Previously, I shared how Hong Kong surprised me during my 5-day trip with its Muslim-friendly amenities and abundance of Halal food options. One of the places that stood out during my adventure in the bustling city was The Mira Hotel in Tsim Sha Shui, where I stayed, thanks to its stylish design and the warm hospitality.
Moreover, I was amazed by the personalised Halal amenities waiting in my room and the restaurants in the hotel.
In a bustling city that is better known for Dim Sum than dates and mosques, how does a hotel like The Mira rise to meet the requirements of the booming Halal market?
I spoke to Mr Alexander Wasserman, the Miramar Group’s Head of Hotels and Serviced Apartments, who had a lot to share on how not only The Mira, but many tourist spots in the city achieved the Halal accolades, when Hong Kong is never traditionally seen as a hotspot for Halal food and tourism.
And it’s not simply placing a prayer mat in the hotel rooms and calling it a day
“Yes, Hong Kong was never a Halal-friendly destination. There was no awareness in terms of Halal food and the prayer facilities.”
“Over the years, with the government’s efforts, the city came together to make Hong Kong an inclusive destination for Muslim travellers, and everyone was taught to implement the required standards for the Halal accolades.”
Alexander then shared something that may be shocking (in a good way) to many: Hong Kong is ranked third among Muslim-friendly destinations in a city with a majority non-Muslim population. Alexander also acknowledged the stigma that paints Hong Kong as a destination with barely any Halal food, but believed that the stigma is already being overcome.
This year, Hong Kong was crowned the Most Promising Muslim-Friendly Destination of the Year.
“We don’t play around. If you ask for Halal food, we deliver 100%”
The Mira Hotel has 5 places to eat, namely Yamm (where Halal breakfast is also served), Cuisine Cuisine, Whisk, Vibes, and Coco. Four of these spots serve Halal-friendly food, according to Alexander. For the guests who want to dine from the comfort of their rooms, Halal options are also available on the menu.
If it’s Halal you want, it’s Halal you get.
For instance, Cuisine Cuisine, known for its traditional Chinese dishes, serves one of its signature Dim Sums, the Siew Mai. This Dim Sum is originally made with pork, but Alexander assured everyone that Halal-certified chicken meat is also available upon request, which is prepared in a separate kitchen.
“We’ve had all kinds of Halal requests over the years, from banks to consulates to global firms.”
“And whenever that happens, we don’t play around. If somebody requests Halal food, we deliver 100%, we’re not playing around,” Alexander affirmed.
Crispy chicken with minced cuttlefish, sliced almond, and lemon sauce
Braised minced spotted garoupa soup
Angus beef fried rice
Additionally, a prayer mat and the Holy Quran are also available in the hotel rooms, which eases Muslim travellers to perform their prayers in the comfort of their rooms. A portable bidet is also available upon request.
Kowloon Mosque, the largest mosque in Hong Kong, is less than a 5-minute walk from The Mira Hotel.
“So, no more stigma, please,” Alexander smiled at the end of the conversation.
