Can Hong Kong be more Muslim-friendly? Having more ‘halal’ dining options can help attract Middle East visitors
- City is a food paradise, but not for Muslim visitors keen to try Cantonese cuisine and local delights
- Businesses are not convinced crowds will show up if they invest in halal restaurants and get certified
From hamburgers, kebabs and French fries to dim sum, hotpot and fried rice, the videos on her @foodie_explorerz page showcase all that is halal.
An Indian Muslim who grew up in Hong Kong, she has gained a following helping other Muslims navigate the city’s massive food scene.
“I love having Middle Eastern food – shawarmas in particular – and my other favourite is Chinese food, which includes dumplings and noodles,” said the full-time social media manager, who is in her twenties.
But while Muslims had more choices compared with a decade ago, the city still had some way to go to be considered truly halal-friendly, especially in terms of variety and Chinese food offerings, she said.
“Spots like cha chaan teng and dai pai dong offering halal options would level up the dining experience,” she said, referring to the city’s local diners and open-air restaurants.
“Imagine fully enjoying Hong Kong’s lively food scene, including its famous street food, while staying true to your dietary preferences. It would be a game-changer.”