
Inside Hong Kong's halal food scene: Best restaurants, choice of cuisines and halal categories
Bushra
With its halal-certified kitchen, Bushra offers an authentic Middle Eastern dining experience. Their menu features both well-known favourites and rare gems, including marinated beef skewers, lamb chops, lamb ribs and Arabic-style braised beef with rice. Don't miss their special brunch menu showcasing classics such as hummus, baba ghanoush and falafel—perfect for a weekend gathering.
Address: 66 Mody Rd, Tsim Sha Tsui Shahrazad Lebanese Dining Lounge and Bar
Shahrazad boasts a fully halal menu and a halal-certified kitchen. Step inside and you'll feel transported to the Middle East with its décor: low seating arrangements, plethora of cushions and rugs, and ornate decorations that spell glorious maximalism. This indulgent approach extends to the menu, which features roasted eggplant, traditional Lebanese grill items such as lamb kofta and grilled beef skewer.
Tatler tip: Get the mixed platter for a taste of everything—it's the perfect size for two to three people.
Address: 2/F, Carfield Commercial Building, 77 Wyndham Street, Central Islamic Centre Canteen
Above Fridays can be busy at the Islamic Centre Canteen
For a halal-friendly dim sum meal, head to the Islamic Center Canteen, a fully halal-certified restaurant that is known for its pork-free dumplings. You'll also be able to enjoy beef salad, noodles with sliced chicken and other Chinese delicacies. However, as it's located next to a prayer room within a mosque, Fridays after prayer time can get very busy and the waiting times can be long.
Tatler tip: Go at 10am to get dumplings served steaming hot. Otherwise, it might be a hit or miss.
Address: Masjid Ammar and Osman Ramju Sadick Islamic Centre, 40 Oi Kwan Road, Wan Chai Gaylord Indian Restaurant
As the oldest Indian restaurant in Hong Kong, Gaylord, founded in 1972, is an institution in itself. With a halal-certified kitchen, it offers authentic Indian cuisine with high-quality ingredients and feature live Indian music every evening. Don't miss the tasting menu celebrating the restaurant's 50 years—it includes truffle butter chicken, lamb galouti kebab, and more specialities from northern India, a delicious way to experience half a century of culinary excellence.
Hashtags

Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles


Tatler Asia
12 hours ago
- Tatler Asia
Sustainability and flavour: The rise of fermentation in Asia's top restaurants
2. Toyo Eatery (Manila, Philippines) Named after the Tagalog word for soy sauce, Toyo is the Philippines' most internationally renowned restaurant. The intimate space in Makati is where Filipino nostalgia meets slow fermentation and sleek modernism. Skipping the more intimidating setups of other restaurants of the same calibre, Toyo feels more like a warm family dinner than a fine-dining room. It is helmed by Chef Jordy Navarra and his wife and creative partner, May, and with their team, they've created an ode to fermentation. Take the beloved tortang talong, a humble eggplant omelette transformed by their house-made fermented banana ketchup. Or the Bahay Kubo salad, a riot of 18 local vegetables, each preserved, pickled or marinated to maximise character. And yes, they have their own takes on vinegar-laced sawsawan, made with fermented coconut sap, adding funk and brightness in equal measure. Don't miss: Together they thrive: How did Jordy and May Navarra build Toyo Eatery Navarra taps into local fermentation traditions like tapuy (fermented rice wine) and bubud (a natural yeast starter) to build dishes that feel ancient yet avant-garde. One course might include clams kissed with tapuy, another a fish that's been dry-aged with microbial care. Fermentation in Asia often takes two directions—backward and forward. Toyo, however, uses it to look inward, toward heritage, home and the flavours passed down at the family table. 3. Gaa (Bangkok, Thailand) At Gaa, Chef Garima Arora has found a way to make fermentation taste like a homecoming and a disruption at the same time. Born in Mumbai and trained in the avant-garde kitchens of Noma, Arora brings centuries-old Indian preservation techniques into dialogue with Thai ingredients—and the results are electric. In Gaa's fermentation room, lychee becomes liqueur, split peas turn into miso, and Thai fish sauces bubble away beside jackfruit pickles. A dish might riff on the comfort of curd rice, but arrive layered with lacto-fermented fruit and spiced oil. Or chaat will get a haute twist thanks to garums made with koji-cultured Thai beef. In case you missed it: Garima Arora is Asia's Best Female Chef and the first Indian female to receive a Michelin star Arora's philosophy is less about fusion and more about translation. Her 'beef garum,' for example, doesn't try to mimic fish sauce—it speaks its own savory language. The result is a genre-defying menu that bridges the fermented worldviews of India and Southeast Asia, balancing nostalgia with discovery. 4. 7th Door (Seoul, South Korea) To say that Chef Kim Dae-chun of Seoul's 7th Door dabbles in fermentation is an injustice. Rather, he builds worlds of flavour around it. His intimate, 14-seat restaurant is a fermentation theatre where more than 40 house-made brews and pickles are the stars of a sensory journey. You literally walk past the jars: bubbling, ageing, thickening—an overture to the tasting experience that follows. Kim's guiding metaphor? Fermentation as the 'sixth door' in a seven-step journey toward gastronomic epiphany. Here, jangs—Korea's holy trinity of fermented pastes and sauces—are aged up to a decade in-house. The fish sauce called aekjeot is crafted from local seafood and cured in soy. Even desserts carry fermented echoes, such as soy-syrup glazes over truffle tteokbokki. In one course, raw fermented seafood called gejang is reimagined with rare Dokdo prawns. In another, traditional Korean citrus is preserved until its bitterness turns sweet. It's fermentation as art, memory and alchemy. 5. Onjium (Seoul, South Korea) Not far from 7th Door, another Seoul dining room pays tribute to fermentation in a quieter, regal way. At Onjium, co-chefs Cho Eun-hee and Park Sung-bae reinterpret Korea's royal cuisine with the poise of scholars and the precision of artisans. Their secret weapon? A fermentation farm in Namyangju, where they produce their own variants of jang, kimchi and vinegar using methods drawn from historical royal cookbooks. The dishes at Onjium whisper elegance: cabbage that's been brined, aged and caramelised or soy sauces made from heirloom beans aged in traditional earthen hangari. The fermentation here isn't experimental—it's ancestral. But don't mistake it for nostalgia. Onjium's modern plating and seasonal tasting menus pull these ancient techniques into the present, reminding diners that the best ferments are, above all, timeless. 6. Mingles (Seoul, South Korea) If 7th Door is fermentation as intimacy and Onjium is fermentation as legacy, then Mingles is fermentation as global stagecraft. Under the visionary hand of Chef Kang Min-goo, this Seoul heavyweight has turned jang, those beloved fermented pastes and sauces, into the core of award-winning culinary performance. Here, doenjang and gochujang aren't accents—they're structure. Think seared Hanwoo beef glazed in soy aged five years or a vinegar reduction made from Korean pears and wild herbs. Kang pairs these ferments with international techniques: foams, emulsions and the kind of delicate plating you'd expect in Paris, not Gangnam. The result is a cuisine that elevates fermentation. The message is clear: Korean flavours, when rooted in their fermented foundations, can speak a global language—and win all the stars while they're at it. Don't miss: Chef Mingoo Kang receives Inedit Damm Chefs' Choice Award 2021 by Asia's 50 Best Restaurants 7. Amber (Hong Kong) At first glance, Amber, the flagship of the Landmark Mandarin Oriental, might seem too polished, too pristine, too art-directed to be part of the fermentation set. But Chef Richard Ekkebus has spent the past few years quietly reworking fine dining's relationship with preservation. Gone are the creams, butters and heavy reductions of yesteryear; in their place are koji-aged vegetables, fermented grains and lacto pickles used with the precision of a Cartier timepiece. Amber's menu doesn't scream 'fermented,' but listen closely and it hums with microbial nuance: carrot koji with abalone, fermented buckwheat bread and a much-lauded plant-based bouillon that's more umami-packed than most bone broths. Even the desserts get in on the action, with seasonal fruit vinegars and fermented rice milk redefining what 'light' can mean in a luxury context. Amber isn't trying to be Nordic or temple cuisine. It's Hong Kong high design, reimagined with microbes and minerals. Fermentation here isn't rustic—it's tailored. 8. Yun (Seoul, South Korea) One might remember Chef Kim Do-yun from Culinary Class Wars: a White Spoon chef whose eyes were practically closed as he cooked rockfish while rocking headphones. He even detailed his obsession with drying ingredients, claiming he has the most extensive dried food collection among the cast. It comes as no surprise that his acclaimed restaurant, Yun, is built on traditional Korean fermentation, ageing and custom noodle-making. Chef Kim obsessively sources and preserves ingredients—pickles, beans, grains, dried vegetables, meats and fish—often ageing many of them for years to deepen the flavour. His lab-like kitchen storage with over 500 labeled ingredients (pickles, grains, seeds, etc.) underscores how fermentation and time are central to his cooking. For example, Yun's signature naengmyeon (cold wheat noodles) are made entirely in-house from Korean wheat and served simply with salt and oil. Chef Kim is even notorious for taking months off to study ingredients and techniques. While the chef himself is soft-spoken, his philosophy is bannered loudly in the restaurant, with diners hearing the detailed explanations of the ageing, fermenting and drying process behind the dishes.


Tatler Asia
4 days ago
- Tatler Asia
Eating history: Where to experience Asia's most revered culinary traditions
2. Kimjang (Korea) Above Kimchi-making is one of a revered culinary tradition from Korea (Photo: huiyeon kim via Unsplash) Unesco inscription: 2013 Few foods inspire as much national pride as kimchi—and few practices are as cherished as kimjang, the communal ritual of making it. Typically held in late autumn, kimjang sees families and neighbours come together to transform mountains of cabbage, radish, garlic and gochugaru (chilli flakes) into vats of fermented brilliance. Each household adds its own variations, whether in spice blends, ingredients or methods. Beyond preservation, kimjang represents intergenerational learning and social cohesion. Historically a survival strategy for enduring Korea's harsh winters, it remains a vital cultural touchstone today. Unesco recognised kimjang as a powerful expression of Korean solidarity and cultural continuity. Where to experience kimjang In Seoul, Museum Kimchikan offers workshops that demystify the process. Outside the capital, rural communities host kimjang festivals from late October through early December, with some welcoming visitors. Year-round, Korean folk villages offer immersive classes for those eager to learn this living tradition hands-on. Don't miss: The history of banchan, the heart of Korean dining 3. Hawker culture (Singapore) Above One of Singapore's many hawker centres (Photo: Ethan Hu via Unsplash) Unesco inscription: 2020 Singapore's hawker centres are more than food courts—they're microcosms of a nation. At these bustling open-air markets, Malay satay sizzles next to Chinese noodle stalls, and Indian curries waft through the air. Hawker culture is a living, delicious reflection of Singapore's multicultural society. Originating from itinerant street vendors, hawker centres were formalised in the 1970s to raise hygiene standards. Today, they are beloved for their affordability, variety and inclusivity. UNESCO's 2020 inscription acknowledged not just the food, but the social fabric: hawker centres as communal spaces where different classes, ethnicities and generations meet in the shared joy of food. Where to experience hawker culture Try Maxwell Food Centre, home to the famed Tian Tian Hainanese Chicken Rice; Lau Pa Sat, with its colonial-era architecture and evening satay stalls; or neighbourhood gems like Tiong Bahru market or the Old Airport Road food centre. Local favourites often have the longest queues—and the most loyal followings. 4. Traditional tea processing (China) Above Chinese tea ceremony (Photo: 五玄土 ORIENTO via Unsplash) Unesco inscription: 2022 In China, tea is more than a drink—it's a philosophical tradition. UNESCO's 2022 listing recognised the cultivation, processing and cultural practices surrounding six main tea types: green, black, white, yellow, oolong and dark (such as Pu-erh). Each has its own terroir, personality and preparation method. Tea-making is a skill-intensive process involving withering, oxidising and roasting, but it also carries deep cultural and spiritual significance. The Gongfu Cha ceremony, for example, is both a meditation and a gesture of respect. Tea is central to family gatherings, religious festivals and even business etiquette. Where to experience tea culture Travel to Fujian's Wuyi Mountains for oolong tea, or Yunnan's ancient pu-erh groves. In Hangzhou, Longjing (dragon well) green tea is harvested near West Lake. For a curated experience, visit traditional teahouses in Beijing or Chengdu. Tea markets like Maliandao in Beijing offer a chance to explore China's vast tea landscape in one place. 5. Breakfast rituals (Malaysia) Above A traditional Malaysian breakfast (Photo: Damia Mustafa via Unsplash) Unesco inscription: 2023 In Malaysia, breakfast is more than a meal—it's a cultural mosaic. From banana leaf-wrapped nasi lemak to roti canai dipped in dhal, the diversity of breakfast fare reflects the country's multiracial harmony. In hawker stalls and kopitiams (traditional coffee shops), Malaysians of all backgrounds come together. The dishes themselves often blur culinary boundaries—Chinese-Malay laksa, Indian-Malay mamak roti, and more. UNESCO's 2023 recognition celebrates breakfast as a daily ritual of coexistence, trust and shared identity. Where to experience breakfast culture In Kuala Lumpur, Brickfields' mamak stalls are famous for roti and teh tarik. Penang's George Town is a haven for breakfast-hopping—start with char kway teow, then move on to kaya toast and assam laksa. In Ipoh, old-school kopitiams serve kai si hor fun and their legendary white coffee in vintage interiors. See more: Rooted in Flavour: A deep dive into Malay food


Tatler Asia
23-05-2025
- Tatler Asia
Discovering French flair: 5 restaurants for the discerning palate
Chiang Mai Above French restaurant L'éléphant Awards 2025 Tatler Best Thailand Restaurants 2024 Tatler Dining 20 Must Try Steak Tartare Classic French Onion Soup Brown Rice Green Tea Crème Brûlée View Menu Make your Chiang Mai trip even more perfect by experiencing a special culinary experience with Chef Oan Pathapee Moonkonkaew's dishes, served a la carte, focusing on classic French dishes with harmonious flavours. L'éléphant Address: 7 Siri Mangkalajarn Road, Lane 11, Su Thep District, Mueang Chiang Mai District, Chiang Mai Map Call Email Hours Web FB IG Bangkok Above French restaurant Maison Dunand Awards 2025 Tatler Best Thailand Restaurant 2024 Tatler Best Asia 100 Restaurants Chef Arnaud Dunand Sauthier creates a unique and engaging menu that combines his experiences with his childhood memories of growing up with the food of his hometown in the Alps, Savoie. Bangkok Above French restaurant Patt Awards 2025 Tatler Best Thailand Restaurants A premium French restaurant that has revolutionized Bangkok's culinary scene with its blend of classic and contemporary, led by Chef Big Atsas Pattanasatienkul, who combines French techniques with his Thai-Chinese roots. Bangkok Above French restaurant Mezzaluna by lebua Awards 2025 Tatler Best Restaurants Thailand View Menu Ascend to the 65th floor and step into a world of refined elegance. This crescent-shaped haven, encased in glass, unveils breathtaking panoramic vistas of Bangkok shimmering under the night sky, with the majestic Chao Phraya River winding like a ribbon of light below. It's a setting designed for impact, a dramatic backdrop for the culinary theatre that awaits. Prepare to be captivated by the artistry of Chef Ryuki Kawasaki, whose innovative cuisine is a sublime marriage of cultures. He expertly weaves the delicate flavours and inherent charm of the finest Japanese ingredients with the precise techniques of high-class French gastronomy, promising an impressive and unforgettable epicurean journey high above the capital. Bangkok Above French restaurant Chef's Table by lebua Awards 2025 Tatler Best Restaurants Thailand - Best Service 2025 Tatler Best Restaurants Thailand Here, culinary artistry unfolds before you. The open kitchen, a captivating centrepiece, features a striking cream Molteni stove with brass details, set against elegant Carrara marble beneath a pagoda-inspired brass hood. Forty-two meticulously arranged seats offer an exclusive view of Chef de Cuisine Vincent Thierry and his team crafting exquisite French cuisine. Experience dining and service as a seamless, artistic performance.