauces that range from mild to spicy, allowing customers to customize their experience. Their spotlessly clean premises, efficient service, and consistently high-quality food have earned them a dedicated following.
Must-Try Dishes: Classic Doner Kebab, Chicken Kebab, Mixed Grill Plate
Location: 4A McCarthy Street, Hoon Hay
Price Range: $$
5. Casbah - A Taste of Morocco
Casbah brings the exotic flavors and rich culinary traditions of North Africa to the heart of Christchurch. Upon entering, guests are immediately immersed in a sensory experience that captures the essence of Morocco with intricate tilework, colorful textiles, and traditional lanterns.
The menu showcases diverse regional specialties of Moroccan cuisine, with a particular emphasis on slow-cooked tagines, aromatic couscous dishes, and flavorful appetizers. Each dish is prepared using authentic spice blends, including the signature Moroccan ras el hanout.
Must-Try Dishes: Lamb Tagine, Seven Vegetable Couscous, Moroccan Seafood Bastilla
Location: Shop 6/303 Colombo Street, Sydenham
Price Range: $$$
6. Bloody Mary's
Bloody Mary's is Christchurch's premier steakhouse and grill, offering an exceptional dining experience centered around the finest cuts of New Zealand meat and fresh local seafood. Located in the historic Latimer Square, the restaurant occupies a stunning heritage building that combines old-world charm with contemporary sophistication.
While primarily a steakhouse, Bloody Mary's offers Muslim-friendly options and can accommodate halal dietary requirements. Their menu features carefully selected cuts of beef, including Wakanui grain-finished beef and Canterbury grass-fed options.
Must-Try Dishes: Wakanui Dry Aged Ribeye, Canterbury Lamb Rack, Seafood Platter
Location: 30 Latimer Square, Christchurch Central City
Price Range: $$$$
7. Indian Ocean Restaurant
Indian Ocean Restaurant has established itself as one of Christchurch's premier destinations for authentic Indian cuisine. Founded over a decade ago, it has built its reputation on consistently delivering high-quality, authentic Indian dishes prepared by experienced chefs from various regions of India.
The restaurant is particularly renowned for its tandoori specialties, with the clay oven producing perfectly cooked naan bread, succulent kebabs, and the signature tandoori chicken. Their curry selection ranges from mild, creamy kormas to fiery vindaloos.
Must-Try Dishes: Butter Chicken, Lamb Biryani, Chicken Tikka Masala
Location: Unit-04/23 Humphreys Drive, Ferrymead
Price Range: $$
8. Mythos Greek Souvlakis
Mythos Greek Souvlakis brings the authentic flavors of Greece to Christchurch's vibrant culinary scene. Established by a Greek-Kiwi family with deep roots in Mediterranean culinary traditions, Mythos offers a genuine taste of Greek street food adapted to New Zealand's fresh local ingredients.
At the heart of Mythos' menu are their signature souvlakis – marinated meats grilled to perfection, wrapped in warm, fluffy pita bread, and garnished with fresh vegetables, house-made tzatziki, and other traditional Greek sauces. The restaurant takes pride in their authentic preparation methods.
Must-Try Dishes: Lamb Souvlaki, Chicken Gyros, Greek Salad
Location: 466 Colombo Street, Sydenham
Price Range: $$
9. Mainland Turkish Food
Mainland Turkish Food has established itself as a cornerstone of authentic Turkish cuisine in Christchurch's diverse culinary landscape. This family-owned restaurant brings the rich flavors and time-honored cooking traditions of Turkey to New Zealand's South Island.
At the heart of their menu are classic Turkish dishes prepared according to traditional recipes passed down through generations. Their kebabs—featuring lamb, chicken, beef, and vegetarian options—are marinated in signature spice blends before being skillfully grilled to perfection.
With multiple locations in Christchurch, Mainland Turkish Food has become a beloved gathering place for both the local Turkish community and residents eager to explore the distinctive flavors of Turkish cuisine.
Must-Try Dishes: Mixed Kebab Platter, Lamb Iskender, Turkish Pide
Location: 5/204 Hills Road, Edgeware
Price Range: $$
10. Arjee Bhajee
Arjee Bhajee has been delighting Christchurch diners with authentic Indian cuisine since its establishment, earning a reputation as one of the city's most beloved Indian restaurants. Conveniently located on Riccarton Road, this family-owned restaurant offers a culinary journey through the diverse regional flavors of India, with a particular focus on North Indian specialties.
Their tandoor oven—a clay oven that reaches extremely high temperatures—is the heart of their kitchen, producing succulent meats, fluffy naan bread, and other traditional delicacies. All meat served is halal certified, ensuring that the restaurant caters to a wide range of dietary requirements.
Must-Try Dishes: Butter Chicken, Lamb Rogan Josh, Vegetable Biryani
Location: 13 Riccarton Road, Riccarton
Price Range: $$
Tips for Halal Dining in Christchurch
- Calling ahead to confirm current halal status and certification
- Checking social media for any updates on menu or certification changes
- Looking for certification displays within the restaurant
- Asking staff directly about preparation methods and ingredients
- Be aware of restaurant hours as some may close for Friday prayers
Final Thoughts
Christchurch's halal food scene continues to grow, offering Muslim residents and travelers an increasingly diverse range of dining options. From Mediterranean and Middle Eastern classics to South Asian specialties and innovative fusion concepts, the city's halal restaurant landscape reflects its growing multicultural character.
At Halal Food Near Me, we strive to provide accurate information about halal dining options worldwide, but we always encourage diners to verify halal status directly with restaurants, as practices can change over time.
Have you visited any of these Christchurch restaurants? Let us know your experience through our contact form - we value your feedback and recommendations!
Click here to view a comprehensive list of halal restaurants in Christchurch.
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