One of the bigger concerns of our Muslim friends when they’re planning for their trip to Hong Kong is the difficulty (or the idea) of finding proper halal food there, or even Muslim-friendly ones for that matter. But the good news is, it’s not that hard to find — some are even close to landmarks.
Another thing to note is that when you go to Hong Kong, you’re definitely going to want to try proper Hong Kong and Chinese food. We’re not talking about Middle Eastern, Western or even Malay/Indo food for that matter . We absolutely insist that you try these Chinese and Muslim-friendly HK food in all these spots:
1. Islamic Centre Canteen [Halal-certified]
Probably one of the most well-known halal dim sum eateries in Hong Kong, the Islamic Centre Canteen serves beloved favourites such as siew mai, shrimp wonton, xiao long bao and har kow. However, you do need to drop by according to these hours: 10am to 3pm and 6pm to 9pm on Mondays to Saturdays. Whatever the hour is, make sure you make this a must-try, because it’s dim sum, and it’s halal, guys!
Another thing to note is that the place is conveniently located next to a mosque, so be sure to stop by either before or after your prayers.
Nearby landmark: Ammar Mosque and Osman Ramju Sadick Islamic Centre
Address: Masjid Ammar and Osman Ramju Sadick Islamic Centre, 40 Oi Kwan Road, Wan Chai, Hong Kong Island
2. Wai Kee [Muslim-owned]
Those who want a taste of roasted duck rice should know that Wai Kee is one of the best in the city, and a halal one at that! Have a go at their mouth-watering marinated crispy duck skin. Other options include soy sauce chicken rice, wonton noodles and the signature mutton curry rice (only if you’re craving for something spicy). The shop opens every day from 11am to 6pm.
Nearby landmark: Bowrington Market
Address: Shop 5, Bowrington Road Cooked Food Centre, 1/F, Bowrington Road Market, 21 Bowrington Road, Wan Chai
3. Chrisly Cafe [Halal-certified]
You don’t call yourself a true lover of Chinese food if you don’t try at least one of their baked goods, especially when in Hong Kong. Chrisly Inn is that bakery to visit for their famous bo lo bao (pineapple bun) and classic egg tart. However, do note that only the bakery side is Halal-certified, so if you’re just looking for a snack, this would be the perfect place to go. Chrisly Inn’s Bakery is open every day from 7am to 11pm.
Nearby landmark: Kwong San Hong Building
Address: Wong Sang Hong Building Block B-d, Wan Chai, 6 Heard St, Hong Kong
4. Hung’s Chinese Restaurant [Muslim-owned]
Dine like the locals at Hung’s Chinese Restaurant, where you will get a taste of the much-loved roasted chicken, black pepper beef and prawn fritters. This spot is comfortable and quaint, and will have you feeling like a local in no time. Do note that while this shop, which is open every day from 11am to 11pm, isn’t Halal-certified, it is Muslim-owned.
Nearby landmark: Chungking Mansions
Address: Chungking Mansion, Chungking, 36-44 Nathan Rd, Tsim Sha Tsui, Hong Kong
5. Ma’s Restaurant [Halal-certified]
You’d probably need two trips (or more) to fully cover all of Ma’s Restaurant’s super extensive menu (19 pages long), but we don’t see anybody complaining.
This restaurant specialises in Xianjiang cuisine, and for those who might not know, Xianjiang is an autonomous territory in northwest China comprising a vast region of deserts and mountains. It’s home to many ethnic minority groups, including the Turkic Uyghur people so you might see a couple of very different dishes here such as veal goulash aside from the typical HK ones ), but you’d still be able to get a taste of other favourites such as beef soup noodles, and wonton-infused dishes.
Nearby landmark: Cheung Sha Wan Rd
Address: 21-25 Cheung Sha Wan Road, Hong Kong
6. Kung Woo Beancurd Factory [Halal-certified]
Tau foo fah is a favourite Chinese dessert among Asians so naturally, you’d want to give the HK-based one a try, no? This particular joint has been around for the longest time, and they still make their soy from scratch. Considered one of Hong Kong’s hidden gems, Kung Woo Beancurd may be a little hard to find as it is smack dab in the middle of a busy street, but there’s nothing like finally getting your hands on their famous tofu pudding, soy milk and deep fried tofu with fish paste.
Nearby landmark: Laughlaugh Grocery Store
Address: G/F, 118 Pei Ho Street, Sham Shui Po, Hong Kong
7. Tai Cheong Bakery [No Pork, No Lard]
Possibly one of the oldest establishments in Hong Kong is Tai Cheong Bakery, which has been around since 1954. Aim for the signature Tai Cheong Egg Tart (although those of you familiar with the Singaporean branch might have tasted it already), but give the HK one a go, why don’t you? The egg tarts are freshly baked daily, sweet, buttery, crispy and will absolutely melt in your mouth.
Nearby landmark: Oriental Crystal Commercial Building
Address: 35 Lyndhurst Terrace, Central, Hong Kong
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