On April 19, 2025, the M.E.L.T. Ethnic Integration and Care Center, in collaboration with the Hong Kong Islamic Trust Fund, hosted the first outdoor "Halal Food Festival 2025@Yau Tsim Mong" at Tsim Sha Tsui's Nathan Road. This landmark event aimed to promote halal cuisine and foster cultural understanding among the diverse communities in Hong Kong.
The festival was graced by the presence of consuls general and deputy consuls general from various countries stationed in Hong Kong, alongside notable officials such as Liang Hongzheng, Deputy Director of the Home and Youth Affairs Bureau, and Zhang Peixuan, the Tourism Affairs Specialist. Other attendees included Yau Tsim Mong Civil Affairs Specialist Yu Jianqiang, Hong Kong Tourism Board Executive Director Cheng Dingyi, and DAB Legislative Council Members Shao Haibei, Chen Yong, and Chen Keqin, along with leaders from minority ethnic groups.
Liang Hongzheng emphasized the importance of promoting tourism facilities and creating a tourist-friendly environment, as outlined in Chief Executive Li Jiachao's 2024 Policy Address. He stated, "Opening up the Middle East and ASEAN tourist markets is one of the important strategies." Liang expressed hope that attendees would enjoy the festival, which showcases the rich halal culinary offerings available in Hong Kong.
Saeed Uddin, Chairman of the Hong Kong Islamic Trust Fund, highlighted that his organization is the only halal certification body in Hong Kong. Over the past 25 years, they have certified 280 halal restaurants and food retailers, including renowned establishments like Cathay Pacific, Hong Kong Disneyland, and Ocean Park. Saeed expressed his desire for the festival to become a lasting tradition, stating, "I hope that this type of open halal food festival can continue."
DAB Legislative Council Member Shao Haibei noted that the Hong Kong government is actively working to attract Middle Eastern tourists and promote business activities from the region. However, he acknowledged that there is room for improvement in policies to enhance cultural recognition and to implement friendly measures, such as adding prayer rooms. Shao revealed that the Chief Executive plans to travel to the Middle East for investment promotion activities, hoping to encourage more visitors from these countries to explore Hong Kong.
When asked about the atmosphere of the event, Shao remarked that it was very positive, although some citizens were traveling abroad due to the Easter holiday. He noted that a significant number of tourists still attended the festival, which took place in a popular tourist area. Shao expressed optimism that this event would pave the way for more similar activities in the future, stating, "I hope we can organize different types of events after referencing this halal food festival."
Among the culinary offerings at the festival, Guo Jin Xuan Chinese Restaurant's General Manager, Qiu Haohong, introduced a variety of dishes including dim sum platters, glutinous rice chicken, and durian puffs. The glutinous rice chicken, made with Japanese glutinous rice, crab meat, and lobster oil, is particularly suitable for Muslim diners. Qiu expressed his hopes of blending various cuisines to cater to the diverse tastes of Hong Kong's residents and visitors.
In addition to the food stalls, the festival featured 12 halal-certified food booths, showcasing a vibrant array of halal dishes. Visitors could also explore stalls displaying Islamic clothing and Henna Art, as well as enjoy ethnic fusion performances. This multifaceted approach allowed citizens and tourists not only to savor authentic halal food but also to immerse themselves in halal culture, fostering a sense of community and understanding.
Alex, the owner of Woodlands and Hello India Indian Restaurant, shared his journey of establishing his businesses in Hong Kong. Having arrived in the city in 1997, he took over Woodlands, a vegetarian restaurant, in 2018 and opened Hello India in July 2020. He explained his decision to launch during the pandemic, stating, "I believe there is a market even in challenging times." His restaurants, which include three branches of Woodlands located in Tsim Sha Tsui, Wan Chai, and Macau, are known for their popular dishes such as grilled chicken, lamb curry, and naan bread.
The festival not only served as a culinary showcase but also as a platform for community engagement and cultural exchange. Attendees were encouraged to participate in various activities, further enhancing the sense of inclusivity and celebration of diversity within Hong Kong. The event's success reflects the growing recognition of halal cuisine and the importance of creating a welcoming environment for all.
In conclusion, the "Halal Food Festival 2025@Yau Tsim Mong" marked a significant step towards promoting cultural integration and understanding in Hong Kong. With its diverse offerings and community-focused approach, the event has set a precedent for future initiatives aimed at celebrating the city’s multicultural fabric.
