[image]
[title]Aladin Mess
The only way to appreciate Indian food is to roll up your sleeves and dig in. Enjoy the many curries on offer with poppadams, naan bread and aromatic basmati rice. The butter chicken and palak paneer are also great for diners who can’t quite handle their spice. All meats are halal. 2/F, 60 Russell St, Causeway Bay, 2808 0250.
Ebeneezer’s Kebabs & Pizzeria
Whatever time of day it is, a kebab always goes down well. And Ebeneezer’s has always been there to satisfy your 24-hour appetite for doners, falafels, biryanis and curries. Various locations inc Shop 1C, G/F, Astoria Bldg, 24-38 Ashley Rd, Tsim Sha Tsui, 2114 099; ebeneezers.com.
Islam Food
Locals and celebrities have long been faithful patrons of this Kowloon City institution, despite the seemingly endless queues. If it’s your first time, get in line to order their famed beefcake sandwich or mutton curry with spring onions over rice. 1 Lung Kong Rd, Kowloon City, 2382 2822.
Islamic Centre Canteen
The Islamic Centre Canteen proves dim sum without lard and pork does exist. Offering the local Muslim community and tourists an alternative to the usual curry and vegetarian fare, the dim sum is made from Halal beef, chicken and seafood. Dim sum is only available during lunch hours, but Cantonese dishes are available at dinnertime. 5/F, 40 Oi Kwan Rd, Wan Chai, 2834 8211.
Jashan Celebrating Indian Cuisine
Gorge on refreshing salads, filling curries, spicy tandoori meats, yummy samosas and steaming hot naan on your next lunch break. 1/F, Amber Lodge, 23 Hollywood Rd, Central, 3105 5300; jashan.com.hk.
Khyber Pass
Get stuck into the generous portions of naan to scoop up the many scrumptious and affordable curries on offer. The spicy affair is best topped by a couple of beers to take some of the heat out of the sizzling vindaloo.Shop E2, 7/F, Block E, Chungking Mansions, 36-44 Nathan Rd, Tsim Sha Tsui, 2721 2786.
Sham Dining
Borrowing its name from the Arabic term for Damascus, Sham serves up fast yet deliciously healthy Middle Eastern dishes without MSG or other chemical additives. 16 Kin Wah St, North Point, 2571 7795.
Spice Restaurant & Bar
The menu here spans four countries, enabling diners to enjoy a mélange of Indian, Malaysian, Singaporean and Thai delights. The soft lighting provides an intimate environment for a romantic dinner. 2/F, Prosperous Ctr, 1 Knutsford Terrace, Tsim Sha Tsui, 2192 9880.
Syed Bukhara
A popular name in Malaysia, this Halal chain is the fast-food intersection between Malaysian and Indian cuisine. The restaurant offers a mutton Bukhara biryani special and the essential Nasi Lemak with egg, all at low prices with generous portions. Shop 15-16, G/F, Chungking Mansion, 36-44 Nathan Rd, Tsim Sha Tsui, 5635 2723.
Ottoman
With Turkish cuisine being rather rare in Hong Kong, this Mediterranean restaurant in Soho East is not to be missed. Start with a beef roll before digging into the Adana kebabs or Ottoman lunch plate sets, then round off with rich baklava. This Turkish-themed setting is even complete with nargiles and ornamental lamps to set the tone. Shop GA10B, G/F, Lei King Wan, 55 Tai Hong St, Sai Wan Ho, 2967 9306.
Popeye’s Chicken & Biscuits
With the airport being the only location in the city with a Popeye’s outlet, this has always been a favourite option as a pre-flight meal. Suitable for chicken lovers who are looking for that New Orleans flavour, this joint also proudly displays an official Halal restaurant certificate, lending them an excuse to brag to the Colonel. Shop 7T103, Passenger Terminal 1, Hong Kong International Airport, Lantau, 3118 1334.
Wai Kee
Two items worth going for: lamb curry and roast duck. Big chunks of lamb are simmered slowly in a spicy curry sauce, perfect with plain white rice. The duck is expertly roasted with a brown crispy skin and tender, succulent Halal meat underneath. Shop 5, 1/F, Bowrington Road Market, 21 Bowrington Rd, Wan Chai, 2574 1131.