From a fishing village to a mega tech metropolis, Shenzhen is an impressively fast-growing city in China. Neighbouring Hong Kong, it’s now a popular day trip or weekend getaway destination for some good cheap food and shopping. The halal food scene in Shenzhen is amazing. There are plenty of halal restaurants around the city, especially in the Futian and Nanshan districts. Futian is also where the Shenzhen Mosque is situated. In this article, we’re sharing our favourite halal food places we’ve discovered during our trip to Shenzhen, China.
*Since Google Maps is not supported in China, all location links listed below will be on Amap for more accurate information.
How to Search for Halal Food in China
The best way to search for halal food in China is to use the MeiTuan App, which is a food delivery & restaurant directory app (available as its own app or connected through WeChat). Simply type “清真”, i.e. the Chinese word for halal, in the search bar, and a list of halal restaurants will show up.
You’ll find halal signs saying “清真” at these restaurants, or at the very least, have the word “清真” alongside the restaurant name.
Where to Find the Best Halal Food in Shenzhen
Zhong Fa Yuan Muslim Restaurant (中发源清真餐厅)
This is easily one of the most famous halal restaurants in Shenzhen, and it’s got multiple branches across the city. Zhong Fa Yuan specialises in northwestern Chinese cuisine, specifically Xinjiang and Uyghur cuisines. Must-try dishes include their signature braised beef shanks, grilled lamb ribs, and lamb skewers. We visited one of their branches in the Nanshan district and enjoyed it so much that we returned again the next day!
Halal status: All meats served are halal
Location: Nanshan (南山)
(click here to open location on Amap)
Xi Yu Feng (西域风烧烤.新疆菜清真餐厅)
Xi Yu Feng is a Muslim-owned, family-run restaurant that serves the best Chinese BBQ we’ve ever had. From grilled chicken wings to spicy lamb skewers, to chilli garlic scallops, every dish we had delivered oomph after oomph. Again, we enjoyed it so much that we planned another last-minute day trip back to Shenzhen from Hong Kong just to eat there.
Halal status: All meats served are halal
Location: Nanshan (南山)
(click here to open location on Amap)
Lao Men Kuang Hot Pot (北京老門框爆肚涮肉館)
Lao Men Kuang is a nationwide halal restaurant chain that specialises in authentic Beijing-style Chinese hot pot. The hot pot comes in Mongolian-style copper pots, and the menu offers a good selection of hand-cut lamb and beef, as well as seafood and vegetables.
Halal status: All meats served are halal
Location: Nanshan (南山)
(click here to open location on Amap)
Tong Ye Lao Beijing Zhizi Barbecue (佟爷老北京炙子烤肉)
Korean BBQ may be the most well-known type of on-table meat barbecue experience globally, but you shouldn’t sleep on a Chinese barbecue! Tong Ye Lao Beijing is a halal BBQ restaurant that specialises in Northern Chinese-style meat barbecue. From Mongolian-style beef to lamb skewers, you’re in for a feast.
Halal status: All meats served are halal
Location: Luohu (罗湖) / Nanshan (南山)
Huang Jin Mai Lanzhou ShouGong Beef Noodles (黄金麦·兰州纯手工牛肉面)
You just can’t go wrong with a good bowl of Lanzhou-style Beef Noodles Soup. There are plenty of halal Lanzhou Beef Noodles restaurants in Shenzhen, but the most highly rated one is Huang Jin Mai in the Futian district. You’ll find delicious hand-pulled noodles there, as well as dumplings and signature lamb skewers.
Halal status: All meats served are halal
Location: Futian (福田)
(click here to open location on Amap)
Thousand & One 1001 Xiyu Muslim Restaurant (1001西域·清真餐厅)
1001 Restaurant is another popular halal Xinjiang Chinese restaurant in Shenzhen. You can find them on the 5th floor at the Coastal City Shopping Centre. The lamb skewers are a must-try, and other best-selling dishes include Big Plate Chicken, Pulao, etc.
Halal status: All meats served are halal
Location: Nanshan (南山)
(click here to open location on Amap)
Toro Toro Woodfire Kitchen 柴火西厨
If you’re craving something more Western, i.e. non-Chinese food, Toro Toro Woodfire Kitchen is a good place to check out. It specialises in Mediterranean & Middle Eastern cuisine, most popular for its woodfire pizzas, steak, tagines, etc.
Halal status: All meats served are halal
Location: Futian (福田)
(click here to open location on Amap)
