#FtLionAwards 2022 Newcomer of the Year shortlist

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Drunch in London’s Fitzrovi is their newest branch, and one which we rated 4.5/5. Their Italian-oriented menu, quite unlike the menus at their other branches, really impressed; so much so, in fact, that they have a beverage, a starter, a veggie, and a grill dish in contention.

The chef here has gone above and beyond to make certain that the food menu is not just Halal, but the vast majority of the produce and ingredients is also sourced directly from Italy. And the results were evident, with this particular experience at Drunch standing head and shoulders above the previous ones we’ve reviewed. This would have come close to being rated 5/5 had it not been for the desserts. But given the dearth of restaurants in London offering Halal-friendly Italian cuisine, Drunch Fitrovia is definitely one to visit.

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This restaurant, strictly be speaking, may not be new, but given that it was taken over by the husband and wife team behind the hugely impressive Malaysian restaurant Bonda Kitchen, resulting in the menu being significantly changed, it’s been included in this category. Rated 4.5/5, Duck & Noodle in London’s Bayswater have a main and a seafood nominated.

With genuine Chinese chefs helming the kitchen, the quality of the food we encountered was outstandingly good. The highlight, however, and without a shadow of doubt, was the benchmark-setting ducks with one dish nominated as a main. These were just on another level to all other ducks we’ve had; and, therefore, worth the visit alone.

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Hong Kong Restaurant in London Islington has the apparent distinction of being the very first genuine Chinese restaurant (not Pan-Asian) to offer a fully Halal food menu in that part of London. Courtesy of the hardwork of a man with an ethos of inclusiveness, they have a starter dish in for the running.

Authentic Cantonese dishes that many Muslims will simply not have the opportunity of trying anywhere else. In our view, this makes Hong Kong Restaurant an absolute MUST VISIT venue; and one that deserves to be supported for its vision.

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Il Bebo’s in London’s Wood Green, who have two beverages and the same starter nominated, are another Italian-inspired restaurant. Having been rated 4/5, they have not only introduced what appears to be a very strong brunch menu, but their traditional Italian dishes, in this case the spaghetti and risotto, show great promise.

And there’s plenty of variety on both the breakfast and brunch menues, as well as their a la carte – the latter serving a selection of traditionally made pizzas – to warrant repeat visits to this aesthetically pleasing venue in Wood Green.

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Having been rated a 5/5 this year, and with a starter, seafood, and a dessert up for consideration, Putera Puteri in London’s Queensway are on this list on account of the extremely talented duo of chefs who go by the name Malay Fellas.

Childhood friends Harith & Shubli, who have a household full of restaurateurs, have invaluable experience which has brought them to the point where, for us, they have collectively set down a benchmark for Malaysian cuisine in the capital that will take some beating.

There was a level of quiet confidence these two chefs cooked with that spoke volumes even before we got to enjoy their dishes.

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Renowned Chef Khilesh ‘KK’ Anand served such good dishes that Royal Shezan in London Ealing’s Hotel 55 have the same dish shortlisted for both a starter and a veggie award, as well as two seafood dishes, and a grill.

Of course, there’s simply no substitute for the year’s of experience that Chef Khilesh Anand brings as the restaurant’s Head Chef.

In fact, when thinking of other Halal-friendly Indian restaurants in Ealing, how many can boast having a chef of his calibre and expertise? We can’t think of any.