Halal and Vegetarian Food in Hong Kong
Hong Kong is renowned for its diverse food culture, offering everything from street food to Michelin-starred dining. For those seeking halal and vegetarian options, the city offers a variety of excellent choices catering to Muslim and vegetarian travelers. Whether you’re looking for traditional Cantonese dishes, Indian cuisine, or international flavors, Hong Kong has something for everyone.
1. Islamic Centre Canteen
One of the most popular halal eateries in Hong Kong, the Islamic Centre Canteen offers a wide range of Cantonese dim sum and Chinese dishes, all prepared according to halal guidelines. Located inside the Masjid Ammar and Osman Ramju Sadick Islamic Centre, this canteen is well-known for its delicious dim sum and family-style meals.
- Address: 5th Floor, Masjid Ammar, 40 Oi Kwan Road, Wan Chai
- Specialties: Halal dim sum, sweet and sour chicken, fried rice
- Travel Tips: The restaurant is located in the Islamic Centre, so it’s a great place to stop after prayers if you’re visiting the nearby Wan Chai Mosque.
2. Wai Kee Duck Rice
Located in the Bowrington Road Market, Wai Kee Duck Rice is a small food stall that has gained a loyal following for its halal roast duck and lamb curry. This affordable eatery is a must-try for anyone looking to sample authentic Hong Kong street food with halal options.
- Address: Stall 5-6, Bowrington Road Market, Wan Chai
- Specialties: Halal roast duck, lamb curry, beef brisket noodles
- Travel Tips: The market is busy at lunchtime, so arriving early or late can help avoid long queues. The location is also close to Causeway Bay, a popular shopping district.
3. Ebeneezer’s Kebab & Pizzeria
A well-known chain across Hong Kong, Ebeneezer’s offers halal Middle Eastern and Indian cuisine, including kebabs, pizzas, curries, and wraps. With several branches throughout the city, it’s a convenient and casual option for halal meals.
- Address: Multiple locations, including Tsim Sha Tsui and Wan Chai
- Specialties: Lamb kebabs, chicken shawarma, halal pizza
- Travel Tips: Ebeneezer’s is a great option for late-night dining, as several of its locations are open until the early hours.
4. Ma’s Restaurant
Ma’s Restaurant in Sham Shui Po is a popular spot for halal Chinese dishes, including beef brisket noodles, lamb buns, and spicy chicken. It’s known for its hearty portions and affordable prices, offering a taste of authentic Chinese cuisine.
- Address: G/F, 21-25 Cheung Sha Wan Road, Sham Shui Po
- Specialties: Spicy lamb dumplings, beef brisket noodles, sweet and sour chicken
- Travel Tips: Sham Shui Po is a local neighborhood, so this is a great opportunity to explore the less touristy side of Hong Kong.
5. Woodlands Indian Vegetarian Restaurant
Located in the heart of Tsim Sha Tsui, Woodlands is a favorite for vegetarian Indian cuisine. Offering a wide range of South Indian dishes such as dosas, curries, and thalis, Woodlands is fully vegetarian and offers a number of vegan options as well.
- Address: G/F, 60-70 Nathan Road, Chungking Mansions, Tsim Sha Tsui
- Specialties: Masala dosa, thali sets, paneer butter masala
- Travel Tips: The restaurant is located inside Chungking Mansions, a multicultural building with various international food options and shops.
6. Khana Khazana Indian Vegetarian Restaurant
Located in the bustling Wan Chai district, Khana Khazana is a fully vegetarian Indian restaurant offering a variety of dishes from Northern and Southern India. The menu includes vegan options as well, making it a great choice for both vegetarians and vegans.
- Address: 1/F, Dannies House, 20 Luard Road, Wan Chai
- Specialties: Paneer tikka, masala dosa, dal tadka
- Travel Tips: Khana Khazana is a popular spot for lunch and dinner, so making a reservation can help avoid long wait times.
7. Branto Pure Vegetarian
Branto is one of the oldest vegetarian Indian restaurants in Hong Kong, serving a variety of North and South Indian dishes. Located in Tsim Sha Tsui, it offers a calm atmosphere and a wide range of options from dosas to curries, making it perfect for vegetarians.
- Address: 1/F, 9-11 Lock Road, Tsim Sha Tsui
- Specialties: South Indian thali, masala dosa, idli sambhar
- Travel Tips: Branto is located near major shopping areas in Tsim Sha Tsui, so it’s a convenient stop after a day of sightseeing or shopping.
8. Po Lin Monastery Vegetarian Restaurant
For a unique dining experience, visit Po Lin Monastery’s Vegetarian Restaurant on Lantau Island. Located near the famous Big Buddha, this restaurant serves fresh, traditional Chinese vegetarian dishes prepared by the monastery’s monks.
- Address: Po Lin Monastery, Ngong Ping, Lantau Island
- Specialties: Braised tofu, vegetable stir-fry, vegetarian spring rolls
- Travel Tips: Take the Ngong Ping 360 cable car to reach the monastery. Combine your meal with a visit to the Big Buddha and Ngong Ping Village.
9. Ahimsa Buffet
Located in Mong Kok, Ahimsa Buffet offers an all-you-can-eat vegetarian buffet with a variety of Chinese and Western dishes. This budget-friendly spot is perfect for those looking for healthy, plant-based options, including salads, stir-fries, and desserts.
- Address: 10-12 Liberty Avenue, Mong Kok
- Specialties: Vegetarian dumplings, braised tofu, vegetable noodles
- Travel Tips: Arrive early, as the buffet can get quite busy, especially during weekends.
10. Lotus Vegetarian Restaurant
Lotus Vegetarian offers a fully vegetarian buffet with a mix of Chinese, Thai, and Western-inspired dishes. With fresh ingredients and a rotating selection of dishes, it’s a great choice for vegetarians and vegans.
- Address: 1/F, 9 Wang Kwong Road, Kowloon Bay
- Specialties: Vegetarian sushi, dim sum, stir-fried noodles
- Travel Tips: Located in Kowloon Bay, it’s slightly away from touristy areas, offering a peaceful dining experience.
How to Get There and Travel Tips
- Metro: Hong Kong’s MTR system is the most convenient way to access most of the restaurants. Major districts like Wan Chai, Tsim Sha Tsui, and Mong Kok are all easily reachable by MTR, with signs in English and Chinese to guide travelers.
- Taxis and Ride-hailing: If you’re carrying heavy shopping bags or in a hurry, taxis and ride-hailing apps like Uber are available across Hong Kong, but be mindful of peak-hour traffic.
- Busy Hours: Many halal and vegetarian restaurants in Hong Kong are located in busy areas, so it’s recommended to visit during non-peak hours to avoid long waiting times.
Hong Kong’s halal and vegetarian food scene is vibrant and varied, offering something for every palate. Whether you’re in the mood for traditional Chinese cuisine or Indian flavors, the city’s diverse culinary offerings ensure a satisfying and inclusive dining experience.