Hong Kong could import halal food for Muslim tourists, says official

Hong Kong may import halal food for Muslim tourists, a government official has said, as the city ramp up efforts to accommodate Muslim visitors. 

Warner Cheuk, deputy chief secretary, said that as Hong Kong develops into a Muslim-friendly tourist destination, halal food could be brought in from abroad, according to local media reports. 

"Hong Kong may not have many Muslims, but we need to make a lot of halal food. There are many Muslim countries in Asean, and we can attract restaurants and import food from these nations," RTHK English News reported him as saying.

Measures to attract visitors from the Middle East and Southeast Asia region were announced in chief executive John Lee’s policy address last year.

Among his proposals were the introduction of Arabic language services in taxis and at the airport, the creation of halal restaurant lists, and the establishment of prayer facilities in hotels. 

The number of halal-certified restaurants in the city has surged to 142, up from just 63 in 2022. By the end of 2025, the Incorporated Trustees of the Islamic Community Fund (also known as the Board of Trustees, or BOT) aims to certify over 500 halal establishments.

Nixie Lam, BOT advisor and a legislative council member from the Democratic Alliance for the Betterment and Progress of Hong Kong (DAB) told Salaam Gateway last November that to support this goal, an enhanced halal certification system is being introduced.