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If you love travelling and need to observe halal requirements, we know it can be a little challenging. However, similar to any type of dietary needs – veganism, rawism, pescatarianism – just a little research can do wonders. To get you started, here’s a handy list of halal places at some great Asian destinations!

The good news is that all of these destinations are reachable with a direct flight from the Kota Kinabalu International Airport (airport code: BKI). Weekend-tripping to Macao or Manila is as simple as taking a direct AirAsia flight from BKI.

Taipei

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Taipei is renowned for its night market culture that features snacks like spicy sausages and XXL chicken, but there are also plenty of great halal food options if you know where to look.

Chang's Beef Noodles Shop

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Don't leave Taipei without trying their beef noodles! Chang's Beef Noodles Shop serves up delicious bowls of halal-certified beefy goodness. Their dumplings look pretty awesome too. There are soup, dry, and spicy varieties available. Make sure to specify if you want just beef or other cow inerts like the stomach and intestines too.

Address: Chang's Beef Noodles Shop, No. 21, Yanping South Road, Zhongzheng District, Taipei City, Taiwan 100

Hours: 10:00AM - 7:15PM daily

Contact: +886 2 2331 2791

Taiwan Halal Hui Restaurant

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Helmed by a chef who’s Muslim herself, rest assured that all the delicious dishes are halal. This is a fantastic place to try Ningxia cuisine, which you’d have to travel to north-central China for otherwise. Signature dishes include the cumin-flavoured lamb served with bread, the egg and chicken dish, and the Ningxia braised mutton. The restaurant can get pretty busy, so try to make a reservation or head over earlier to beat the crowd.

Address: No.9, Alley 51, Lane 12, Section 3, Bade Road, Songshan District, Taipei City, Taiwan

Hours: 11:30AM - 2:00PM, 5:00PM - 9.30PM

Contact: +886 2 2577 9851

Ruili Halal Snacks

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Who knew there’d be a halal restaurant in Taipei that serves Burmese cuisine? When visiting Ruili Halal Snacks, be sure to try their clay oven-baked naan. Other dishes include chicken dumplings, chicken curry, and beef stew served with rice. Many reviewers recommend enjoying the food with a cup of their hot milk tea.

Address: Ruili Halal Snacks, No. 7號, Huaxin St, Zhonghe District, New Taipei City, Taiwan 235

Hours: 7AM - 8PM daily

Contact: +886 2 2942 0597

Getting there: AirAsia flies to Taipei 7x weekly from Kota Kinabalu. Member’s fare all-in one way from BND73. Book now till 3 March 2019, travel now till 31 August 2019. Click here to book.

Bangkok

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Much like Taipei, Bangkok’s street food and night market scene is an integral part of its culture. Travelling here can be a little daunting for Muslims, as the Thai people eat as much pork as they do chicken, if not more. However, there are also plenty of halal restaurants in Bangkok with more popping up.

Tomyam Paanga

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For some, a trip to Bangkok is primarily to satiate their authentic Thai tomyam cravings. If this sounds like you, don’t miss Tomyam Paanga opposite Sleepstation Pratunam. The great thing about this tomyam soup stall is you can adjust the spiciness level to suit your preference. With generous amounts of mushrooms, one bowl can be enough for two people, especially if you’ve already had some food before that. The owner is also very friendly, and loves to take photos with guests who dine-in.

Address: Ratchaprarop 1 Alley, Khwaeng Thanon Phaya Thai, Khet Ratchathewi, Krung Thep Maha Nakhon 10400, Thailand

Hours: 7:00PM onwards

Contact: +66 89 094 4980

Yana Restaurant

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A favourite for many, Yana Restaurant serves authentic and halal Thai cuisine. The restaurant is spacious and sits larges groups comfortably. Savour the taste of authentic Thai food while being assured that it is halal. Some must-try Thai classics are the Papaya salad with dried shrimps, Tom yum (without coconut milk), Young coconut shrimp tom yam (with coconut milk), and Stir-fried sun-dried beef with crispy basil leaves.

Address: MBK Center 5th Floor, Tokyu Side, Room No. 5A-05, 444 Phayathai Rd. Wangmai Pathumwan, Bangkok 10330 Thailand

Hours: 10:30AM - 9:00PM daily

Contact: +66 (0)2 048 45 89

Home Cuisine Islamic Restaurant

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Conveniently located nearby Haroon Mosque, Home Cuisine Islamic Restaurant is another halal travel favourite when in Bangkok. The shop is air-conditioned, perfect for a cool respite after a day of being out and about. Guests can look forward to delicious Thai and Indian dishes like Mutton biryani, Curry mutton masala, Green curry beef, and Tom kha with shrimp.

Address: 186 Charoen Krung 36 Alley, Khwaeng Bang Rak, Khet Bang Rak, Krung Thep Maha Nakhon 10500, Thailand

Hours: 11:00AM - 9:30PM on Mondays to Saturdays, 11:00AM - 6:00PM on Sundays

Contact: +66 89 129 2006

Getting there: AirAsia flies to Bangkok 3x weekly from Kota Kinabalu. Member’s fare all-in one way from BND59. Book now till 3 March 2019, travel now till 31 August 2019. Click here to book

Manila

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Jetting over for a glimpse of Manila’s famed sunsets? Don’t forget to visit Intramuros, the heart of the Old Manila, too. The city is incredibly rich in culture with historical places just waiting to be explored. Get your camera ready for some epic photos at the likes of Fort Santiago, San Augustin Church, or even the Manila Ocean Park.

Pamanganan Malaysian House of Halal Food

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We’ve all felt this when travelling – when the craving for Malaysian food hits, nothing can hit that spot except the real stuff. Well here’s your solution when in Manila. Pamanganan Malaysian House of Halal Food serves crowd favourites like Mee goreng, Nasi ayam, Nasi goreng, and even Nasi Pattaya.

Address: Saimah II Hotel, Ground Floor, 310-D Elizondo St, Quiapo, Manila, 1001 Metro Manila, Philippines

Hours: 8:00AM - 11:00PM daily

Contact: +63 2 516 4513

Gayyah’s Halal Restaurant

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Gayyah’s Halal Restaurant serves up a mix of Middle Eastern and Asian cuisine. You’ll be able to find Nasi goreng Indonesia, Roti (Middle Eastern flatbread, not roti canai), and dishes cooked in familiar Asian flavours.

Address: G/F Arquiza Trade Center 1214 MH Del pilar St., Brgy. 667 Zone 072, Ermita, Mani, 1000 Metro Manila, Philippines

Hours: 7:30AM - 9:30PM on Mondays to Saturdays, 7:30AM - 9:00PM on Sundays

Contact: +63 2 521 4667

The Halal Guys

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Hailing from New York, The Halal Guys is a chain that serves up tasty bowls of deconstructed shwarmas, kebabs, and fast food options like fish on fries. In Manila, there are five branches located in Taguig, Mandaluyong, Muntinlupa, Quezon City, and Pasay.

Address: Multiple locations in Metro Manila

Hours: 10:00AM - 10:00PM daily

Contact: +63 2 941 4158

Getting there: AirAsia flies to Manila 4x weekly from Kota Kinabalu. Member’s fare all-in one way from BND52. Book now till 3 March 2019, travel now till 31 August 2019. Click here to book.

Guangzhou

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Port city Guangzhou seems to have it all – impressive modern architecture, arts and culture centers, water and theme parks, and temples and gardens that will ensure your trip is a fulfilling one.

Antalya Turkish Restaurant

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Gone are the days where it’s difficult to find halal food in China with more and more establishments like Antalya Turkish Restaurant popping up. Look forward to Middle Eastern specialties as well as some Western selections. The restaurant also offers shisha, if that’s something of interest to you.

Address: 2 Floor, Zhaoqing Mansion, 304 Huanshi Zhong Road Near Exit-A Xiaobei Metro Station Line 5, 510160 Guangzhou, China

Hours: 8:00AM - 2:00AM daily

Contact: +86 20 3888 0655

El Menofy El Kababgy

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Egyptian food in Guangzhou? You read that right. El Menofy El Kababgy offers diners an authentic Egyptian and Middle Eastern dining experience in the heart of Guangzhou. Roasted meats, desserts, and everything in between are certified halal, and delicious.

Address: First Floor Jinzhou International Business Center No.899 Jiefang Bei Road, 510000 Guangzhou, China

Hours: 10:00AM - 2:00AM daily

Contact: +86 20 8317 4420

Al Manara Restaurant

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Al Manara Restaurant keeps things different with a blend of Lebanese, Chinese, Indian, and Western dishes. Their desserts are worth a mention. Take your pick from more than 10 varieties of chilled treats to end your meal on a sweet note.

Address: No.21-27 Zhongshan 8th Road, Guangzhou, Guangdong China

Guangzhou, China

Hours: 10:00AM - 2:00AM daily

Contact: +86 134 2222 2994

Getting there: AirAsia flies to Guangzhou 7x weekly from Kota Kinabalu. Member’s fare all-in one way from BND69. Book now till 3 March 2019, travel now till 31 August 2019. Click here to book.

Shenzhen

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A special blend of modern meets traditional, you’ll be able to find contemporary skyscrapers like the Ping An International Finance Center as well as learn about the history of the city at the China Folk Culture Village. One of the best things to do in Shenzhen is shop! You can also get custom-made outfits created here for a good price.

ZhongFa Yuan QingZhen Restaurant (ChunFeng Road)

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Rated top five on TripAdvisor for halal restaurants in Shenzhen, ZhongFa Yuan QingZhen Restaurant is a must-try when heading to this metropolis. Guests can look forward to trying delicious local dishes like buns, noodles, soups, and even pastas. The restaurant is comfortable and inviting, suitable for families and lone travellers alike.

Address: No.2012,Chunfeng Road,Luohu District, Shenzhen, China

Contact: +86 755 8222 9318

Spice Circle Indian Restaurant - Luohu

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Spice Circle Indian Restaurant tops the list of halal restaurants in Shenzhen on TripAdvisor, need we say more? Guests will be able to experience tasty Indian cuisine in a comfortable ambiance. It’s your top choice for favourites like naan, tandoori, and thali when in Shenzhen. Shisha is available upon request, too.

Address: Tianjun Mansion, RenMin NanLu, Luohu Qu, Shenzhen Shi, Guangdong Sheng, China, 518001

Hours: 10:30AM - 3:00PM, 6:00PM - 11:00PM

Contact: +86 138 2350 0444

Mesopotamia Turkish Halal Cuisine

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Halal Turkish fare wanted? Mesopotamia Turkish Halal Cuisine is your answer. Succulent lamb kebabs, Chicken masala, and freshly-baked flatbread await. The restaurant features big windows so the interior is flooded with natural daylight.

Address: Room 07 Langjuyufeng Block 1010 WenJin Road, LuoHu District Metro line 9 wenjin stop B exit, Shenzhen 518000 China

Hours: 10:00AM - 12:30AM daily

Contact: +86 755 8261 0201

Getting there: AirAsia flies to Shenzhen 14x weekly from Kota Kinabalu. Member’s fare all-in one way from BND62. Book now till 3 March 2019, travel now till 31 August 2019. Click here to book.

Macau

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While Macau may be famous for its strong gambling industry, there are plenty of other things to do there like shop, eat, and drink! Immerse yourself in the unique blend of Portuguese and Chinese culture that can be seen in places like the Ruins of St. Paul. Even if you don’t fancy gambling, many of the large casinos and hotels are majestic enough to warrant a visit.

Loulan Islam Restaurant

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A lovely choice, you’ll get to taste the essence of Macau while enjoying the restaurant’s halal-certified assurance. Specialties like beef noodles, mee hoon kuey, and pulled noodles. The restaurant has also recently undergone renovations to include a prayer room on the floor above.

Address: R. do Teatro, Macau (nearby Sofitel, the Ruins of St. Paul, and Senado)

Contact: +853 2853 0264

Golden Peacock

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Indulge in elegant Indian cuisine at The Venetian Macao. Golden Peacock is the first Indian restaurant in Asia to be awarded a 1-Michelin star, and it is halal certified. There are vegetarian and meat options to suit your needs. Prices are a little steep here, which is as to be expected from a star-studded restaurant like this.

Address: Shop 1037, The Venetian Macao Level 1 (near Cotai Arena),

Hours: 11:00AM - 3:00PM, 6:00PM - 11:00PM daily

Contact: +853 8118 9696

Indian Garden

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Indian Garden serves halal Northern Indian dishes that are full of flavour. Although it might be a little pricey, past reviews note the good service, excellent hygiene, and overall great experience when dining here.

Address: Macau, Hwangcheng District City Hall Horticulture Garden No.27 seat underground 18 舖 舖

Hours: 11:00AM - 3:00PM, 6:00PM - 11:00PM

Contact: +853 2883 7088

Getting there: AirAsia flies to Macau 4x weekly from Kota Kinabalu. Member’s fare all-in one way from BND66. Book now till 3 March 2019, travel now till 31 August 2019. Click here to book.

Excited to travel to all these places yet? We are, too! Besides Taipei, Bangkok, Manila, Guangzhou, Shenzhen, and Macau, there are also direct AirAsia flights from BKI to Tawau and Sandakan – easy micro travel options if you’re coming in from Brunei.

To check out these direct flights and to browse other destinations, visit airasia.com.

This post was brought to you in part by AirAsia.