The ultimate guide to Hong Kong for Muslim travellers

Hong Kong is truly a melting pot of cultures and religions. Among those who call it home are some 300,000 practicing Muslims with roots in the Chinese Mainland, India, Indonesia, the Middle East and beyond. 

The influence of these vibrant communities can be seen in the abundance of halal-certified restaurants and eateries, Muslim-friendly establishments and attractions, and six easily accessible mosques across the city.

If you’re visiting Hong Kong for the first time or returning on business, here’s everything you need to know when planning a Muslim-friendly holiday in the city.

Where to start

Whether you’re travelling into the city or just passing through on a stopover, you’ll want to refuel and refresh when you land at the Hong Kong International Airport (HKIA). HKIA offers four prayer rooms located within the departure area, equipped with basic fixtures and furniture, including an ablution basin and a communal mat.

For a quick bite, Intervals Sky Bar & Restaurant at the Sky Bridge offers tasty halal options. Or make a detour to KaravanStop by nodi, OldTown White Coffee or Pacific Coffee for pastries, cakes and coffee.

What to do 

Visit Hong Kong’s mosques 

There are six main mosques in Hong Kong, all dotted around the city. The largest and most iconic is the Kowloon Masjid and Islamic Centre, more commonly known as the Kowloon Mosque, accommodating up to 3,500 worshippers. Jamia Mosque in Central is the city’s first and oldest mosque, built in 1849. Located along the iconic 800-metre Mid-Levels escalator, it features a beautiful Arabic arched entrance and windowpanes.

More modern is the Masjid Ammar and Osman Ramju Sadick Islamic Centre, also known as the Islamic Centre. This eight-storey building comprises a library, kindergarten, prayer halls for men and women, and a bustling halal dim sum restaurant. Hong Kong’s three other main mosques are the Chai Wan Mosque, Ibrahim Mosque in Mong Kok, and Stanley Mosque near Hong Kong Ocean Park.

Have a family day at Hong Kong’s theme parks  

There’s something for everyone at Ocean Park Hong Kong, whether it’s meeting the park’s famous giant pandas, spotting a variety of aquatic animals or hopping from one thrilling ride to the next. The park also offers a selection of halal food across its dining outlets and provides a prayer room with Qibla indication at the Guest Relations Office at the main entrance.

Love a sprinkling of fantasy? Hong Kong Disneyland Resort is the most magical place in the city. In between spectacular shows and friendly character meet-and-greets, make a stop at halal-certified Tahitian Terrace for a delicious meal. If you need a quiet space to pray, you’ll find the park’s prayer room located next to the Explorer’s Club Restaurant, equipped with wudhu facilities. 

Explore Hong Kong’s hiking trails  

Hong Kong’s unique charm lies in its blend of urban vibrancy and natural beauty. You can shop in luxury malls, trek mountains, and relax on beaches all in one day. With more than 250 islands and hundreds of hiking trails peppered with hidden caves, stunning waterfalls and rock formations, the sights are endless.

For a longer yet approachable hike, follow the Dragon’s Back trail from Shek O to Big Wave Bay and treat yourself to a well-deserved fresh coconut drink or ice cream at Tong Kee. For a family-friendly stroll, Cheung Chau Island boasts panoramic sea views and cycling paths, and freshly caught seafood by the pier.

What to see

Admire Victoria Harbour from a Ferris wheel 

Enjoy a bird’s eye view of Hong Kong’s stunning Victoria Harbour from the AIA Observation Wheel, then hop on the Star Ferry to reach the shopping district of Tsim Sha Tsui. Here, you can shop until you drop at Harbour City, haggle your way through the Night Market, be spoilt for choice with halal-friendly dining options, and visit the biggest mosque in the city.

Enjoy mountain views on a cable car ride

Take in the sights of Lantau Island, including the 32-metre-high Big Buddha statue, as you ride a cable car to the peaceful village of Ngong Ping. Once there, savour halal pizzas and Turkish kebabs at casual eatery Ebeneezer’s. The village also provides prayer rooms for men and women, complete with prayer mats. For assistance, visit the village’s Holidays 360 Information Center

Take in the Hong Kong skyline from the Sky100  

Whizz up to the 100th floor of the ICC, Hong Kong’s tallest building, to Sky100 observation deck, which affords mesmerising views of Hong Kong's iconic skyline. The attraction also offers halal-friendly dishes at Café100 and prayer room facilities equipped with a prayer mat and qibla; staff at the Customer Service Counter will be happy to help should you need assistance.

Where to eat 

Discover the best halal food in Hong Kong, from delectable pork-free dim sum to authentic Indian and Middle Eastern cuisine. With over 100 halal-certified and halal-friendly restaurants approved by the Incorporated Trustees of the Islamic Community Fund of Hong Kong, you’ll have no shortage of options.  

Chinesology

Immerse in a luxuriously modern dining experience at Chinesology, where elegant interiors and interactive tableside service combine with contemporary Chinese cuisine to create an unforgettable dining experience. The restaurant serves and is known for dishes such as roasted beef infused with 20-year-aged tangerine peel, honey and peanuts and crispy caramelised lotus root slices, coated in a sweet tangy glaze with a hint of spice. 

The restaurant is the first certified halal-friendly Chinese fine dining establishment in Hong Kong, offering lunch and dinner tasting menus carefully prepared according to strict standards. Reservations are required.  

Bombay Dreams 

A mainstay in Hong Kong's Indian dining scene, Bombay Dreams was the first Indian restaurant in the city to earn a mention in the esteemed Michelin Guide Bib Gourmand – and has done so for 12 consecutive years since 2009.  

The restaurant’s menu champions a diverse selection of halal meats, seafood and vegetarian options, and features signature dishes such as galouti kebab and marinated tandoor-cooked lamb chops. Popular for its weekday lunch or weekend brunch buffets, diners can try a little bit of everything and enjoy refillable baskets of crispy naan served fresh out of the oven. 

Where to stay 

Rest easy during your trip to Hong Kong with a comfortable stay at the best Muslim-friendly hotels the city has to offer. Each has received the highest Crescent Rating from the world’s leading authority on Halal travel. 

Hong Kong Ocean Park Marriott Hotel 

As well as easy proximity to Ocean Park Hong Kong, this family-friendly hotel offers a slew of facilities to entertain little ones. Staff are attentive to the dietary requirements of Muslim travellers, whether you’re dining in at the halal-certified Marina Kitchen or ordering room service. Separate prayer facilities are provided for men and women, while information about nearby halal restaurants and Muslim-friendly attractions is also readily available at the front desk.

The Mira Hong Kong 

Located just a stone’s throw from the Kowloon Mosque, this Muslim-friendly hotel comes with captivating views of Victoria Harbour. It features a host of Muslim-friendly facilities and amenities, including prayer directions in every room, prayer rooms and mats, and halal fine dining at the Michelin-recommended Cuisine Cuisine at The Mira.  

Kowloon Shangri-la Hong Kong 

Adults can rest in the lap of luxury while youngsters explore a slew of kid-friendly amenities at this five-star hotel. Guestrooms are equipped with a Quran and qibla for your convenience, while the halal-friendly certified Café Kool invites you to tuck into a buffet spread of exceptional halal dishes.  

Grand Hyatt Hong Kong 

Located in the heart of Wan Chai and within walking distance of a mosque and myriad halal restaurants, this luxurious hotel offers the perfect blend of comfort, elegance and convenience, along with all-day halal dining at the Grand Café.

First video credit: CHUNYIP WONG/Getty Images