Breakfast is my favourite meal of the day and the Full English breakfast is one of my favourite breakfasts out there. Unfortunately, a key component prevents it actually from being halal. However, with the spread of Muslims and halal food in England and in London particularly, there are now numerous spots that do a halal Full English breakfast (a modified version of course). And the best one of them all is arguably Grounded Coffee on Whitechapel Road in East London.
The Full English breakfast
Can you believe that the English breakfast can be traced back to the early 1300’s!! It is a dish or meal that is steeped in history and tradition. As the nation developed, this culinary classic remained in one form or another. The end result now, one that is referred to as the “Full English”, is compiled of bacon, eggs, sausage, baked beans, fried tomato, fried mushrooms, black pudding, fried and toasted bread. You may get regional variances and controversial additions such as hash brown (there are some staunch opponents of this). Read more about this here.
Seeing as this Great British classic has developed over the centuries and it varies depending on the region and their taste, would it be safe (or dangerous) to say that the halal version found in many cafes around the country is the latest variation of the Full English breakfast? The halal version basically excludes black pudding and replaces any pork item (sausage and bacon) with alternatives such as beef sausage and turkey bacon.
Grounded Coffee on Whitechapel Road
Look for the small cafe on Whitechapel Road that is always packed busy on the inside and usually with people queuing up outside too, and you’ve found Grounded Coffee. Plan accordingly because you’ll probably have to wait for a seat otherwise. The continuous crowds is an indication of the quality of this cafe. They pride themselves in using high quality, fresh, organic and locally sourced ingredients as well as HMC certified halal meat! Kerching! They’re also known for their premium coffee, so make sure you give that a try along with your fry up.
Read more about them here.
We ordered the full English and their buttermilk pancakes. Let’s start with the pancakes. They were fluffy and delicious and the toppings and additions made for a superb combination and it makes for a good sweet accompaniment to the savoury and salty Full English. But you’re not here to read about the pancakes are you? Let’s discuss the main event! The Full English. Commonly, the problem with halal Full English breakfasts is the poor quality sausages, so if the sausage is good, you know the breakfast is good. I can confirm the sausage here is good! Head down to East London and give this place a try for your Full English fix. You will not be disappointed.
Getting there
Nearest station: Aldgate East
Nearest mosque: East London Mosque
Parking: Most if not all the roads behind the East London Mosque are free evenings and weekends, but there is literally a competition for parking spaces. So, be prepared to drive around in circles and wait till you find something to pounce on.
