Hong Kong has been home to a vibrant Muslim community for more than a century. Today, there is an estimate of 220,000 Muslims* amidst Hong Kong’s 7 million population. Muslim visitors will feel welcomed from the moment they enter the country to conducting their daily religious duties. There is also a range of restaurants throughout the city that serve Halal food, with Halal Restaurant Certificate issued by the Incorporated Trustees of the Islamic Community Fund of Hong Kong.
In its ongoing effort to attract Muslim tourists, Hong Kong Tourism Board (HKTB) recently co-hosted a Hong Kong Muslim Workshop with Hong Kong tour operator, Uni Asia Tours, to update the local trade members on the latest tourism developments in Hong Kong and showcase its Muslim-friendly facilities and services. Among those present were Hong Kong trade partners such as Big Bus Tours, Hong Kong Disneyland Resort, Ocean Park Hong Kong, Cosmo Mongkok Hotel, Cosmopolitan Hotel, Regal Airport Hotel and Mufti Haji Muhammad Arshad, the Chief Imam of Hong Kong and Chief Imam of Kowloon Mosque, was also present at the workshop to share some of the key facilities catered for the Muslim community.
Hong Kong's Chief Imam Mufti Haji Muhammad Arshad shared in his presentation, "Amongst the amenities and attractions catered to Muslim visitors are Hong Kong's major mosques and there are also restaurants throughout the city which serve Halal cuisine such as Indian, Pakistani, Middle Eastern, Western and Chinese." The briefing aims to provide the local trade members in Malaysia a better understanding on the Muslim friendly's facilities in Hong Kong and share insights to assist them to cater to their Muslim clients' needs in tour planning to Hong Kong.
To cater to the needs of Muslim travellers to Hong Kong, HKTB has launched a revamped Muslim Guide. This handy guide introduces the places to visit, halal restaurants and information on mosques around Hong Kong. With this guidebook, Muslim visitors can be assured of the convenience and minimise the language barrier when in Hong Kong.
Some of the key highlights from the Muslim Guide include:
1. Mosques
Masjid Jamia
If you are in the vicinity of the Central Mid-Levels escalator, make a trip to the oldest mosque in Hong Kong. Every Friday, hundreds of devout Muslims from around the world pass through its gates for weekly prayers. The mosque also conducts Quran recital and religious class for children almost every evening.
Address: 30, Shelley Street, Central
Tel: 852 2523 7743
Masjid Kowloon
Situated just beside the Tsim Sha Tsui MTR and right in front of Grandville road, the Kowloon mosque is one of the most well-known buildings in Hong Kong because of its imposing minarets. In addition to having four floors, the mosque can hold approximately 5,000 people in its main prayer hall. Just like other mosques in Hong Kong, Kowloon mosques holds religious classes for both children and adults.
Address: 105, Nathan Road, Tsim Sha Tsui, Kowloon
Tel: 852 2724 0095
Masjid Ammar & Osman Ramju Sadick Islamic Centre
This eight-floor-building has everything under one roof including a mosque, office of the Islamic Body, kindergarten, library and eating area. Three main Islamic organisations have set up their offices here - the Hong Kong Islam Association, the Islamic Community Fund of Hong Kong and the Hong Kong Muslim Youth Association. The mosque can hold up to 700 people.
Address: 40, Oi Kwan Road, Wan Chai
Tel: 852 2575 2218
2. Halal Cuisine
Islamic Centre Canteen
Sample some of Hong Kong's famous dim sum at this one and only halal dim sum restaurant located on the fifth level of the Masjid Ammar & Osman Ramju Sadick Islamic Centre. A wide variety of mouth watering dim sum such as siu mai, prawn dumplings and Cantonese desserts like egg custard buns are quite popular.
Address: 5/F, Masjid Ammar & Osman Ramju Sadick Islamic Centre. 40 Oi Kwan Road, Wan Chai
Tel: 852 2834 8211
Jashan Celebrating Indian Cuisine
"Jashan" means "Celebration" in Indian. A true representation of the diversity and richness of Indian culture, The signature dishes here are the Malabari fish curry, Sandal Wood Chicken, chicken or lamb kebab and pulao rice. This restaurant is also one of the QTS merchant (Quality Tourism Services Scheme) where high standards of quality and service are assured.
Address: 7/F, 1 Peking Road, Tsim Sha Tsui, Kowloon
Tel: 852 23127800
Ebeneezer Kebab & Pizzeria
Established in 1993, Ebeneezer's specializes in Kebabs, Curries, Pizzas, Biryanis, Salads, and Fish-N-Chips. This restaurant is one of the most recognised Halal fast food joints in Hong Kong that has two branches in Wanchai as well as one in Lan Kwai Fong. With 12 different kinds of dressings for your kebab to choose from, this restaurant is a must-try!
Address: Shop No.G034A, Discovery Bay Plaza, Discovery Bay.
Tel: 852 29870036
3. Halal Certification and QTS
Muslim visitors can be assured with restaurants displaying the Halal Certificates issued by the Incorporated Trustees of Islamic Community Fund of Hong Kong and shops with the QTS (Quality Tourism Services) sign which indicates that they have passed stringent annual quality assessments showing that they:
- Provide clearly displayed prices;
- Display clearly product information; and
- Ensure superb customer service.
The Quality Tourism Services Scheme is organised by the Hong Kong Tourism Board, which also provides assistance for enquiries about purchases from shops and restaurants accredited by the QTS Scheme.
To get a soft copy of the Muslim Tourist Guide to Hong Kong, send an email to sinwwo@hktb.com.
For more information on Hong Kong, visit DiscoverHongKong.com
* Source: Hong Kong Yearbook 2010.
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