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#HalalFood #HalalMarket #HalalInHongKong #HalalIndustry #HongKong In the vibrant city of Hong Kong, a remarkable shift is taking place as halal-conscious consumers are on the rise. With a flourishing Muslim population of around 300,000 residents, the Halal market is becoming a force to be reckoned with, poised to have contributed an estimated GDP of USD 373 billion by the end of 2023. The culinary landscape in Hong Kong is evolving to meet the demands of this growing market, both by residents and tourists, with a remarkable 30% increase in the number of Halal-certified restaurants in the past five years. The city's dedication to embracing Halal practices is increasing and evident through initiatives like the Halal Pavilion at the yearly LOHAS Expo at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre. Also, it shows through the rise of engaging forums and conferences by esteemed organisations like the Hong Kong General Chamber of Commerce. Moreover, the buzz surrounding Halal food has reached new heights, with renowned publications such as SCMP, Tatler, and Sassy spotlighting the subject. This remarkable progress signifies an incredible transformation in the availability and awareness of Halal food options in Hong Kong over the past decade. What is Halal Food? You may have encountered the term Halal food without fully understanding its meaning. Allow me to provide further insight into what Halal food entails and the criteria that define it. In Islamic teachings, Halal food encompasses a collection of dietary guidelines and restrictions. It signifies food deemed permissible and lawful for consumption, aligning with the principles outlined in the Quran and the Hadith, which are the sacred texts of Islam. Halal food embraces a humane approach to animal slaughter, prioritising a painless death for the animals involved. The process is carried out by a knowledgeable Muslim, who invokes the name of Allah (God) while cutting the throat, windpipe, and blood vessels of the animal, aiming to ensure minimal pain. In Islamic dietary laws, Halal food should not contain haram (forbidden) ingredients. This includes pork and pork products, alcohol, and any other intoxicating substances. Halal food should not come into contact with haram substances during preparation, cooking, or serving. This includes avoiding cross-contamination with utensils, equipment, and surfaces in contact with non-halal foods. In some countries, Halal certification authorities oversee the labelling and certification of Halal food products. These labels assure consumers that the food has been prepared according to Halal standards. It's important to note that Halal is not limited to meat products. Other food items, such as fruits, vegetables, grains, and dairy products, are generally considered Halal unless they contain haram ingredients or have been contaminated with non-halal substances. The Global Demand for Halal Food The global demand for Halal food has steadily risen, driven by the growing Muslim population and evolving consumer preferences. In fact, the market value of the Halal industry surpassed a staggering $1.4 trillion in 2020 and is projected to reach approximately $4.1 trillion by 2028. This exponential growth spans various sectors such as food, beverages, pharmaceuticals, and cosmetics. Not only are Muslim-majority countries and regions with significant Muslim populations contributing to this flourishing market, but Western countries are also witnessing a remarkable surge in the demand for halal-certified options. In this thriving landscape, Halal certification is pivotal in promoting transparency and facilitating international trade. It effectively meets the preferences of Muslim consumers across diverse countries while catering to the needs of a multicultural population that seeks Halal options. The dynamic Halal food industry thrives on growth and innovation, introducing new products and expanding the range of halal-certified brands. The Demand for Halal Food in Hong Kong The demand for Halal Food in Hong Kong has experienced a significant surge in recent years. With a growing Muslim population and an increasing number of tourists seeking halal options, the demand for halal-certified restaurants and food products has reached new heights. Hong Kong, known for its vibrant culinary scene, has responded to this demand by offering a diverse range of Halal options to cater to the needs of Muslim residents and visitors alike. Halal-certified restaurants, ranging from local eateries to upscale dining establishments, have now emerged across the city. Additionally, supermarkets and speciality stores have expanded their Halal food selections, providing convenient access to Halal ingredients and products. This growing demand for Halal Food in Hong Kong showcases the city's commitment to inclusivity and recognising the diverse dietary preferences and requirements of its residents and visitors. Why Should Hong Kong Incorporate Halal Food? Incorporating Halal food is beneficial for Hong Kong due to several compelling reasons: It enhances the city's global competitiveness in the Halal market by attracting Muslim travellers and businesses seeking destinations that cater to their dietary needs. This positioning opens up trade opportunities, making Hong Kong a prominent hub for Halal trade and contributing to economic growth and diversification. Incorporating Halal food options boosts the tourism industry by attracting Muslim travellers and encouraging longer stays, enriching the local culinary scene and appealing to a wider range of food enthusiasts. Embracing Halal food reflects Hong Kong's commitment to diversity, inclusion, and respect for different cultural and religious practices within its multicultural society. By incorporating Halal food, Hong Kong can strengthen its global standing, boost tourism, and foster a more inclusive and welcoming environment. Where Can You Find Halal Food in Hong Kong? The Hong Kong Tourism Board provides a document listing halal-certified restaurants, and OpenRice is also a helpful resource in this regard. However, if you're looking for a comprehensive source that provides not only information on halal-certified restaurants but also those that use halal suppliers, I recommend checking out Foodie Explorerz. ;)

It's finally that time of the year when everyone asks that one important question. Not even water? Yes, you guessed it right. We’re talking about Ramadan! For those who may not know, Ramadan is a month where Muslims around the globe observe fast from dawn to dusk. They are not allowed to intake any food or drinks and yes, not even water! The day starts with having an early meal (sehri/suhoor) before dawn and breaking the fast with an evening meal after sunset (iftar). Alongside abstaining from food and water, Muslims are encouraged to donate to charity and reflect during this one-month period. In other words, it is a month of spiritual healing. Even though Hong Kong is not a Muslim majority city, there are around 300,000 Muslims who do celebrate Ramadan. So here’s a little guide to celebrating Ramadan in Hong Kong! A quick guide to celebrating Ramadan in Hong Kong Where to eat? During Ramadan, it's common to have an iftar dinner with a group of people and you can easily be part of it by visiting the Mosque. Different Mosques around Hong Kong serve free iftar during Ramadan including the Kowloon Mosque in Tsim Sha Tsui and Masjid Ammar and Osman Ramju Sadick Islamic Center in Wan Chai. Besides eating at the mosque, you can also eat at the different halal restaurants across Hong Kong. 1. Omni Palace noodle house and grill When you go around Hong Kong, you can see how there are so many local Chinese restaurants but unfortunately, the majority of them don't serve halal food. Luckily for us, Omni palace noodle house and grill is a halal-certified restaurant that serves different types of noodles which are all halal. They also have some amazing mutton satay which is worth trying out! Location: Causeway Bay Price range: $50 - $100 Dietary specification: Halal-certified 2. Wai Kee Another local halal restaurant can be found in Wan chai. Wai Kee serves traditional Hong Kong-style food including Peking duck! So far this is the only restaurant we have come across which serves Halal Hong Kong-style Peking duck so if you want a traditional local style Iftar meal, this is one place to check out. Location: Wan Chai, Bowrington Rd Price range: $50 - $100 Dietary specification: Halal certified 3. Shahrazad Lebanese If you’re looking for a nice middle eastern iftar dinner, then Shahrazad Lebanese is one place you should definitely check out. They serve Lebanese food including kebabs, hummus platter, and mixed grill. Our favorite is their mixed grilled platter which includes kofta and their amazing lamb chops! Location: Central, Wyndham Street Price range: $200 - $400 Dietary specification: Halal supplier 4. 375 Chicken N Fries Having burgers for Iftari isn't a common thing but then again, why not? 375 Chicken N Fries serve various types of Chicken burgers which are all halal! Their use of hormone-free chicken and fresh ingredients makes the burgers taste even better! Even though the restaurant itself is a bit small for a large group of people, getting takeout and having an outdoor iftar is definitely worth it! We would recommend you try their Honey Buffalo Chicken Sandwich [HKD$85]. Location: Central, Wyndham Street Price range: $100 - $200 Dietary specification: Halal certified 5. Burger Circus Another burger spot to check out. If you’re into classic cheeseburgers then this is a restaurant to check out. They serve halal beef burgers along with other options such as chili fries, chicken wings, and chicken burgers. They do have proper seating which can fit four people in one booth (a bit more if you guys squeeze in). Location: Central, Wyndham Street Price range: $100 - $200 Dietary specification: Halal supplier After eating iftar, Muslims would finish their prayers either at home or the Mosques. Hong Kong has many Islamic centers and Mosques which you can visit including; Kowloon Masjid , Tsim Sha Tsui Masjid Ammar & Osman Ramju Sadick Islamic Center ,Wan Chai Jamia Mosque, Mid-Levels Stanley Mosque, Stanley Chai Wan Mosque, Chai Wan How do you guys plan on celebrating Ramadan this year?

Having a list of cafes is always something good to have at your fingertips. Whether it’s meeting a friend, recruiter, or wanting to get work done, a nice cafe can really uplift your day. Check out some of our favorite spots around Hong Kong for a nice cup of coffee! Disclaimer: The operating timing below is for normal business hours. However due to the increased number of Covid-19 cases, all dine-in services at restaurants/cafes close by 6 pm. 1. NOC Coffee A minimalist coffee shop spread all over HK now! This is our go-to cafe for any occasion. Their cappuccino ($40HKD) is smooth, delightful, and strong enough to get you through a few hours of work. We love going to their TKO, Whampoa, TST, and Repulse Bay branches as they are next to the sea, providing some sense of calmness. We also recommend getting their Avocado toast if you get hungry. It's light and pairs well with the coffee but you may need to add some extra seasoning to it. The cafe is always bustling, therefore it may not be ideal to host a meeting here. If you really need to get some work done, the SYP branch is a little quieter! Location(s): Shop 4, G/F, Bohemian House, 321 Des Voeux Road West, Sai Ying Pun (Other branches in Causeway Bay, Tin Hau, Hung Hom, TKO, TST) Opening Hours: 8 am-6 pm (differ by branches) Price Range: $40-$100 2. Fineprint If you’re looking for a decently priced and good coffee, be sure to try Fineprint’s cappuccino ($30HKD). Their Australian-style coffee attracts a lot of students, office workers, or just regular foodies like us! Located on Peel Street (Central), there is always a crowd outside the cafe, where people like to grab a drink and chat with their mates. The cafe is small, and a bit dark so working there isn't the best option. One of our favorite coffee side foods is their Half Avo Toast, which is topped with avocado, cherry tomato, and feta salad ($90HKD). The portion is almost enough for a full meal, and we are sure to get this whenever we visit. Location(s): 38 Peel Street, Central (Other branches in Tai Hand and Sai Ying Pun) Opening Hours: 6 am-Midnight Price Range: $25-$100 3. Eric Kayser An international authentic artisanal French Bakery, located all over Hong Kong. Their coffee is average, but we would definitely go back for their desserts like the Hazelnut, dark chocolate mousse ($45HKD). Layered with a sponge and crispy hazelnut praline coating, it is an ideal sweet snack to share between the two. The cafe is also known for its bakery items like Olive Ciabatta bread ($25HKD) and butter croissants. Their Kennedy Town branch is our favorite as it’s less crowded and feels a little secluded. Location(s): 248 Queen’s Rd E, Wan Chai ( Other branches in Mid-Levels, Happy Valley, Sheung Wan, Admiralty, Kennedy Town, Sai Ying Pun, TST, Central, Quarry Bay, Wong Chuk Hang, West Kowloon, TKO) Opening Hours: differs for each branch Price Range: $50-100 4. Coco Espresso This was one of the first coffee shops we started exploring and were very pleased with their quality of coffee and service. We normally get their regular cappuccino ($35HKD) and sometimes their breakfast set (Coffee + bagel). We always opt for the ‘All in one bagel’ with cream cheese + coffee for ONLY $48HKD. Almost all their branches are located on the Island side, near offices and business districts, appealing more to professionals. Their shop at Stanley St. (Central) is one of the quieter branches, where we were able to get work done. They have WiFi as well, so def a bonus for ‘WFH’ situations. Location(s):13 -15 Jervois Street, Sheung Wan (Other branches include Central, Wanchai, Quarry bay, Kowloon Bay, Kwai Chung) Opening Hours: https://cocobarista.com/eng / Price Range: $50-100 5. Urban Coffee roasters An always busy coffee shop, which has expanded to 4 different locations around HK! We tend to go there for their mocha ($42HKD), a nice large cup of mocha, with hints of chocolate notes. We like to pair this with their French fries with black truffle mayonnaise ($68HKD). A great place to chill with friends and chill out! Location: Shop 12, 29 Tong Yin Street, TKO (Other branches in TST, Causeway Bay, and Kwun Tong) Opening hours: Mon - Fri 10:30 - 20:00 , Sat, Sun & PH 08:00 - 20:00 Price Range: $50-100 6. Arabica % With their off-white minimalist stores, they definitely attract Instagrammers! Their first shop was in Japan and is now one of the fastest-growing specialty coffee brands in the world. With 12 cafes in HK, there are quite a few choices. Our go-to branch is the Kennedy town one. With the splendid sea view in front of you, it is an ideal place to work and de-stress. We typically order the Cappuccino ($40HKD) or the Spanish Latte ($45HKD), which has condensed milk. Location: Shop G04, G/F, Grand Fortune Mansion, 1 Davis Street, Kennedy Town, Western District (Other branches in Quarry Bay, TST, Central, IFC, Repulse Bay Opening Hours: Differs by branch Price Range: $50 - $60 7. Coffee Academics A world-renowned leading brand for specialty coffee in Asia, with 18 cafes across HK, it is a popular option for coffee lovers. The decor is very calming and elegant, which is great for a business meeting or meeting friends. We recommend exploring the Repulse Bay branch, as it's right next to the beach and gives a stellar sea view. Perfect for a ‘WFH’ situation or chilling with family and friends. It’s great for a coffee grab but the food options were a bit limited for us. Location: 35-45 Johnston Rd, Wan Chai (Other branches in Happy valley, Taikoo, Repulse Bay, Mid-Levels, Central, HKU, Sai Kung, Discovery Bay..) Opening Hours: Differs by different branches. Price Range: $50 - $60HKD 8. Cookie DPT cafe Who doesn't love a good, thick cookie with their coffee? A newly opened branch in Central is a must-go cafe serving their signature cookies along with other desserts and beverages. We would recommend getting their latte or cappuccino ($HKD40) along with their Brownie Filled Chocolate Chip Cookie ($40HKD). If you’re lucky, they may have time to create beautiful latte art, as they did for us! Though the place is a little small, it's great for a quick coffee. Location: 48 Cochrane Street L/G, Central Opening Hours: 9 am-7 pm Price Range: $50 - $60HKD 9. Simply Life An affordable, yet fancy-looking cafe, located in 8 different parts of Hong Kong. They sell a variety of freshly baked European-style bread, pastries, and on-the-go foods. Not to forget, their beverage list, mainly consists of different types of coffees. Although their coffee doesn't top some of the other cafes, for the price and location, they’re definitely worth checking out. Their bakery items are also very fresh and delicious, so be sure to pick something up with your coffee, when you drop by. Location: Shop B32, B/F, Landmark Atrium, Central, Hong Kong ( Other branches in Admiralty, Kowloon Bay, Kowloon Tong, Kwai Fung, Sha Tin, Tseung Kwan O) Opening Hours: Varies by locations Price Range: $20-$50HKD 10. Elephant Grounds A cafe, popularly known for its brunch menu, serving buttermilk pancakes, bagels, homemade pastries, and more! We typically get their mocha ($45HKD) and sometimes their Acai Yogurt bowl ($85HKD). Though on the more expensive side, their cafes are located conveniently, with comfortable seats and calming decor. We’d recommend going to their TST K11 Musea branch, as it's more peaceful, and a good place to work from. Location: 42-48 Paterson street, fashion walk, Causeway Bay ( Other branches include K11 Musea, Mid-levels, Startstreet ) Opening Hours: Differs by locations Price Range: $50-$150HKD

Spending money on food is always fun until you get to a point where you become broke. Here are a few restaurants that are budget-friendly, and can offer you ‘value for money’ food all under HKD$100. Disclaimer: The operating timings below are for normal business hours however, due to the increase of Covid cases, all restaurants close by 6 pm. Chef’s Kitchen Besides being a great takeout place, Chef’s Kitchen is what we consider a Value for money place. When you usually plan on eating healthy, it can be quite pricey. However, at Chef's kitchen, you can fill your salad bowl with a generous portion of veggies and protein, all for just HKD$78! Location: Shop G0044-06,08-09, G/F, Central Market, 93 Queen's Road Central, Central Price Range: $50-100 (Vegetarian, Vegan) Paradise Veggie If you want to eat a lot but are low on cash, Paradise Veggie is perfect for you. They offer a variety of Chinese vegetarian food, buffet style, all for HKD$78. This would include noodles, dim sums, sushi, soup, brownies, hot drinks, and much more! Location: Shop B04, Basement, Tower 535, 535 Jaffe Road, Causeway Bay Contact: 26331386 Opening Hours: 11am - 11pm Price Range: $50-$100 (Vegan, Vegetarian) Charsi Charsi is a fairly new take-out spot located in Jordan. They offer a variety of burgers, rolls, and fries along with their unique homemade sauces! In HKD$100 or less, you can get their burgers or Rolls (HKD$45-$75) with a side of Masala fries and drink (HKD$25). Location: G/F, 41B Battery Street, Jordan Opening Hours: 12 pm-11 pm (Closed on Wednesdays) Price Range: $50- $100 (Halal) Islamic Center Canteen The Islamic center canteen serves authentic Halal Chinese food including dim sum, noodles, curry, and much more, all between a price range of HKD$30-$70. You can easily buy a generous portion of food for 1-2 people for around HKD$100 or less. Location: 5/F, Masjid Ammar And Osman Ramju Mosque, 40 Salvation Army Street, Wan Chai Contact: 28348211 Opening Hours: 10am-9pm Price Range: $50- $100 (Halal) Kabo Burger Kabo Burger has been a quite popular spot for Hong Kongers and usually is quite packed. You can buy a budget-friendly meal that includes their burger set (Burger + Drink) for around HKD$70 and adding some sides would be a total maximum of HKD$100. Location: G/F, Wardley Center, 9-11 Prat Ave, Tsim Sha Tsui [Other Branch in Kwai Chung] Contact: 95214405 Opening Hours: 12pm-10pm Price Range: $50- $100 (Includes Vegetarian options) Babu G Babu G is a little store located in Jordan that serves great grab-n-go meals. If you’re looking to try some Hotdogs or Pizza, this is a great place to eat. Their Hotdogs have been one of the value for money meals on our list, with the price ranging HKD$30-$40. We ended up getting 2-3 of them along with a drink costing us less thanHKD$100! Location: 41 Battery Street, Shop E, Jordan, Hong Kong Contact: 6162 5223 Price Range: $50-100 (Halal) Saizeriya Saizeriya originated from Japan and came to Hong Kong in 2018, now having 30 branches across the city. They offer a variety of Italian dishes, including Pasta, Pizzas and Risotto, all between a price range of HK$30-$40. Location: over 30 branches. Some chains are located in Whampoa, Sha Tin, Lam Tin. Price range: Below HK$50 (Includes Vegetarian options)

With the rising Covid-19 cases across Hong Kong, eating at restaurants has become quite difficult. However, no need to fear because we’ve got you covered with our list of take-out places to try out! Disclaimer: The operating timing below is for normal business hours however, due to the increase of Covid cases, all restaurants close by 6 pm. 1. CHICKPEA We recently discovered a Middle-Eastern takeout spot in the heart of Central and Wanchai. We tried CHICKPEA for the first time and it has become one of our favorite takeout spots. CHICKPEA is a Grab-n-go restaurant that serves healthier options of middle eastern food, including their popular hummus bowls (HKD$98) that includes hummus, salad, rice, and falafel! You can also add some protein to your bowl (Chicken shawarma or beef) for an extra $10+. On a side note, the shop is conveniently located near Tamar Park, which makes it a perfect meal to have for a picnic! Locations: Shop 3, union Commercial Building, 12-16 Lyndhurst Terrace, Central, [Other branches in Wanchai and Quarry Bay] Opening Hours: 11.30am - 10.30pm Price Range: $50- $100 (Halal) 2. CHEF'S MARKET If you’re tired of eating high-calorie, high fat, and unhealthy meals, then the CHEF’S MARKET is a great option for a healthy takeout meal. The Chef’s market is located in the newly built Central Market and has probably been the best salad spot we’ve tried so far. They serve generous portions of salad which are customized based on your preferences (HKD$78). You can choose whatever veggies, nuts, protein, and cheese you want. They serve a variety of vegetables including; mushrooms, cherry tomatoes, olives, baby corn, cucumber, etc. Along with various proteins like chickpeas and kidney beans. Definitely a ‘Value for Money’ dish. Location: Shop G0044-06,08-09, G/F, Central Market, 93 Queen's Road Central, Central Price Range: $50-100 (Vegetarian, Vegan) 3. BENGAL BROTHERS BENGAL BROTHERS is a fairly new Indian take-out shop run by two brothers. The restaurant serves the famous ‘Kati Rolls’, which is a popular snack amongst many Indians. The ‘Kati Roll’ is a wrap that is filled with veggies, pickles, sauces, and your choice of meat, making it a fulfilling and easy-to-eat snack. Our favorite pick was the Lamb Kati Roll (HK$95) along with their Gunpowder fries (HKD$40)! Location: G/F, 6 Johnston Road, Wan Chai Opening Hours: 11am-10pm Price Range: $50-100 (Halal) 4. DOUGH BRO’S Dough Bro's is one of the most popular and fastest-growing pizza places around Hong Kong that serve freshly made sourdough pizza along with their signature Garlic sauce! This has been one of our favorite pizza take-away spots, due to its unique pizza style . Our favorite one has been their ‘Sophisticated Pizza’ (HKD$148), with their goat cheese, sauteed onions, and sweet & pickled peppers. Location: G/F, 25 Queen's Road East, Wanchai [Other branches in Central, Quarry Bay, Happy Valley, and North Point] Contact: 2301 1302 Opening Hours: 10am- 11pm Price Range: $100-150 (Vegetarian) BABU G BABU G is a newly opened takeout restaurant located in Jordan. What makes them different than any other Hotdog place is that their meat is all Halal! This is great news for our Hong Kong Muslims who haven’t gotten a chance to try Hot dogs due to their specific dietary requirements. Not only do they meet these requirements but they also taste delicious! They serve a variety of Hot Dogs including their Turkey hotdog (HKD$35), Classic hotdog (HKD$30), and Chili hotdog (HKD$40)! Location: 41 Battery Street, Shop E, Jordan, Hong Kong Contact: 6162 5223 Price Range: $50-100 (Halal) BURGER REPUBLIC Lastly, another one of our favorite burger take-out spots has to be Burger Republic. They serve a variety of burgers and fries with different toppings. Our favorite dishes have to be their Veggie Galore Burger (HKD$78) along with their Black Truffle Cheese Fries (HKD$52). A great meal to take out and have at the Tseung Kwan O promenade. Location: Shop F24-26, 1/F, PopCorn, 9 Tong Yin Street, Tseung Kwan O [Another branch in Mong Kok] Contact: 25681199 Opening Hours: 11.30am - 9pm Price Range: $100 - $150 (Vegetarian) Which take-out spots are your favorite?

With Chinese New Year around the corner, we thought it’d be best to go through some of our favorite vegetarian Chinese restaurants which we are ‘soy’ into! Disclaimer: The operating timing's below are for usual days however due to the increase of Covid cases, all restaurant dine-in services close by 6 pm. The operating and dine-in service timings may vary due to Covid-19 concerns. 1. Veggie Kingdom First on our list is a newly opened vegetarian Chinese restaurant, located in Tsim Sha Tsui. So far this has been one of our favorite vegetarian Chinese restaurants to eat at. They serve a variety of dishes including their “Vegetarian Peking Duck'' (HKD$138), Sichuan style Dan Dan Noodles (HKD$48), Crispy Turnip Cake (HKD$62), and a lot more! Along with their delicious food, the staff were super friendly and welcoming (they even remembered our names!). On a side note, they also have a special ‘Jain menu’ for you guys! Location: 7/F, VIP Commercial Centre, 120 Canton Road, Tsim Sha Tsui Contact: 23663233 Opening Hours: 11am-4pm , 6pm-10pm Price Range: $100-$200 (Vegan, Vegetarian, Jain) 2. Kung Tak Lam Shanghai Vegetarian Restaurant Another favorite of ours. Kung Tak Lam Shanghai vegetarian restaurant is also located in Tsim Sha Tsui and is a great place to get authentic Chinese food along with a splendid harbor view. We personally loved how it looked exactly like traditional Chinese restaurants, but all vegetarian! Our personal favorites were the “Fried noodles with shredded vegetables” (HKD$88) and “Vegetable wonton in a supreme soup” (HKD$30/4pcs). Location: Tsim Sha Tsui, Peking Rd, 1號, One Peking, 7/F Contact: 2312 7800 Opening Hours: 11am - 11pm Price Range: $100-$200 (Vegetarian) 3. Qi Nine Dragons Moving on to something a little different. Qi-Nine Dragons is a very popular destination with its rooftop bar that is perfect for a chill evening after work. However, we were more interested in their restaurant below which serves Sichuan Chinese food! We enjoyed their variety of dim sums and many other spicy dishes! Overall, we really loved the vibes of the restaurant and the amazing 360 harbor view. Location: 20/F, Prince Tower, 12A Peking Road, Tsim Sha Tsui Contact: 27998899 Opening Hours: 12pm-2.30pm, 6pm- 11pm (Mon-Thur) , Closes at 12am on Fri- Sun & Public holidays Price Range: $150-$200 (separate vegetarian dishes) 4. Paradise Veggie Located in Causeway Bay, we were recommended to try this place by a friend of ours, and were not disappointed one bit! Paradise Veggie is a buffet place that serves a variety of Chinese food including; Dumplings, Stir-fried Veggies, Noodles, and Fried Rice, along with Japanese food such as tempura & Sushi. We loved the variety of food they had, which all tasted great, and that too at an amazing price of HKD$78. Location: Shop B04, Basement, Tower 535, 535 Jaffe Road, Causeway Bay Contact: 26331386 Opening Hours: 11am - 11pm Price Range: $50-$100 (Vegan, Vegetarian) 5. Green common If you’re looking for some innovative yet authentic Chinese veggie food, then this is your place! This restaurant serves a range of plant-based meats, which is not only a healthier alternative to regular meat but also delicious and flavourful! The company started off as a retail shop and slowly expanded to catering and serving cooked foods across 9 branches! It’s perfect for vegetarians and vegans, who can also find dairy-free products. Some of their best-selling dishes include their Spicy Chicki Laksa (HKD$79) and their Beyond Burgers (HKD$108). Location: Shop OTG61, G/F, Ocean Terminal, Harbour City, 17 Canton Road, Tsim Sha Tsui (Other branches in Kwun Tong, Tseung Kwan O, Mong Kok, Tuen Mun, Wan Chai, Tsuen Wan, Central ) Contact: 31021220 Opening Hours: 11.30 am - 9 pm Price Range: $100-$200 (Vegan, Vegetarian) If you’re looking for places to spend your lai see this CNY, make sure to try these restaurants out!

We’re finally back, and that too with some burgers! Burgers are one of those snacks that no one can resist. The kind of snack that satisfies all cravings with its juicy meat patty and fresh toppings all packed between two toasted buns, making it a delectable and easy-to-eat meal. However, nowadays there’s been a huge demand for vegetarian burgers due to the growing trend of obtaining a sustainable diet. Definitely, some good news to our vegetarian friends, because as "Sir Mix A lot" once said: I ain't want none unless they got buns, hun! Here are a few mention’s which we recommend you guys to try: Reminder: The operating timing’s below are for usual days however, due to the increasing number of Covid cases, all dine-in services close by 6 pm. 1. HONBO Opened its first restaurant in Hong Kong back in 2017, this American burger chain serves not only your classic cheeseburgers but also Impossible burgers ($118 HKD). This is a completely vegan burger, put together with a patty, pickles, onion, lettuce, and vegan XO house sauce. Although at a relatively more expensive price range, the burger does live up to its taste. Location: 6/7 Sun Street, G/F Shop B, Wan Chai [Other branches in Harbour City, Tsuen Wan, and Central} Contact: 2567 8970 Opening Hours: 12pm-10pm Price Range: $100-$150 (Vegan & Vegetarian) 2. KABO BURGER A fairly new family-owned, Korean restaurant located at the heart of TST. We were pushed by our friends to try their Impossible Burger (HKD$62) and did not regret it one bit! Honestly, it's one of the best impossible burgers we’ve tried which tasted exactly like a regular cheeseburger, and in our opinion even better! The burger is topped with melted cheese and caramelized onions, all on a bed of fresh lettuce and tomatoes. Location: G/F, Wardley Centre, 9-11 Prat Ave, Tsim Sha Tsui [Other Branch in Kwai Chung] Contact: 95214405 Opening Hours: 12pm-10pm Price Range: $50- $100 (Vegetarian) 3. BURGER REPUBLIC We've been going to this place since 2014 when it was called “Chips Republic” [Located in Elements] however in 2019 they shut their restaurant down. Fortunately for us, they opened up two sister branches “Burger republic” with the same exact menu! Besides their PB banana chocolate milkshake and Truffle Cheese fries, the Veggie Galore burger ($69HKD) is what you should be looking out for. When we first tried it out, we knew it was love at first bite! Very different from your impossible burgers, as the patty is made from lentils and other grains, topped with caramelized onion, mushroom, and cheese! The burger itself was quite filling and juicy and definitely worth trying. Location: Shop F24-26, 1/F, PopCorn, 9 Tong Yin Street, Tseung Kwan O [Another branch in Mong Kok] Contact: 25681199 Opening Hours: 11.30am - 9pm Price Range: $50- $100 (Vegetarian) 4. SHAKE SHACK Of Course, we had to put this one in the lot! Shake Shack, is an American fast-food restaurant chain based in New York City. They opened in Hong Kong a few years back and now have 6 stores across the city! If you're looking for a juicy portobello burger, the Shroom Burger (HKD$67) is a good grab. The patty is a crisp-fried portobello mushroom filled with melted cheddar cheese, topped with lettuce, tomato, and their Shake Shack sauce. The melty goodness of the cheesy burger almost made us cheddar tear. Location: Shop 4018, 4/F, IFC, 1 Harbour View Street, Central [Other branches in Harbour City, Pacific Place, Elements Mall, Times Square, New Town Plaza] Contact: 25225611 Opening Hours: 11am - 10pm Price Range: $50- $100 (Vegetarian) 5. PREMIUM BURGERS & SANDWICHES Out of all the big restaurants, we came across a small, locally-owned business at the heart of Causeway Bay. As we were strolling through the area, this cute retro-style restaurant caught our eye, and so did their menu. The Portobello Mushroom Burger (HKD$78 Lunch set with fries) was a one-of-a-kind burger with its unique choice of ingredients including; freshly grilled portobello mushroom, sautéed asparagus, and sliced avocado! Never thought veggies could be the star in a burger, but we were so wrong. Location: G/F, 12 Haven Street, Causeway Bay Contact: 59956883 Opening Hours: 12 pm - 10 pm Price Range: $100- $150 (Vegan & Vegetarian) These are only some of our favorite veggie burgers around town, but we would definitely recommend trying them out! Each burger is different in its own way, so give it a go! Let us know if you think we missed out on any, below in the comment section, and we’ll make sure to try it out next time! Until then, Stay tuned!

Shawarmas (also known as kebabs) has been a popular snack across the Middle East and Mediterranean countries due to its combination of slowly cooked meat and flavourful sauces, bringing immense flavor to the dish. The wrap consists of many fresh ingredients such as meat (Chicken, Beef, Mutton, or Lamb) that is slowly grilled on a rotisserie and cut into little strips, along with fresh vegetables and unique sauces including; Hummus and Toum (Garlic & yogurt-based sauce). The popularity of shawarmas began to grow across other regions including Europe & Asia, making this dish one of the most popular grab-n-go snacks around the globe. Now we have countless restaurants across Hong Kong that serve this delicacy and here are a few we had to mention. 27 KEBAB HOUSE 27 Kebab house is one of the popular kebab chains in Hong Kong. Opened back in 2012, the restaurant started off with one outlet but managed to grow, with now 4 outlets across Hong Kong including; Central, Tsim Sha Tsui, Sheung Wan, and Happy Valley. They serve a variety of dishes including Kebabs, Salads, Hummus, and even Biryani! (Even though Biryani is from India, we don't mind.) Our favorite pick from their extensive menu is their Chicken Doner roll. The Chicken is vertically roasted before it gets thinly sliced and added to a pita bread with some fresh lettuce, onion, and tomatoes. Out of their menu, we would recommend trying this dish along with a few others including the chicken with rice or chips, which we think are great grab-n-go options! Location: Shop D-E, G/F, 27 Hollywood Road, Soho, Central Contact: 27952727 Opening Hours: 24 Hours Price Range: HKD $51 - $100 (Halal Certified) TURKISH KEBAB We had come across this little Turkish restaurant whilst roaming around Sai Kung and thought to give it a go. The restaurant may be small, but don't let that fool you. The Chicken Doner Roll served by the friendly owners was one of the best kebabs we've had! It was much spicier and meatier than the usual kebabs you'd get in the city, and their use of fresh ingredients and unique sauces really made it stand out. Also, we have to give a special mention to the owners who served us with so much care. The friendly attitude and hospitality really made us feel welcomed, and it's something we always look forward to when visiting the restaurant. (and of course their food!). From their menu, they had several other dishes & delights including; Turkish tea, Baklava, Adana Kebab, and our favorite chicken steak with bulgur rice topped with mint and chilli sauce! Location: Shop 15, G/F, Kam Po Court, 2 Hoi Pong Square, Sai Kung Contact: 26067038 Opening Hours: 11am - 12am Price Range: HKD $51 - $100 (Halal Certified) EBENEEZER's Ebeneezer's has been one of the most common and popular kebab chains across Hong Kong, and one of the most visited restaurants by us! They opened their first restaurant back in 1993 when the trend of shawarmas/kebabs was spiking up, and now they have successfully managed to open 25 outlets all across Hong Kong. Initially, they were known for their kebabs, but now also serve a variety of dishes from different regions including; North India, South India & the Middle East. Similarly to 27 Kebab house, we would recommend their 'Doner chicken kebab' as we think it's one of the best kebabs from their menu. There are quite a few options to choose from including chicken tikka kebabs, lamb kebabs, and even falafel wraps, which are just as popular. If you're in the mood for something cheesy, they also have pizza and cheese fries (Another favorite of ours.) The Kebab chain has multiple outlets however, the restaurant at the Sheraton Hotel in Tung Chung is definitely one of the best. The quality, taste, service, and ambiance is very different from the usual outlets, and is something we loved! Location: Shop G11, Sheraton Hotel, 9 Yi Tung Road. Tung Chung, Lantau Island Contact: 2730 0988 Opening Hours: 11am - 10.30pm Price Range : HKD $51 - $100 (Halal Certified) There are many other restaurants that serve shawarma's along with authentic Middle Eastern food including; Aziza, Acme, Maison Lebanese, Maison Du Mezze, Shahrazad Lebanese, Zooba, Carat, Bedu, and Chickpea. Stay tuned to hear more about the different types of middle eastern restaurants across town!