Fast, filling, and fully halal- all within a 15 minute walk

Let's be honest: juggling lectures, deadlines, and a social life is exhausting. The last thing you need is to spend ages hunting down decent halal food between classes. Whether you're grabbing a quick bite before your 2 pm seminar or treating yourself after surviving exam season, these five spots have you covered- all within a 15-minute walk from campus.

1. Hiba Express- Palestinian Soul Food

📍 113 High Holborn, WC1V 6JQ | ⏱️ 8-minute walk

This is the one everyone knows about, and for good reason. Hiba Express has been feeding hungry LSE students for years with generous portions of Lebanese and Palestinian classics. Everything's freshly made, fully halal, and hits the spot every time.

Don't leave without trying: The Mixed Shawarma Wrap is legendary, but if you're properly hungry, go for the Chicken Shish Platter with extra garlic sauce- trust us on this one.

The vibe: No-frills, quick service, always busy at lunch. Get there before 12:30 pm if you want to avoid the queue snaking out the door.

2. The Doner Bro's- Halal Doner Done Right

📍 180 High Holborn, WC1V 7PA | ⏱️ 12-minute walk

Big portions, bold flavours, and consistently good halal doner and gyros. Perfect when you need something filling without breaking the bank.

Don't leave without trying: The Chicken and Rice is a complete meal in a bowl. If you're in a rush, grab the Mixed Wrap- you can walk and eat.

The vibe: Bright, modern, and efficient. Perfect for those days when you have back-to-back classes and exactly 20 minutes to fuel up.

3. Chaiiwala- Desi Comfort, Central London Style

📍 72 Southampton Row, WC1B 4AR | ⏱️ 12-minute walk

Sometimes you just need a proper karak chai and a paratha roll to reset your brain. Chaiiwala delivers exactly that- Desi comfort food in a space where you can actually sit, breathe, and maybe even finish that reading you've been avoiding. Plus, they offer 15% off for students dining in.

Don't leave without trying: The Chicken Tikka Wrap paired with a Karak Chai is the ultimate combo. Heading for Breakfast crew? The paratha rolls hit different at 9 am.

The vibe: Trendy, Instagram-friendly, and surprisingly spacious. It's become the go-to spot for late breakfasts and evening chai sessions with coursemates.

4. Bayt Sajj- Fresh Wraps, Grilled to Order

📍 114-118 Southampton Row, WC1B 5AA | ⏱️ 15-minute walk

There's something deeply satisfying about watching your wrap get grilled right in front of you. The smell alone is enough to make you forget about your coursework deadline. Bayt Sajj keeps things simple, fast, and consistently good.

Don't leave without trying: The Kafta & Cheese Wrap is an underrated gem, but the Chicken Tawouk Saj is the safe bet if it's your first visit.

The vibe: Counter-service, minimal fuss. You'll spot plenty of LSE students grabbing lunch here- it's become a bit of a local secret.

5. Dishoom- Bombay Café Culture

📍 12 Upper St Martin's Lane, WC2H 9FB | ⏱️ 15-minute walk (Covent Garden)

Okay, this one's slightly further and definitely pricier than the others, but sometimes you need to treat yourself. Dishoom serves halal chicken and lamb in a gorgeous Bombay-inspired setting. Worth it for special occasions.

Don't leave without trying: The Chicken Ruby is comfort in a bowl. Morning person? The Naan Roll at breakfast will change your life. The portions are generous, so come hungry.

The vibe: Stylish, relaxed, and worth the extra walk when you want to actually enjoy your meal rather than inhale it between lectures.

Pro Tips 

🎓 Student Perks: Chaiiwala offers 15% off for students dining in. For other spots, it's always worth asking if there's a student discount- some offer them even if they're not advertised.

✅ Halal Verification: All the spots listed serve certified halal meat, but if you want to double-check (especially for dietary restrictions), just ask at the counter. Staff are usually very transparent about it.

⏰ Beat the Rush: Lunchtime (12:30-1:30 pm) is carnage everywhere. If you can swing it, eat at 12 pm or after 2 pm. Future you will thank present you for avoiding the queues.

📱 Delivery Days: Can't face leaving your study spot? Most of these are on Deliveroo or Uber Eats. Perfect for those library all-nighters or when it's absolutely bucketing it down outside.

You're spending a year (or more) at LSE- you might as well eat well while you're at it. Try them all, find your favourite, and don't be afraid to branch out beyond this list. Central London's packed with halal options, and half the fun is discovering your own hidden gems between lectures.