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Header image courtesy of @bombaydreamshk (via Instagram)
As a paradise for foodies, you can easily savour your way across the world just by exploring different neighbourhoods in Hong Kong. With a significant Muslim population in the city, it is not surprising that halal food is amongst the range of cuisines on offer.
There is a common misconception around halal food simply being pork-free when the Arabic word means “permissible” and refers to the acceptable way (a manner known as dhabiha) in which animals are prepared as food in Islam. Many restaurants of various cuisines are certified halal, which opens up a whole world of possibilities in Hong Kong’s culinary scene. Here is our list of where to find halal food in Hong Kong to make the search easy.
A staple in the Indian food scene in Hong Kong, Bombay Dreams has been serving up authentic dishes since 2002. As the first Indian restaurant in Hong Kong to be listed in the Michelin guide, you can expect the finest fare from Bombay Dreams.
The restaurant is popular for its delicious lunch and brunch buffets, available during weekdays and weekends, respectively. An à la carte menu is also available, compiled of delicious, signature items such as tandoori pomfret, Alleppey fish curry, and Lukhnowi Gosht biryani. Vegetarian and vegan options are also available.
Status: Certified halal food
Bombay Dreams, 1/F, Winning Centre, 46–48 Wyndham Street, Central
A popular Indonesian fast-food joint, Warung Malang offers no-fuss, delicious comfort food at a wallet-friendly price. Whether you’re here to try something new or craving a little taste of home, this place is an authentic option perfect for the hungry diner.
Status: Muslim-owned
Warung Malang, 2/F, Dragon Rise, 9–11 Pennington Street, Causeway Bay
Arguably the most popular halal restaurant in the city is the Islamic Centre Canteen. Located in the Islamic Centre, this restaurant is Muslim-only. Not only is the food served guaranteed halal, but you can sample across a variety of Cantonese dishes, such as halal dim sum at a comfortable price. We have been informed that the restaurant gets pretty crowded on a regular basis, especially on Sundays, so be sure to get there early before the rush.
Status: Certified halal food
Islamic Centre Canteen, 5/F, Masjid Ammar and Osman Ramju Sadick Islamic Centre, 40 Oi Kwan Road, Wan Chai
Whether you’re a visitor or a long-time resident, cha chaan teng food is a not-to-be-missed staple in the local food scene. Wai Kee is definitely one to frequent for authentic, halal Hong Kong-style fare. Popular items include the curry mutton and roasted duck.
Status: Certified halal food
Wai Kee, Shop 5, Bowrington Road Cooked Food Centre, 1/F, Bowrington Road Market, 21 Bowrington Road, Wan Chai
In traditional bing sutt-style, Chrisly Café comprises a restaurant and an adjacent bakery. Whilst only its beef is halal on the savoury menu, its bakery is completely certified. Made without lard and preservatives, you can sample seven types of buns, including the pineapple bun (菠蘿包; boh1 loh4 baau1) and cocktail bun (雞尾包; gai1 mei5 baau1).
Status: Certified halal beef and bakery
Chrisly Café, Shop B1, G/F, Kwong Sang Hong Building, 6 Heard Street, Wan Chai
As the first Persian restaurant in Hong Kong, Saffron (originally named Loveat) serves up authentic fare in generous portions, meaning it’s best to grab a couple of friends with you when you come for a meal. Popular items include the aromatic Kebab Lovers complete with naan and fragrant saffron rice and ghormeh sabzi (a traditional lamb and herb stew). Don’t forget to leave a little room for dessert, as the baghlava and bastani sonati (rose water, pistachio, and saffron ice cream) are must-tries.
Status: Certified halal food
Saffron, Shop E, G/F, Garley Building, 47–53 Graham Street, Central
Hong Kong’s very own “Little Korea” brings the delicious cuisine of the Land of Morning Calm to the Fragrant Harbour. Kimchi Korean Fusion is the first halal Korean restaurant in town and should definitely be on your must-visit list. From a selection of jjigaes (찌개; hot stews) to fried chicken, japchae (잡채; stir-fried glass noodles) and bibimbap (비빔밥; “mixing rice”), you can get a taste of authentic Korean food here without the fuss.
Status: Certified halal food
Kimchi Korean Fusion, Shop 4, G/F, Pacific Building, 65 Kimberley Road, Tsim Sha Tsui
Bengal Brothers’ menu is inspired by the street food stalls of India. Its signature kati rolls come in a variety of flavours and even vegetarian options with paneer and chickpea fillings. Rice bowls are a quick and more filling choice for the busy worker on the go, whilst the grill sets and street snacks are delicious alternatives for those not fancying carbs. Pair your meal with a refreshing mango lassi and you’re good to go.
Status: Halal chicken and lamb; open to inquiries
Bengal Brothers, locations across Hong Kong Island
Located in vibrant Knutsford Terrace, dubbed the “LKF of the Kowloon side,” Spice Restaurant and Bar serves up an impressive variety of cuisines. From Thai and Malaysian to Indian, plus a selection of pastas and pizzas, Spice’s menu is extensive and delicious across the board. Signatures include the tandoori lamb chop, baby back ribs, and masalas.
Status: Certified halal food
Spice Restaurant and Bar, 2/F, 1 Knutsford Terrace, Tsim Sha Tsui
Born and raised in Hong Kong and educated in the UK, Celia is passionate about culture, food, and different happenings in the city. When she’s not busy writing, you can find her scouting for new and trendy restaurants, getting lost in a bookstore, or baking up a storm at home.
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