Halal, halal kitchen, halal friendly: what's the difference?
The Trustees of the Islamic Community Fund issue three kinds of certificate. Only one means everything, including the drinks, is halal. Here is what each promises, in the Trustees' own terms.
Fully halal
Everything prepared in the kitchen and served in the dining room is halal certified.
No alcohol served · 51 in Hong Kong
Halal kitchen
The kitchen and preparation area are fully halal. The dining room may serve wine or beer.
Alcohol may be served · 99 in Hong Kong
Halal friendly
Halal and non-halal food come from one kitchen, with separate storage, prep and cooking areas.
Non-halal items on the menu · 89 in Hong Kong
Side by side
| Fully halal | Halal kitchen | Halal friendly | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Kitchen holds only halal food | Yes | Yes | No: halal food is kept and cooked in a separate marked area |
| Everything on the menu is halal | Yes | Yes | No |
| Alcohol in the dining room | No | May be served | May be served |
| Who it suits | Anyone wanting a fully halal meal | Diners fine with alcohol nearby | Mixed groups; check the dish |
| Outlets in Hong Kong | 51 | 99 | 89 |
What halal friendly means in practice
Under the Trustees' rules, a halal friendly kitchen keeps halal meat and ingredients apart from everything else, cuts and prepares them separately, and cooks them in a halal area that is clearly marked. They recommend a trained person oversees it. The menu will still include non-halal dishes, so check that what you order is from the halal side. Every KFC on the list is halal friendly.
Expiry dates and renewals
Certificates run for a fixed term. The list we check against, dated 30 September 2026, shows 10 premises with a renewal in process, and 12 whose expiry date had passed by the time we checked. Those listings carry a note. A certificate that has lapsed on the list has often been renewed in the meantime; the restaurant can show you the current one.
Source: Categories of halal certificates, The Incorporated Trustees of the Islamic Community Fund of Hong Kong.
Halal certificates: quick answers
What is the difference between halal and halal friendly?
A halal restaurant serves only halal food and no alcohol. A halal friendly restaurant also serves non-halal food from the same kitchen, with halal ingredients stored, cut and cooked separately. In Hong Kong, 89 of the 239 certified outlets are halal friendly.
What is a halal kitchen restaurant?
Its kitchen and preparation area are fully halal, so all the food is halal, but the dining room may serve non-halal items such as wine and beer.
Who certifies halal restaurants in Hong Kong?
The Incorporated Trustees of the Islamic Community Fund of Hong Kong, known locally as the Board of Trustees. It publishes the list of certified premises; the version this site uses is dated 30 September 2026.
How can I check a restaurant is really certified?
Ask to see the certificate, which shows its expiry date, and compare it with the Trustees' list. You can email the Trustees at halal@islamictrusthk.org.