Hong Kong presents a unique challenge for Muslim travelers: one of Asia’s greatest food cities where pork dominates the cuisine. However, with 300,000 Muslims calling Hong Kong home, a network of halal restaurants has developed, particularly in Kowloon. This guide covers everything you need to find halal food in Hong Kong.
Quick Overview: Halal Food in Hong Kong
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Halal Accessibility | Moderate - concentrated in specific areas |
| Muslim Population | ~300,000 (4% of population) |
| Best Area | Tsim Sha Tsui, Kowloon |
| Certification Body | Incorporated Trustees of the Islamic Community Fund of Hong Kong |
| Main Cuisines | Pakistani, Indian, Indonesian, Middle Eastern, limited Halal Chinese |
| Is KFC Halal? | No |
| Is McDonald’s Halal? | No |
Best Areas for Halal Food in Hong Kong
1. Tsim Sha Tsui (Kowloon) - Best Overall
Tsim Sha Tsui (TST) is the heart of halal dining in Hong Kong. This tourist district in Kowloon has the highest concentration of Muslim-friendly restaurants.
Why TST is best:
- Walking distance from Kowloon Mosque
- Chungking Mansions with 20+ halal eateries
- Mix of budget and mid-range options
- Easy MTR access (Tsim Sha Tsui station)
Halal restaurants in TST:
| Restaurant | Cuisine | Price | Location |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bismillah Kebab House | Pakistani | $ | Chungking Mansions, 3/F |
| Delhi Club | Indian | $$ | Chungking Mansions, 3/F |
| Khyber Pass | Pakistani/Afghan | $$ | Chungking Mansions, 7/F |
| Shalimar | Pakistani | $ | Chungking Mansions, Ground Floor |
| Taj Mahal Club | Indian | $$ | Chungking Mansions, 3/F |
| Nanak Mess | Indian | $ | Chungking Mansions, 4/F |
| Al Falah | Middle Eastern | $$ | Cameron Road |
| Marhaba | Pakistani | $ | Nathan Road |
2. Chungking Mansions - Budget Halal Hub
Chungking Mansions at 36-44 Nathan Road is legendary among budget travelers and the single best spot for cheap halal food in Hong Kong.
What to expect:
- Building looks intimidating but is safe
- Multiple floors with halal restaurants
- Primarily Pakistani, Indian, African cuisines
- Very affordable (HK$40-80 per meal)
- Cash preferred, some take cards
- Open late (many until midnight)
Top picks in Chungking Mansions:
- Bismillah Kebab House (3/F) - Best biryani, generous portions
- Delhi Club (3/F) - North Indian classics, good naan
- Khyber Pass (7/F) - Afghan and Pakistani, quieter atmosphere
- Shalimar (Ground Floor) - Quick Pakistani meals, busy
- Nanak Mess (4/F) - Cheapest options, local favorite
Navigation tips:
- Use Block A or Block B elevators
- Most halal restaurants on floors 3-7
- Ground floor has fast food counters
- Ask security if lost
3. Wan Chai (Hong Kong Island)
Wan Chai offers a different experience with halal Chinese food - rare in Hong Kong.
Key restaurant:
Islam Food (Wan Chai)
- Address: 1 Lung Kong Road, Wan Chai
- Operating since: 1936 (nearly 90 years!)
- Cuisine: Halal Chinese, Dim Sum
- Price: $$
- Hours: 11am-11pm
- Must try: Halal dim sum, beef brisket noodles, sweet and sour chicken
Islam Food is one of Hong Kong’s oldest restaurants and the best place for halal Cantonese food. Run by Chinese Muslims (Hui people), they serve proper halal dim sum - something almost impossible to find elsewhere in Hong Kong.
Other Wan Chai options:
- Indonesian restaurants along Lockhart Road
- Some Middle Eastern spots near convention center
4. Jordan and Yau Ma Tei
Adjacent to TST, these Kowloon neighborhoods have additional options:
Halal spots:
- Ma’s Restaurant - Halal Cantonese food
- Pakistani restaurants along Temple Street
- Indonesian warungs - affordable home-style cooking
5. Central and Sheung Wan (Hong Kong Island)
Limited halal options in the main business district:
Options:
- Some Indonesian restaurants
- Middle Eastern places near Soho
- Hotel restaurants with halal options (verify in advance)
Generally, Muslims visiting Central should plan meals in TST or Wan Chai.
Halal Dim Sum in Hong Kong
Finding halal dim sum is the biggest challenge for Muslim foodies in Hong Kong. Traditional dim sum uses pork extensively.
Why Regular Dim Sum Isn’t Halal
- Har gow (shrimp dumplings) - Usually safe if no pork added
- Siu mai - Contains pork
- Char siu bao - BBQ pork filling
- Lo mai gai - Often has pork
- Cheung fun - Check for pork additions
- Cooking oil - Often pork lard
Where to Find Halal Dim Sum
Islam Food (Wan Chai) - The only reliable option
- Serves halal dim sum daily
- All classics made without pork
- Beef, chicken, seafood fillings instead
- Authentic Cantonese preparation
- Expect queues on weekends
What to order:
- Halal siu mai (beef/chicken)
- Beef balls
- Chicken feet
- Prawn dumplings
- Cheung fun (rice rolls)
- Turnip cake (verify ingredients)
Alternative: Dim Sum Style Experience
If Islam Food is too far, try these alternatives:
- Vegetarian dim sum - Some Buddhist restaurants serve all-vegetarian
- Seafood restaurants - Order steamed seafood dishes (verify no pork)
- Hotel dim sum - Some hotels can prepare halal on request (book ahead)
Halal Chinese Food Beyond Dim Sum
Hong Kong Cantonese cuisine is world-famous, but pork is everywhere. Here’s how to enjoy halal Chinese food:
Safe Dishes to Look For
At halal Chinese restaurants (Islam Food, Ma’s):
- Beef brisket noodles
- Sweet and sour chicken
- Kung pao chicken
- Beef chow fun
- Steamed fish
- Claypot rice with chicken
- Wonton soup (halal version uses chicken/beef)
Dishes to Avoid Everywhere
- Char siu (BBQ pork)
- Siu yuk (roast pork)
- Most wonton noodles (pork filling)
- Regular dim sum
- Congee (often has pork)
- Clay pot rice (unless specified halal)
Mosques and Prayer Facilities
Kowloon Mosque (Masjid)
- Address: 105 Nathan Road, Tsim Sha Tsui
- Capacity: 3,500
- Features: Hong Kong’s largest mosque, beautiful architecture
- Nearby halal food: Multiple options within walking distance
Jamia Mosque (Central)
- Address: 30 Shelley Street, Mid-Levels
- Note: Hong Kong’s oldest mosque (1849)
- Nearby halal food: Limited, plan meals elsewhere
Other Prayer Facilities
- Chai Wan Mosque
- Stanley Mosque
- Aberdeen Mosque
- Some hotels have prayer rooms (ask in advance)
Practical Tips for Muslim Travelers
Before You Go
- Download apps: OpenRice (filter by halal), Zabihah, HalalTrip
- Save addresses: Screenshot restaurant locations
- Learn phrases: “No pork” in Cantonese: “Mo yuk” (冇肉) - though “Mo ju yuk” (冇豬肉) is more specific
- Book accommodations near TST: Easiest access to halal food
Getting Around
- Use MTR: Efficient subway system
- TST station → Chungking Mansions (5 min walk)
- Wan Chai station → Islam Food (10 min walk)
- Octopus card: Essential for transport and some restaurants
Eating Out
- Verify certification: Ask to see halal certificate
- Avoid assumptions: “Muslim-owned” doesn’t always mean certified halal
- Check cooking oil: Some use pork lard even in seafood restaurants
- Be specific: Say “no pork, no lard, no alcohol”
Emergency Backup
- Supermarkets: Park n Shop and Wellcome have some halal products
- Convenience stores: 7-Eleven has halal cup noodles (check labels)
- Vegetarian restaurants: Buddhist vegetarian is generally safe
- Seafood: Generally safe at seafood-specific restaurants (verify cooking method)
Sample Halal Food Itinerary
Day 1 - Kowloon
- Breakfast: Roti and chai at Chungking Mansions
- Lunch: Biryani at Bismillah Kebab House
- Afternoon: Visit Kowloon Mosque
- Dinner: Kebabs at Khyber Pass
Day 2 - Hong Kong Island
- Breakfast: Hotel or packed snacks
- Lunch: Halal dim sum at Islam Food, Wan Chai
- Afternoon: Victoria Peak (pack snacks - no halal at top)
- Dinner: Back to TST for Pakistani food
Day 3 - Mix
- Breakfast: Naan and curry, Chungking Mansions
- Lunch: Ma’s Restaurant for halal Cantonese
- Dinner: Middle Eastern at Al Falah
Fast Food and Chain Restaurants
Not Halal in Hong Kong
- KFC - Not halal certified
- McDonald’s - Not halal certified
- Burger King - Not halal certified
- Starbucks - Not halal (but vegetarian pastries may be safe)
- Café de Coral - Not halal
- Maxim’s - Not halal
Alternatives
- Chungking Mansions fast food counters
- Subway - Seafood/veggie options only (not halal meat)
- Some pizza places - Verify vegetarian options
Budget Guide
Budget (Under HK$100/day)
- Breakfast: Roti canai at Chungking Mansions (HK$20-30)
- Lunch: Biryani set (HK$50-60)
- Dinner: Curry and naan (HK$50-70)
Mid-Range (HK$100-300/day)
- Breakfast: Hotel or cafe
- Lunch: Islam Food dim sum (HK$100-150)
- Dinner: Delhi Club or similar (HK$80-120)
Upscale (HK$300+/day)
- Hotel halal breakfast
- Lunch: Ma’s Restaurant
- Dinner: Middle Eastern restaurant + dessert
Common Questions
Is Hong Kong Muslim-Friendly?
Yes. Hong Kong has complete religious freedom, well-established mosques, and a Muslim community dating back over 150 years. The city is safe and welcoming, though halal food requires planning.
Can I Find Halal Food at Hong Kong Airport?
Limited options. The airport has:
- Popeyes - Not halal
- McDonald’s - Not halal
- Some restaurants may have seafood/vegetarian
- Recommendation: Eat before arriving at airport
Is Street Food Halal?
Generally no. Hong Kong street food (egg waffles, fish balls, etc.) is typically not halal certified. Fish balls often contain pork. Stick to certified restaurants.
What About Hotel Restaurants?
Some 5-star hotels can arrange halal meals with advance notice:
- Marco Polo Hotels
- Regal Hotels
- Some Marriott properties Call ahead to confirm.
Summary
Halal food in Hong Kong requires planning but is definitely achievable. Key takeaways:
- Base yourself near TST for easiest halal access
- Chungking Mansions is your budget halal paradise
- Islam Food in Wan Chai for halal Chinese/dim sum
- No halal fast food chains - plan around this
- Verify certification - don’t assume
- Download apps - OpenRice, Zabihah, HalalTrip
With preparation, you can enjoy Hong Kong’s incredible food scene while staying halal. The Muslim community has been here for generations, and you’ll find genuine hospitality at halal establishments throughout the city.
For more halal travel destinations, see our guides to halal food in Singapore, halal food in Japan, and halal food in China.