A British Sunday roast with meat, potatoes and Yorkshire pudding

Is a Sunday Roast Halal? The Meat and the Gravy

It depends on two things: the meat and the gravy. A Sunday roast is the classic British weekend meal, roasted meat, roast potatoes, vegetables, Yorkshire pudding and gravy. Whether it's halal comes down to which meat you choose and what's in the gravy.

The meat

Beef, lamb and chicken roasts can be halal, if the meat itself is halal-sourced. Ask.
Pork roast (often served with crackling) and gammon (cured pork) are not halal, skip these.

The gravy

This is the easy-to-miss part. Traditional gravy is often made from the meat juices and stock, and some kitchens add a splash of wine for flavor. On a halal diet, ask whether the gravy is meat-based and whether it contains any wine, or ask for a vegetarian gravy.

The sides

Yorkshire pudding is a simple batter of egg, milk and flour, fine. Roast potatoes are fine unless roasted in a non-halal animal fat (ask if it matters to you). Vegetables are fine.

The easy route

Many halal British and gastro spots in London do a halal Sunday roast with halal meat and a suitable gravy. If you're at a traditional pub, choose beef, lamb or chicken, and ask about the meat sourcing and the gravy.

FAQ

Is a Sunday roast halal? It can be, depending on the meat and the gravy. Beef, lamb or chicken roasts can be halal if the meat is halal-sourced; pork and gammon are not. Gravy is sometimes made with meat stock or a splash of wine, so ask.

Is Yorkshire pudding halal? Yes, it's a batter of egg, milk and flour, with no meat or alcohol.

Does gravy contain alcohol? Sometimes. Traditional gravy is usually meat-stock based, and some kitchens add a little wine. Ask for the ingredients or request a vegetarian gravy.

Can I find a halal Sunday roast in London? Yes, a number of halal pubs and restaurants serve one with halal meat. At a traditional pub, pick beef, lamb or chicken and ask about sourcing and gravy.

A note on how we talk about food: this guide is general traveler information about typical recipes, not a ruling on any specific kitchen. Recipes vary from place to place, always confirm directly with the venue.