The global halal market is expanding rapidly, with almost 2 billion Muslims worldwide spending over US$1.17 trillion on food and beverages in 2019. Despite this demand, Hong Kong currently has only 170+ halal-certified restaurants, leaving a massive untapped opportunity for businesses to cater to this growing market.
For restaurants and food businesses, going halal isn’t just about meeting dietary needs—it’s a strategic decision to increase market reach, boost revenue, and enhance brand reputation.
Many non-Muslim countries have already recognized the financial benefits of halal food exports:
Why? Offering halal food allows businesses to serve both Muslim and non-Muslim consumers, significantly expanding their customer base and increasing profits.
Hong Kong restaurants have the same opportunity. By making simple adjustments—such as sourcing halal-certified meat and removing pork and prohibited ingredients like alcohol from food preparation—businesses can attract a new, loyal customer segment without losing existing customers.
With over 450,000+ Muslim tourists visiting Hong Kong annually and 300,000+ ethnically diverse Muslim residents, offering halal options creates a direct opportunity to attract new, loyal customers who may otherwise avoid non-halal eateries.
If just one Muslim diner spends HK$100 per day at a newly halal-friendly restaurant, that’s an additional HK$36,500 per year in revenue—gained with minimal operational changes.
Gen Z Muslim diners prioritize high-quality, halal-friendly dining experiences, from Japanese and Western cuisine to gourmet cafes. There’s a clear gap in Hong Kong’s halal fine dining scene—restaurants that cater to this demand can build a strong niche customer base.
Halal certification represents strict hygiene, ethical food sourcing, and high-quality standards. It aligns with values such as sustainability and food safety, making it appealing not just to Muslim consumers, but also to health-conscious and ethically driven customers.
There are only 170+ halal-certified restaurants out of all 28000+ restaurants in Hong Kong, which makes up only 0.6% of the market. Grasp this great opportunity in the halal market and be one of these 0.6% ahead to help you get ahead of your counterparts.
Becoming halal-friendly doesn’t require major changes. Here’s how restaurants can transition smoothly:
✔ Source halal-certified meat from approved suppliers.
✔ Ensure all ingredients (e.g., sauces, broths) are halal-compliant.
✔ Avoid alcohol in food preparation.
✔ Remove pork & carnivorous animals from the kitchen.
✔ Prevent cross-contamination between halal and non-halal foods, including kitchen space and utensils
Above are only some of the requirements to get certified. For more details, click here
1️⃣ Get an External Audit – Work with a reputable halal certification body to assess your kitchen setup.
2️⃣ Obtain Halal Certification – Officially certify your restaurant to boost credibility and attract customers.
3️⃣ Train Your Staff – Educate employees on halal food handling and best practices.
4️⃣ Verify Your Supply Chain – Ensure all suppliers provide halal-certified ingredients.
5️⃣ Market Your Certification – Display your halal certification prominently to attract halal-conscious customers.
The Halal Association of Hong Kong (HAHK) is committed to assisting businesses in implementing halal standards. They provide:
By partnering with HAHK, businesses can transition smoothly into the halal market and maximize their revenue potential. For more details, you can contact profitable.halal@gmail.com
Going halal isn’t just about accommodating religious needs—it’s a profitable business strategy. Restaurants in Hong Kong that make the shift will:
✔ Expand their customer base
✔ Increase revenue effortlessly
✔ Build long-term brand trust
With the global demand for halal food rising, now is the time for businesses to act, adapt, and grow.
Thinking about going halal? Learn more from the Halal Association of Hong Kong and start your journey today.