Halal Certified Restaurants in Hong Kong: A Complete Guide for Muslim Travelers

Hong Kong is known for its impressive food scene. From Michelin-starred restaurants to local street food, you can find nearly everything you’re craving. However, it’s not always easy to locate restaurants that cater specifically to the dietary needs of Muslims. Whether you are searching for a quick snack or a sit-down dinner, knowing where to find Halal-certified restaurants can be challenging in a city where pork and alcohol are common ingredients. But with a little research, you’ll soon discover that Hong Kong offers a surprising number of options. Let’s start with what you need to know upfront.

What Does Halal Certification Mean in Hong Kong?

In Hong Kong, Halal certification is regulated by The Incorporated Trustees of the Islamic Community Fund of Hong Kong (ICF). The certification ensures that the food served complies with Islamic dietary laws, which prohibit pork, alcohol, and improperly slaughtered animals. If a restaurant is certified, it means they adhere strictly to these rules. Many international and local restaurants work with ICF to ensure they are compliant, especially as Hong Kong becomes more popular with Muslim tourists from Southeast Asia, the Middle East, and beyond.

Top Halal-Certified Restaurants in Hong Kong

1. Islamic Centre Canteen

Located inside the Masjid Ammar and Osman Ramju Sadick Islamic Centre, the Islamic Centre Canteen is perhaps one of the most well-known Halal-certified spots in Hong Kong. Here, you can find traditional Cantonese dim sum prepared according to Halal guidelines. It’s one of the few places in the city that offers Halal dim sum, and it’s incredibly affordable. Expect to find steamed buns, shrimp dumplings, and rice noodle rolls, all without the worry of cross-contamination.
Location: Wan Chai
Cuisine: Cantonese (Dim Sum)

2. Ebeneezer’s Kebab and Pizzeria

For something a little different, Ebeneezer’s offers a blend of Mediterranean and Western dishes, such as kebabs, pizzas, and wraps. This chain of restaurants has multiple locations across Hong Kong, making it a convenient option for Muslims looking for Halal-certified meals. The food is fast, affordable, and delicious, perfect for a quick meal on the go.
Location: Various locations (including Central, Tsim Sha Tsui, Wan Chai)
Cuisine: Mediterranean, Western

3. Bismillah Kebab House

If you’re in Kowloon and craving authentic Pakistani or Indian food, then Bismillah Kebab House is the place to go. This small but cozy restaurant is Halal-certified and offers an extensive menu of kebabs, curries, and biryanis. Their tandoori chicken is particularly popular, and the prices are very reasonable. It’s a must-visit for anyone looking to indulge in hearty South Asian cuisine.
Location: Tsim Sha Tsui
Cuisine: Pakistani, Indian

4. Ma's Restaurant

Another gem for Muslim food lovers is Ma’s Restaurant, which specializes in Chinese-style Halal dishes. Their specialties include spicy beef noodle soup, fried dumplings, and lamb skewers. Located in the Mong Kok area, Ma's has been serving Halal-certified meals for years and is highly recommended for anyone looking to enjoy a Chinese dining experience with the reassurance of Halal certification.
Location: Mong Kok
Cuisine: Chinese, Uyghur

5. Wai Kee Duck Rice

For a taste of Hong Kong’s famous roast duck, head to Wai Kee Duck Rice in the Bowrington Road Market. This food stall serves Halal-certified roast duck, which is a rare find in the city. The stall has been around for decades, and despite its unassuming appearance, it is beloved by locals and tourists alike. Along with the roast duck, they also serve delicious curries, which makes it a unique culinary experience in Hong Kong.
Location: Wan Chai
Cuisine: Cantonese

Hidden Gems and Lesser-Known Halal Restaurants

While the above restaurants are among the most popular Halal-certified eateries, Hong Kong also has a number of lesser-known spots worth exploring. For instance, Happy Cow, a vegan ice cream shop with a location in Central, is Halal-certified, and offers a wide variety of dairy-free, gluten-free, and vegan-friendly ice cream flavors. It’s a perfect stop for dessert after a Halal meal.

Similarly, Sangeetha Vegetarian Restaurant offers Halal-certified South Indian vegetarian food. Although it’s a vegetarian spot, the certification ensures that even the ingredients used in the preparation comply with Halal guidelines. This restaurant is particularly popular with Indian tourists and the local South Asian community.

Location: Central, Tsim Sha Tsui
Cuisine: Vegan, South Indian

Halal-Friendly Hotel Dining Options

If you’re staying in a hotel and prefer to dine there, some major hotels in Hong Kong offer Halal-certified dining options or can prepare Halal meals upon request. The Sheraton Hong Kong in Tsim Sha Tsui is one such example, where Halal dishes are available at their buffet. Similarly, the Langham Hotel and Ritz Carlton offer Halal-certified meal options for their Muslim guests. Always call ahead to confirm the availability of Halal options.

Practical Tips for Finding Halal Food in Hong Kong

• Halal Apps: There are several apps available that can help you locate Halal-certified restaurants in Hong Kong. Apps like Zabihah and HappyCow list Halal restaurants, complete with user reviews, ratings, and contact information.

• Halal Sections in Supermarkets: If you’re planning on cooking your own meals, Hong Kong’s larger supermarkets such as ParknShop and Wellcome have dedicated sections for Halal products, especially in areas like Tsim Sha Tsui and Wan Chai, which are home to many Muslim residents and tourists.

• Language Barrier: Although English is widely spoken in Hong Kong, it can be useful to learn a few phrases in Cantonese. For example, "Halal" is translated as "清真" (qīngzhēn), which can help you identify Halal food options when shopping in local markets or dining in less touristy areas.

Data Insights: Growth of Halal Tourism in Hong Kong

As shown in the table above, the number of Muslim tourists visiting Hong Kong has been steadily increasing over the years. This growth has led to more restaurants seeking Halal certification, creating a more Muslim-friendly environment in the city. The presence of Halal food is no longer limited to specific neighborhoods, and now it’s easier than ever to find diverse and delicious Halal-certified cuisine across Hong Kong.

Conclusion: A Growing Hub for Halal Dining

Hong Kong may not be the first city that comes to mind when thinking about Halal-friendly destinations, but the availability of Halal-certified restaurants is increasing. Whether you're in the mood for traditional Cantonese dishes, South Asian fare, or even Mediterranean cuisine, there are plenty of options available to satisfy your cravings without compromising your faith.

The next time you're in Hong Kong, use this guide to navigate the city's vibrant food scene with confidence, knowing that there are Halal-certified options that cater to a wide variety of tastes and budgets.