Halal travellers often face challenges when trying to experience the rich and diverse culinary landscape of Vietnam while adhering to Halal standards. While Ho Chi Minh City offers a variety of Halal restaurants for visitors, to ensure you’re enjoying truly Halal meals, here are some top recommendations for delicious Halal dining spots just for you.
- Halal@Saigon
Halal@Saigon offers a delightful combination of Vietnamese and international halal dishes, perfect for Muslim travelers. The ambiance is sleek and modern, making it a great spot for family gatherings or casual meals. Highlights include traditional Vietnamese Beef Pho and Nasi Goreng with halal-certified meat.
- Address: 31 Dong Du Street, Ben Nghe Ward, District 1
- Cuisine: Vietnamese, Middle Eastern, Malaysian
- Opening Hours: 10:00 AM – 10:00 PM
- Website: halalsaigon.com
- Baba’s Kitchen
Known for its authentic Indian flavors, Baba’s Kitchen provides a 100% Authentic Indian experience with the freshest food and fast, friendly service. Its popularity has made it a staple in the Ho Chi Minh City food scene, with many comparing it to the renowned Taj Mahal restaurant. The restaurant offers a diverse menu to suit all preferences, including choices for both vegetarians and meat lovers. Indulge in their Garlic Naan, perfectly complemented by rich and flavorful curries such as Dal Makhani or Palak Paneer, making it an ideal meal to unwind with after a day of sightseeing.
- Address: 274 Bui Vien Street, Pham Ngu Lao Ward, District 1, Ho Chi Minh City
- Opening Hours: 11:00 AM – 10:30 PM
- Website: https://babas.kitchen/
- Restaurant Halal Osman
Halal Osman is a trusted and well-regarded Halal-certified restaurant located in the heart of Ho Chi Minh City. It is a go-to destination for both locals and international visitors seeking authentic Halal cuisine in a welcoming atmosphere. Must-try options include Bun Cha Gio (Vietnamese spring rolls with noodles) and Beef Pho. The restaurant has a simple, friendly vibe and is a great option for takeout or dining in.
- Address: 35 Nguyen An Ninh Street, Ben Thanh Ward, District 1
- Cuisine: Vietnamese, Malaysian, Singaporean
- Opening Hours: 10:00 AM – 9:00 PM
- Tandoor Restaurant
A long-established restaurant, Tandoor is a favorite for lovers of Indian cuisine. The restaurant serves classic Indian dishes like Butter Chicken, Naan, and Tandoori Chicken. All meals are prepared with Halal-certified ingredients, and the restaurant has maintained a great reputation for its quality and service over the years.
- Address: 39A-39B Ngo Duc Ke Street, Ben Nghe Ward, District 1
- Cuisine: Indian
- Opening Hours: 11:00 AM – 2:30 PM, 5:00 PM – 10:00 PM
- Website: https://tandoorvietnam.com/
What is Halal food?
The Ministry of Science and Technology stated that in Arabic, “Halal” means “permissible,” while “Haram” refers to prohibited things. Muslims only consume products permitted by Allah, and such permission is signified by the product being certified Halal in accordance with the Quran and Islamic Shari’ah law.
Some ingredients of Halal Food
- Meats: Beef, goat, lamb, venison, chicken, duck, and birds.
- Seafood: Fish, shrimp, crab, squid, etc.
- Dairy: Milk from cows, sheep, camels, and goats.
- Honey
- Fresh vegetables or dried fruits
- Nuts: Peanuts, cashews, hazelnuts, etc.
- Grains: Wheat, rice, barley, etc.
- …
In contrast to “Halal Food,” there are “Non-Halal” foods, which are not permissible under Islamic law.
- Animals not slaughtered according to Islamic methods.
- Pigs and dogs.
- Animals with claws and sharp teeth (canines/tusks) used to hunt prey.
- Birds with talons or predatory birds, including carnivorous birds with sharp claws.
- Animals that must be killed in Islam, such as scorpions, snakes, centipedes, and rats.
- Animals that are forbidden to kill in Islam, such as bees, ants, and woodpeckers.
- Animals considered unclean by the community, such as lice, fleas, and flies.
- Amphibians and semi-aquatic animals, such as frogs and crocodiles.
- Aquatic species containing toxins or posing a danger to health or causing intoxication.
- Plants that are poisonous, harmful to health, or intoxicating.
- Substances that are intoxicating, harmful to health, toxic, or contaminated with impurities (najis).
