Cairns is a small city in Northern Queensland where the sun and sand are plentiful. While you enjoy the balmy tropical weather, you should enjoy the delicious Halal offerings there too. The Halal food in Cairns, while comparatively fewer are in no way any less scrumptious than what is available in the larger cities. The list below are but a sample of the Halal goodness you can find in Sunny Cairns.
Bagus Cafe
There are times when the name of a place correctly predicts the experience you will have visiting that locale. In this instance, Bagus Cafe means Good Cafe and boy, are they right. Located opposite the popular Muddy’s playground, the cafe serves up humble bona fide Indonesian fare.
Fill your tummy with fragrant rice, savoury satay and sinful Indonesian fried chicken as you enjoy the coastal breeze coming in from the water nearby. There is something truly comforting about a well prepared home cooked Indonesian meal and dining at Bagus Cafe will take you straight to a warm inviting home kitchen in Indonesia. For a taste of home, take a bite out of this Halal food in Cairns.
Classification: Halal certified
Cuisine: Indonesian
Address: 149 Esplanade, Cairns City, 4870, Australia
Contact: (07) 4000 2051
Yaya’s Hellenic Kitchen
Yaya or Yiayia means grandmother in Greek. True to its name, Yaya’s Hellenic Kitchen offers delectable Greek food reminiscent of grandmother’s cooking. You can expect to be fully satisfied when dining at this Mediterranean eatery as it brings warmth and comfort to the body and soul. Furthermore, just like in your grandmother’s house, you are showered with attention the moment you enter and leave stuffed to the gills.
Mediterranean food, like most Middle Eastern cuisine, focuses on seafood and meats like lamb and beef. Although the restaurant has no advertised Halal certification, the menu is pork free. Diners are encouraged to make their dietary needs known prior to ordering so the restaurant can best cater to them. The venue has a liquor license as well and as a result, should be dined in at your own discretion.
Classification: Halal-friendly
Cuisine: Greek
Address: Level 1 Cnr Aplin St & Esplanade Cairns, QLD, Australia 4870
Contact: (07) 4031 3033
Howlin’ Jays
Howlin’ Jays is the restaurant for you if you are up for a good time and love some fried chicken. Their fried chicken in all its spicy glory is a staple in Cairns with diners coming from far and wide just to sample the chook. Of course, if you aren’t a fan of fire in your mouth then you’ll be glad to know that Jay’s chicken comes in five levels of spiciness. You can test your limits from the standard Southern all the way to the eye-crossing, snot-dripping “Cluckin Hot”.
Besides their extreme chicken, Howlin’ Jays is also known for their fun and funky cocktails. For that reason, Howlin’ Jays can only be classified as Halal-friendly even though the chicken is 100% Halal. Do not fret though, you can join in the fun with their range of mocktails as well as enjoy the crunchy decadent fried goodness. Head to Howlin’ Jays for some good Halal food in Cairns and just to feel the breeze in your hair.
Classification: Halal-friendly
Cuisine: Nashville American
Address: The Pier, 1 Pier Point Road Cairns, QLD 4870
Contact: (07) 4041 1791
Indian Brothers Cairns
There are Indian Brothers restaurants dotted over Queensland and for good reason. They offer the Queensland public a taste of India right here in Australia. Deliciously chewy naan, fragrant curries, crispy samosas and so much more is on offer at the restaurant.
Although everything on the menu is Halal-certified, Indian Brothers allows for patrons to bring their own wine for consumption. So go ahead, eat with abandon and walk out satisfied. Halal food in Cairns has never tasted so good.
Classification: Halal-friendly
Cuisine: Indian
Address: 14/58-70 Lake St, Cairns City QLD 4870
Contact: (07) 4041 1188
Marinades Indian Restaurant
Marinades has created an alcove of Indian opulence that transports you straight to an Indian palace. Indulge in moreish curries, fragrant naans and briyani, and so much more. Marinades is an excellent location with its elegant design and excellent service, to celebrate something special.
You might want to take note of Marinade’s alcoholic drinks menu as you dine on their fully Halal menu. So while you can eat knowing your dietary needs are taken care of, some discretion is needed as the venue offers drinks. Ultimately, stop by Marinades for some truly satisfying Halal food in Cairns.
Classification: Halal-friendly
Cuisine: Punjabi Indian
Address: 14/58-70 Lake St, Cairns City QLD 4870
Contact: (07) 4041 1188
Don’t be fooled by Cairns’ small footprint. There is Halal food aplenty within its boundaries, and definitely some palate tickling options. Once you have been satiated, head to KKDay for some inspiring things to do in Cairns.
