Abdul Islam Catering brings authentic halal cuisine to events across Greater Manchester. Whether you’re planning a wedding, corporate function, or private celebration, our halal catering Manchester service offers a diverse event catering menu full of flavour and tradition.
From family recipes passed down through generations to modern twists on classic dishes, each item is prepared with care in our halal-certified kitchen. All our ingredients are carefully sourced – with halal meat and fresh produce – and every dish is made fresh to order.
We can also accommodate vegetarian guests wherever possible (see our dal below). Our passion for quality and presentation means your guests will enjoy not just food, but a memorable dining experience tailored to your event.
Suji Halwa – A Sweet, Soulful Dessert
Suji Halwa is a rich, buttery semolina pudding that’s beloved across South Asia. Traditionally served at celebratory occasions like Eid, Ramadan iftars, and Diwali, this dessert brings back warm memories for many guests.
We make Suji Halwa in small batches, slowly toasting fine semolina in ghee until golden brown, then simmering it in sweetened milk with a hint of cardamom.
The result is a fragrant, comforting pudding. It’s a crowd-pleaser because of its familiar home-style taste and creamy texture. To present it, our chefs garnish each serving with slivered almonds, pistachios, and juicy raisins. This gives the halwa an elegant finish – a pop of color and crunch that delights the eyes as well as the palate.
Because it’s completely vegetarian and gluten-free (wheat is used only in semolina, no leavening), Suji Halwa is an inclusive dessert choice that even guests with dietary restrictions (aside from gluten) can enjoy. Every spoonful speaks of warmth and tradition, making it the perfect sweet ending to a special meal.
Chicken Biryani – The Fragrant Main Course
Chicken Biryani is one of our signature dishes and a highlight on any halal wedding food or party menu. Biryani is an aromatic layered rice dish, made with aged basmati rice and marinated meat.
We prepare our biryani by first marinating UK-sourced halal chicken in yogurt, garlic, ginger, and a blend of spices (turmeric, garam masala, chilies). Each layer of rice is cooked separately with saffron and fragrant whole spices.
Then, in large handis (tradition), we layer steamed rice and chicken together, sealing the pot so the flavors meld perfectly. The final dish is colorful – golden grains of rice intermingled with tender chicken and garnished with caramelized onions and fresh coriander.
In many cultures, biryani is the centerpiece of celebratory feasts – it symbolizes unity and joy at weddings and festivals. Our guests often tell us the aroma of our biryani transports them to a family celebration. Because biryani is universally loved, it’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser at any event. We serve it buffet-style or as part of a plated menu, ensuring each guest receives a generous portion. The presentation is simple but stunning: bowls of biryani garnished with slivers of ginger and a wedge of fresh lemon on the side, so guests can add a citrusy zing. Thanks to our halal commitment, all ingredients (from the rice to the spices) meet the strict standards – so everyone can indulge with confidence.
Lamb Karahi – A Hearty, Flavorful Curry
Lamb Karahi is a beloved staple of Punjabi and Pakistani cuisine. It features succulent bone-in lamb pieces cooked in a hot karahi (wok) with tomatoes, ginger, fresh green chilies, and aromatic spices. The cooking method is unique: the meat is braised on high heat so the tomatoes break down into a tangy, richly spiced gravy that clings to each piece of lamb. Our head chef takes pride in executing this dish authentically – the lamb is marinated overnight and then charred lightly before stewing. We serve Lamb Karahi sizzling in its namesake iron karahi, straight from the stove to the table, which impresses guests and keeps the curry piping hot.
Culturally, Karahi dishes are associated with family gatherings and communal meals. Sharing a big karahi at the center of the table encourages that warm, “gather-round” feeling. True to tradition, we garnish the dish with fresh cilantro and julienned ginger.
Guests love scooping the rich curry onto fluffy naan or rice – it’s robust and satisfying. This dish always stands out on our menu because the combination of tender lamb and zesty sauce appeals to both meat-lovers and those seeking a comforting curry. We emphasize our halal quality at every step, so Muslim guests know their food is prepared according to faith (our Lamb Karahi uses certified halal meat and separate utensils to avoid cross-contamination).
Grilled Seekh Kebabs – Juicy, Smoky Skewers
For lovers of grilled fare, Seekh Kebabs are a must-try. These are hand-rolled skewers of spiced minced meat (we offer chicken and lamb versions) combined with fresh herbs, garlic, onions, and traditional seasonings. The mixture is molded onto bamboo or metal skewers and grilled over charcoal or a high flame.
This cooking imparts a beautiful smoky char, while keeping the interior tender and juicy. In South Asian and Middle Eastern gatherings, kebabs are incredibly popular – it’s common to see platters of kebabs disappear first at buffets.
At Abdul Islam Catering, each batch of seekh kebabs is handcrafted by our experienced chefs. They ensure every meat patty has the perfect balance of fat (for juiciness) and spice (for flavor). We grill them to order, which means they arrive to your event fresh off the grill, with mouthwatering aroma. We plate them on long wooden platters or banana leaves, garnished with chopped parsley and served alongside mint chutney and lemon wedges.
This presentation makes them both attractive and easy for guests to enjoy. As a result, our Seekh Kebabs are consistently a hit – the tantalizing char and blend of spices keep guests coming back for “just one more.” Plus, since chicken is available, everyone can enjoy them. We take care that even our grills and skewers are cleaned and dedicated to halal cooking, so every bite is fully halal.
Tarka Daal – A Wholesome Vegetarian Favorite
Abdul Islam Catering also delights vegetarian guests with Tarka Daal, a slow-cooked lentil stew that is both hearty and wholesome. This dish features tender yellow lentils simmered until soft, then tempered with hot oil infused with garlic, cumin, and aromatic spices.
The “tarka” (tempering) step – heating spices in oil and adding it at the end – gives the daal its characteristic depth and nutty flavor. We finish the daal with a drizzle of seasoned ghee and a garnish of fresh coriander.
Tarka Daal is especially comforting in cold weather or as a nourishing side at any event. It’s a crowd-pleaser because even meat-eaters love its rich, creamy texture and spicy notes. At Abdul Islam Catering, we prepare it in large pots and serve it bubbling hot.
It pairs beautifully with rice or breads, so guests can mix and match on their plate. Importantly, Tarka Daal is 100% vegetarian and made with halal ingredients, offering a perfectly safe and satisfying option for vegetarian guests without compromising on taste or authenticity.
Adapting These Dishes for Weddings
All the above dishes shine as part of a wedding feast. We can customize portions and presentation to fit a wedding banquet, mehndi, or walima-style service. For example, at a wedding buffet we might display the Chicken Biryani in a grand chafing dish garnished with rose petals, while serving Suji Halwa in dainty dessert cups or as individual plated desserts. Lamb Karahi can be pre-plated in elegant bowls, letting guests enjoy the curry without queuing. Our chefs can also adjust spice levels or make beef versions if preferred.
We understand that halal wedding food often requires special presentation – for instance, marriage ceremonies sometimes call for individually wrapped desserts or separate servings to maintain the fresh, hot condition. Our team coordinates with the event caterer or venue to ensure each dish arrives on time, and staff can be provided to serve or carve items as needed. Because all our food is halal-certified and prepared with stringent hygiene, your Muslim guests can celebrate worry-free. At weddings, these dishes bridge tradition and festive flair, making every guest feel included in the celebration.
Let Us Cater Your Next Event
Ready to treat your guests to Abdul Islam Catering’s specialty halal dishes? We’d love to help plan your menu. Whether it’s an intimate party or a grand wedding in Manchester, our team will work with you to include these halal dishes for parties (and more) on your event catering menu.
Contact us today for a free quote – just visit our Contact page or click the FREE QUOTE button on our website. Let us bring warm hospitality and mouth-watering halal cuisine to your next Manchester event!
