Hong Kong Becoming The New Go-To for Muslim-Friendly Travel
If you thought Hong Kong was all about dim sum, dazzling skyscrapers, and busy street markets, think again. The city has been making remarkable strides in becoming a Muslim-friendly travel haven, rolling out accommodating facilities and services ideal for Muslim visitors.
A key player in this transformation is the Hong Kong Tourism Board (HKTB), which has been working tirelessly to ensure Muslim travellers feel right at home. One of their proudest milestones? The growing number of hotels participating in Crescent Rating’s (CR) accreditation programme. If you’re unfamiliar, Crescent Rating is like the Michelin Guide for Muslim-friendly travel, evaluating hotels based on their Halal-friendly facilities. As of February 2025, a whopping 52 hotels in Hong Kong have successfully obtained Crescent Rating accreditation, offering everything from Halal dining options to prayer facilities.
Of course, no trip to Hong Kong is complete without indulging in its legendary food scene. Fortunately, the city’s Halal-certified and Muslim-friendly restaurant count has seen a mouth-watering jump. The number has surged from around 100 eateries in June 2024 to a staggering 153, thanks to accreditation from the Incorporated Trustees of the Islamic Community Fund of Hong Kong (Board of Trustees).
From sizzling street food to fine-dining delights, Muslim travellers can now enjoy an array of culinary experiences without the hassle of hunting down Halal options. Whether you fancy a steaming bowl of beef brisket noodles or are on the lookout for a decadent Halal-friendly dim sum feast, Hong Kong has got you covered.
If numbers don’t lie, then the stats paint a promising picture. Since the launch of HKTB’s Muslim-friendly initiatives, arrivals from Indonesia and Malaysia have soared by 43% and 50% year-on-year, respectively. This is proof that Hong Kong’s efforts are resonating with Muslim travellers; and with this kind of demand, it’s likely that even more businesses will hop on the bandwagon to cater to the growing Muslim travel market.
HKTB is also actively training local tourism stakeholders to better understand Muslim travellers’ needs, ensuring that Halal requirements and cultural sensitivities are met across the board.
Ms Liew Chian Jia, Regional Director of Southeast Asia, HKTB, stated, “We are incredibly happy and encouraged by the positive progress we have achieved over the past year. Today, more attractions, restaurants and hotels are being accredited, which reflects Hong Kong’s enthusiasm in ensuring the best experience for Muslim travellers. We are dedicated to position Hong Kong as a top Muslim-friendly destination, especially for Indonesia and Malaysia, and we look forward to welcoming more Muslim guests to experience the best of Hong Kong in 2025 and beyond.”
With continued efforts to develop visitor sources from key Muslim markets, along with ramped-up promotional campaigns, Hong Kong is fast becoming a must-visit destination for Muslim travellers. Whether it’s for food, culture, or breath-taking cityscapes, there’s never been a better time for Muslim travellers to discover (or rediscover) the magic of Hong Kong.
5 Must-Try Halal-Certified Dining Experiences in Hong Kong
To help Muslim travellers explore the city with ease, here are some new spots that offer Halal-certified and Muslim-friendly options:
Chinesology
Hong Kong’s first Muslim-friendly fine-dining Chinese restaurant, Chineseology, has received Halal certification as part of HKTB’s effort in collaboration with the Incorporated Trustees of the Islamic Community Fund of Hong Kong (Board of Trustees). Chinesology offers an elevated dining experience with a selection of Halal-certified Chinese dishes. The restaurant’s elegant interior, featuring premium wood, sleek marble, and lush greenery, is enhanced by high ceilings, mirrors, and French windows. This creates a modern yet warm ambiance that perfectly complements its refined culinary offerings.
Address: Shop 3101, Podium Level 3, IFC Mall, Central, Hong Kong
Cuisine Cuisine
Cuisine Cuisine at The Mira is an upscale, restaurant offering exquisite modern Cantonese and Chinese delicacies with a contemporary twist. Recommended by the Michelin Guide Hong Kong & Macau since 2012, it features a dining experience rooted in revered Cantonese culinary traditions, curated by Chinese Executive Chef Edwin Tang. The menu features authentic signature dishes and creative dim sum with halal choices, as well as seasonal specials, all showcasing the art of Cantonese cuisine while respecting the unique taste of each ingredient.
Address: 3/F, The Mira Hong Kong, Mira Place, 118 Nathan Road, Tsim Sha Tsui
Dorsett Tsuen Wan – Dorsett Café
In a move toward greater inclusivity, Dorsett Café at Dorsett Tsuen Wan has removed pork from its menu and achieved full Halal certification. The restaurant offers a diverse selection of Halal-friendly dishes, including a breakfast buffet, set menus, and in-room dining options. To further accommodate Muslim guests, Dorsett Café is also launching a special Ramadan buffet, ensuring a comfortable and delicious dining experience during the holy month.
Address: 28 Kin Chuen Street, Kwai Chung, Kowloon, Hong Kong
Kowloon Shangri-La
The renowned Kowloon Shangri-La hotel is embracing Muslim-friendly dining with its Halal-certified offerings at Café Kool. Recognized as a “Halal-Friendly Restaurant,” Café Kool has curated a thoughtful Ramadan buffet, allowing Muslim guests and travellers to enjoy a rich selection of dishes that reflect the region’s diverse culinary heritage. This initiative ensures that Muslim visitors have easy access to high-quality Halal dining options during their stay.
Address: 64 Mody Rd, Tsim Sha Tsui, Hong Kong
Local Confectionery Brands
Hong Kong’s traditional treats are also becoming more accessible to Muslim visitors. Some notable Halal-certified options include:
● Kee Wah Bakery – Founded over 86 years ago, Kee Wah Bakery is a renowned Hong Kong bakery preserving traditional Chinese baking artistry. It is now a globally recognized brand and a top souvenir choice. Halal certified cookies will be available in their 70 stores in Hong Kong from 1 April 2025.
Address: Various outlets here
● PIN Cookies – These locally made cookies blend traditional Cantonese flavours with innovative ingredients, offering both sweet and savoury (or even spicy) varieties to suit every craving.
Address: Shop 3022A, Podium Level 3, ifc mall, Central, Hong Kong (Central Branch)
● Fine Foods Shop – The Royal Garden’s renowned patisserie, Fine Foods Shop, offers ‘best in town’ Original Butterfly Cookies, halal-friendly and freshly homemade every day, The dough is rolled for at least six times, sprinkled with white sugar then cut into a beautiful butterfly shape. The delicate crispy texture tastes like it’s melting in your mouth by layers. They are all accented with a touch of French flair and available for customers to take home for that special occasion.
Address: Lobby, The Royal Garden, 69 Mody Road, Tsimshatsui East, Kowloon, Hong Kong or at various outlets here
Muslim travellers planning a trip to Hong Kong can refer to HKTB’s Muslim Travel Page for more information on the city’s Muslim-friendly facilities, services, and attractions. The page will be regularly updated with newly accredited Muslim-friendly establishments.
Website: https://www.discoverhongkong.com/seasia/explore/muslim-travel.html
So, pack your bags and prepare for a Halal-certified adventure—because in Hong Kong, the only thing you’ll need to worry about is what to explore first!
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