First Halal Cuisine Festival in Hong Kong
Hong Kong has taken a new step in terms of inclusiveness with the organization of its very first Halal in the open air festival, Saturday April 19, 2025 at Tsim Sha Tsui. An initiative welcomed by the local Muslim community, which sees it as an opening and recognition signal. Organized by the Melt Ethnic Minority Resources Center and the Islamic Trustees of Hong Kong, the event aims to highlight the growing diversity of the Halal culinary offer in the city. The festival is part of the authorities’ ambitious objective of making Hong Kong a privileged destination for Muslim tourists, with an objective of 500 Halal certified restaurants by the end of the year – a CAP already crossed by more than half.
“This is the first time that we have seen something like that here, and it’s very welcoming,” said Sumayya, a long -standing Muslim resident. For Athiya, her friend, the change is tangible: “In the past five years, many new halal options have emerged. It’s really practical. Saeed Uddin, president of the trustees, expressed his confidence in achieving the objective. “We already have around 280 establishments, including hotels. With the current efforts, we are on the right track. »»
The legislator Vincent Cheng recalled that more than 300,000 Muslims live in Hong Kong: “They are integrated, but keep their culture. This event shows our desire to go further in inclusion, especially in the tourism sector. The festival has gathered renowned establishments such as the Gaylord Indian restaurant, but also innovative actors such as the Fog Restaurant & Bar, which offers Halal Italian cuisine. “The halal does not only concern Muslims,” said its director Sohel Ahmed. “It’s a cuisine for everyone, whatever the beliefs. »»
Even the prestigious Kowloon Shangri-La Hotel has participated, notably with halal dishes for the next Dragons boats festival. Already well rated by Crescentrating, specializing in the evaluation of services adapted to Muslim travelers, the establishment illustrates the efforts initiated by the local hotel sector. This festival marks a symbolic advance for Hong Kong, which seeks to attract more visitors to the Middle East, while strengthening the cohesion of its multicultural population.
