Gone are the days when Muslims in Hong Kong had to scramble for halal options, settling for a Filet-O-Fish at McDonald’s (while silently questioning it), or simply opting for a vegetarian meal. The city has stepped up its game, steadily carving out a reputation as a more halal-friendly destination for foodies. Of course, there’s still a long way to go compared to regional frontrunners like Singapore and Malaysia. But we can’t deny that Hong Kong has come a long way. And any Muslim who grew up here would know. Below, we’re highlighting some of the best halal restaurants in Hong Kong (aside from the ones you may already know).
What exactly is halal meat?
But first, what exactly does ‘halal’ mean? In the literal sense, it’s an Arabic term for ‘permissible’. And it doesn’t just apply to food and drinks, it also covers behaviours, actions, and daily practices. For this article, though, we’re sticking to what’s on the plate.
Halal food must not contain pork or any pork by-products, alcohol, intoxicating substances, or blood. As for meat (typically chicken, beef, and lamb), it must be slaughtered with a swift, deep cut across the neck, a method intended to minimise pain for the animal. At the time of slaughter, a verse is recited to acknowledge that the sacrifice is made in God’s name. And for the record, all carnivorous animals are considered haram (not permissible).
So, if you’ve ever wondered whether halal meat is any different from what you’d usually eat, it’s really not. The main distinction lies in how it’s prepared and slaughtered.
Now that you have a good idea of what halal food means, you can use this guide to take your Muslim friends around, or simply pass this on to someone who would find this useful. Here are the best halal restaurants local Muslims will vouch for. And you can find the full list of halal-certified restaurants in Hong Kong and Macau via The Incorporated Trustees of the Islamic Community Fund of Hong Kong. The certification ensures the restaurants adhere to all the guidelines of halal food preparation.
Our favourite halal restaurants in Hong Kong
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Café KoolView this post on Instagram
How does an all-you-can-eat halal feast sound? Café Kool at Kowloon Shangri-La is a certified halal restaurant that really goes all out. Think lavish spreads of fresh seafood, Southeast Asian favourites like laksa, a live carving station serving up perfectly roasted meats, and Middle Eastern staples like mezze platters. Just make sure you show up hungry.
Address : Mezzanine, Kowloon Shangri-La, Hong Kong, 64 Mody Road, Tsim Sha Tsui, Hong Kong
Website : Visit here
Phone : +852 2733 8753
Price range : HKD 400-800
Opening hours : Monday to Sunday from 7 am to 10:30 am, 12 pm to 2:30 pm, and 6 pm to 9:30 pm
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Islamic Centre CanteenView this post on Instagram
For fuss-free halal dim sum in Hong Kong, the Islamic Centre Canteen in Wan Chai is a solid go-to. You’ll find trays of piping-hot classics. Siu mai, har gao, chicken feet, and more, all made without lard, so the world (or at least the canteen) is your oyster. Just a heads-up that the dim sum is served during lunch only, and it’s first-come, first-served.
LSA recommends: Steamed Shrimp Dumplings, Depp Fried Chicken Dumplings, Pan-Fried Chicken Bun
Editor’s Note: Google might say the canteen is temporarily closed, but it’s been reopened after renovation.
Address : 5/F, Masjid Ammar And Osman Ramju Sadick Islamic Centre, 40 Oi Kwan Road, Wan Chai, Hong KongPhone : +852 2834 8211
Price range : HKD 50-100
Opening hours : Daily from 10 am to 8 pm
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GaylordView this post on Instagram
Serving authentic Indian fare in Hong Kong since 1972, Gaylord remains a firm favourite among diners of all stripes. If you’re looking to eat to your heart’s content (and then some) drop by for the weekday lunch buffet. Fair warning, you may not be functional afterwards. Or opt for the Sunday brunch buffet, which offers serious bang for your buck.
LSA recommends: Palak Patta Chaat, Tandoori Mixed Grill, Mughlai Dum Biryani
Address : 5/F, Prince Tower, 12A Peking Road, Tsim Sha Tsui, Hong KongWebsite : Visit here
Phone : +852 2376 1001
Price range : HKD 200-400
Opening hours : Monday from 6 pm to 11 pm, Tuesday to Sunday from 12 pm to 3 pm, and 6 pm to 11 pm
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SumacView this post on Instagram
If there’s one place in Hong Kong that comes highly recommended by the local Lebanese community (at least the ones we know), it’s Sumac. The restaurant serves up hearty plates of authentic Lebanese and Mediterranean cuisine that hit all the right notes. And when the meal’s done, you can ease into the evening next door at Sumac Lounge for a shisha sesh.
LSA recommends: Chef’s Recommendation menu (to get a taste of all the best dishes, and it’s plenty of food)
Craving more Middle Eastern flavours? Check out our list of the best Middle Eastern restaurants in Hong Kong.
Address : G/F, 8 Glenealy, Central, Hong KongWebsite : Visit here
Phone : +852 9594 1173
Price range : HKD 400-800
Opening hours : Monday to Thursday, and Sunday from 2:39 pm to 10:30 pm, Friday and Saturday from 2:30 pm to 11 pm
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YurtView this post on Instagram
Hong Kong’s first modern Central Asian restaurant, Yurt is a unique halal destination, where you can get your hands on some horse meat! No fuss, no pretence. Just a laid-back vibe and bold ingredient combinations you won’t find anywhere else in the city.
LSA recommends: Achichuk (a refreshing salad), Baursak (fried dough), Beshbarmak (add horse-meat sausage to the noodle parcels).
Address : G/F, 32 Elgin Street, Soho, Central, Hong KongWebsite : Visit here
Phone : +852 5939 6413
Price range : HKD 200-400
Opening hours : Tuesday to Sunday from 12 pm to 2 pm, and 6 pm to 8:30 pm
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Win's IndonesianView this post on Instagram
Our Indonesian teamie has been low-key gatekeeping this gem, and well, we’ve now exposed it more than once. Win’s Indonesian may be small and humble, with a pretty concise menu, but honestly? Everything we’ve tried here so far has been a winner.
LSA recommends: Mie Goreng, Nasi Ayam Panggang (Grilled chicken with rice), Nasi Goreng
Address : G/F, 19 Irving Street, Causeway Bay, Hong KongPhone : +852 5607 3147
Price range : HKD 50-100
Opening hours : Tuesday to Saturday from 12:30 pm to 7:30 pm, Sunday from 10:30 pm to 7:30 pm
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SaffronView this post on Instagram
Saffron, formerly known as Loveat, is a must-visit, not just because it’s halal, but also because it holds the title of Hong Kong’s first Persian restaurant. True to its name, the kitchen makes generous use of saffron, adding a distinct fragrance and depth of flavour that’s hard to find elsewhere.
LSA recommends: The Mirza Ghasemi (a traditional mix of grilled smoked eggplant, tomato, garlic and egg), and the Mix Koobideh with Naan
Website : Visit here
Phone : +852 2595 9900
Price : HKD 100-200
Opening hours : Daily from 12 pm to 10:30 pm
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Wai KeeView this post on Instagram
People flock to Wai Kee for its legendary halal roast duck, and you should too. Tucked away inside the Bowrington Road Cooked Food Centre, it’s the kind of place you could easily walk past, so keep your eyes peeled. Whatever you end up ordering, expect every dish to be bursting with flavour.
LSA recommends: Roast Duck, Wonton Noodles, and Mutton Curry Rice
Address : Shop 5, Bowrington Road Cooked Food Centre, 1/F, Bowrington Road Market, 21 Bowrington Road, Wan Chai, Hong KongPhone : +852 2574 1131
Price : HKD 50-100
Opening hours : Monday to Saturday from 11 am to 6 pm
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Islam FoodView this post on Instagram
Kowloon City is indeed a foodie’s haven, and there’s one spot that been serving Xinjiang Fare since 1950! To this day, Islam Food remains a go-to for group dining, though the smaller your crew, the better your chances. Because there’s almost always a line snaking out the door. But trust us, the wait is well worth it.
LSA recommends: Pan-fried Beef Buns (their best-seller), Beef Slice & Bamboo Shoot with Red Pepper, Chicken Wonton with Spicy Chilli Sauce.
Address : G/F, 33-35 Tak Ku Ling Road, Kowloon City, Hong KongPhone : +852 2382 1882
Price : HKD 50-100
Opening hours : Daily from 11 am to 10:30 pm
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Chrisly Cafe (Halal bakery)The heartbreak is real when you can’t tuck into one of Hong Kong’s most beloved cha chaan teng treats, like a warm, buttery pineapple bun. But Chrisly Cafe changed the game when it started serving halal, lard-free baked goods, giving everyone a chance to finally join in on the nostalgia. Also, only the bakery is halal, not the restaurant food itself.
LSA recommends: Pineapple pun (crispy on the outside, fluffy on the inside)
Address : Various locations including Shop G7&G8, G/F, Harbour Pinnacle, 8 Minden Avenue, Tsim Sha Tsui, Hong KongPrice range : HKD 10-20
Opening hours : Daily from 7 am to 9 pm
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Hotal ColomboView this post on Instagram
Sri Lankan cuisine doesn’t get nearly enough attention. It’s fiery, seafood-forward, and layered with bold, complex flavours. And yes, it’s different from the Indian food you’ll find elsewhere in Hong Kong, though it shares some DNA with South Indian dishes. At Hotal Colombo, the real stars of the show are the crab and the kothu roti, both absolutely not to be missed.
LSA recommends: Chicken Kothu, Egg Hoppers, Pol Sambol, Jafna Crab Kari
Address : 31 Elgin St, Central, Hong KongWebsite : Visit here
Phone : +852 2488 8863
Price range : HKD 200-400
Opening hours : Monday to Friday from 6 pm to 10:45 pm, Saturday and Sunday from 7 pm to 10:45 pm
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Ba YiView this post on Instagram
This hidden gem is one of the few places in Hong Kong serving authentic Xinjiang cuisine. And it’s caught the attention of the Michelin Guide, earning itself a Bib Gourmand nod. For lamb lovers, this place is an absolute win, from the roasted lamb leg to the lamb skewers. Just a heads-up, the portions are generous, so come ready to share (or prepare for leftovers).
LSA recommends: Traditional Stewed Lamb, Firecracker Chicken Toss Noodles, and Lamb Dumplings
Address : G/F, 43 Water Street, Sai Ying Pun, Hong KongPhone : +852 2484 9981
Price : HKD 100-200
Opening hours : Tuesday to Sunday from 12 pm to 3 pm, and 6 pm to 9:30 pm
(Featured and hero images credit: @saffron.hk/Instagram)
Note : The information in this article is accurate as of the date of publication.