10 halal-friendly cities in Asia 2026, Lifestyle News

Muslim travellers are discovering Asia with more options and ease than ever before.

Whether it’s neighborhoods rich with halal dining, easy access to prayer spaces, or lively evenings that welcome families, travelling well is becoming simpler. This halal-friendliness index draws on Wego’s travel data and real-world insights to spotlight Asian cities where Muslim travellers can explore comfortably and confidently.

How we selected our cities

To build our Halal-Friendly City Index, we defined our scoring framework based on seven Muslim-traveller essentials: halal food convenience, certification confidence, halal variety, prayer access, Muslim-friendly stay signals, no-alcohol entertainment options, and plant-based options.

We then used Wego flight data to shortlist a mix of lesser-known or rising Asian city breaks, intentionally skipping obvious heavyweights like Tokyo, Seoul, or Bangkok to focus on discovery beyond the usual travel map.

All halal claims, business listings, locations, and availability reflect what was publicly verifiable at the time of writing and can change over time.

A note on our star rating

We audited each city using a consistent “anchor” lens: a 20-minute walk radius from a central landmark where visitors typically stay and wander, scoring the seven practical parameters.

For each parameter, we assign a simple star rating to reflect how easy it is in practice (more stars = less planning and guesswork), with Certification Confidence scored more strictly than the other categories.

★ (1 star) means it’s doable, but requires planning: fewer options in the tourist core, more detours, and more double-checking.

★★ (2 stars) means it’s workable with light planning: you’ll find options in or near the core, but you may still need to plan ahead.

★★★ (3 stars) means it’s easy mode: plenty of options in the city core with minimal detours and low friction for most travelers.

10 emerging halal-friendly cities in Asia

Kobe, Japan

Anchor: Kitano-cho

Halal food convenience: ★★★
Certification confidence: ★★☆
Halal variety: ★★★
Prayer access: ★★★
Muslim‑friendly stay signals: ★★☆
Alcohol-free entertainment: ★★☆
Plant-based options: ★★☆

While Tokyo and Osaka grab the headlines, Kobe holds a special place in history as the site of Japan’s first mosque (built in 1935). This port city offers a sophisticated, less frenetic alternative to the capital.

The historic Kitano district is not only architecturally stunning but also the practical center for Muslim travelers. With the Kobe Mosque standing proudly just minutes from the anchor point, and high-end restaurants serving verified Halal Kobe Beef nearby, it offers a rare luxury: the ability to eat Japan’s most famous delicacy without compromise.

Don’t miss

Kobe Mosque for a prayer in Japan’s oldest surviving Islamic structure
Misono or similar specialist steakhouses for Halal-certified Kobe Beef (reservation required)
Shin-Kobe Ropeway to the Nunobiki Herb Gardens for panoramic bay views
Harborland for an evening stroll by the illuminated Port Tower

Must know

Kobe has one of the highest concentrations of halal-certified restaurants per capita in Japan
The city water is famous for its purity (and is the secret behind the local food quality)
Prayer facilities are available in major tourist spots like Kobe Animal Kingdom

Busan, South Korea

Anchor: BIFF Square (Nampo-dong)

Halal food convenience: ★★☆
Certification confidence: ★★☆
Halal variety: ★★☆
Prayer access: ★★☆
Muslim‑friendly stay signals: ★★☆
Alcohol-free entertainment: ★★★
Plant-based options: ★★☆

Busan is the coastal antidote to Seoul’s concrete intensity. The area around BIFF Square and Jagalchi Market offers a raw, energetic dive into Korean port culture.

Unlike the capital, Busan’s halal scene is concentrated heavily in a single, walkable zone near the station and “Texas Street.” Here, you’ll find the Al-Fatah Mosque and a cluster of Uzbek, Indonesian, and Muslim-friendly Korean restaurants, making it a surprisingly easy base for travellers who want to explore the coast.

Don’t miss

Jagalchi Fish Market to see the catch of the day (grilled fish is often halal-friendly, check for alcohol use)
Haeundae Beach for the classic Korean seaside experience
Gamcheon Culture Village for colorful, Instagram-perfect alleyways
Samarkand near the station for hearty halal noodles and dumplings

Must know

Al-Fatah Mosque is a key community hub, just one subway stop from Nampo-dong
Seafood is the main draw here; always ask “No alcohol?” when ordering grilled dishes
Busan is significantly more relaxed and stroller-friendly than hilly parts of Seoul

Kaohsiung, Taiwan

Anchor: Pier-2 Art Center

Halal food convenience: ★★☆
Certification confidence: ★★★
Halal variety: ★★☆
Prayer access: ★☆☆ (in core, but ★★★ at Mosque)
Muslim‑friendly stay signals: ★★☆
Alcohol-free entertainment: ★★★
Plant-based options: ★★★

Kaohsiung has transformed from an industrial hub into Taiwan’s creative capital. The Pier-2 Art Center, a sprawling complex of repurposed warehouses, anchors a waterfront that feels open and breezy.

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While the Kaohsiung Mosque is a taxi ride away, the city’s strong push for “Muslim Friendly Environment” certification means you’ll find certified seafood and beef noodle options appearing in malls and night markets near the tourist core. It’s the perfect laid-back alternative to Taipei.

Don’t miss

Pier-2 Art Center for open-air sculptures and alcohol-free creative markets
Chen Lili for halal-certified beef noodles
Cijin Island (5-min ferry) for sunset and fresh seafood (look for “Muslim Friendly” stickers)
Formosa Boulevard Station to see the “Dome of Light” glass installation

Must know

Kaohsiung Mosque is a majestic structure, worth the 15-minute taxi from the centre
Taiwan’s “Halal” and “Muslim Friendly” certifications are government-regulated and reliable
Vegetarian buffets are common and often explicitly label alcohol ingredients

Chengdu, China

Anchor: Tianfu Square

Halal food convenience: ★★★
Certification confidence: ★★☆
Halal variety: ★★★
Prayer access: ★★★
Muslim‑friendly stay signals: ★★☆
Alcohol-free entertainment: ★★☆
Plant-based options: ★★☆

Chengdu is world-famous for pandas, but it’s also a historic hub for the Hui Muslim community. Unlike the coastal megacities, Chengdu’s slower pace of life (man shenghuo) makes it ideal for leisure travel.

The area west of Tianfu Square is home to the historic Huangcheng Mosque and a vibrant community of halal restaurateurs. You can experience the fiery numbness of authentic Sichuan cuisine from Ma Po Tofu to hotpot, adapted perfectly to halal standards by generations of local chefs.

Don’t miss

Giant Panda Breeding Research Base (go early morning to see them active)
Huangcheng Mosque the headquarters of the Islamic Association in Sichuan
Huangcheng Ba for traditional halal beef dishes and snacks
People’s Park to drink tea and watch locals practice Tai Chi

Must know

Green signs usually indicate Halal (Qing Zhen) in China
Chengdu has a high density of “Lanzhou Lamian” (hand-pulled noodle) shops which are almost always halal
Subway Line 1 connects the Mosque area to the main shopping districts easily

Manila, Philippines

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Anchor: Intramuros (Walled City)

Halal food convenience: ★★☆
Certification confidence: ★☆☆
Halal variety: ★★☆
Prayer access: ★★☆
Muslim‑friendly stay signals: ★★☆
Alcohol-free entertainment: ★★☆
Plant-based options: ★★☆

Manila is a city of rapid transformation. While the Philippines is a Catholic-majority nation, the capital has recently been recognised as the “Emerging Muslim-friendly Destination of the Year” for its enthusiastic push to welcome halal travellers.

The historic Intramuros district serves as your anchor. Just a short ride away lies the Quiapo district, home to the Golden Mosque and a bustling Muslim quarter where the food is authentic and plentiful. In the modern districts like Ermita (near Rizal Park), you’ll find a growing number of hotels and restaurants earning halal accreditation from the Department of Tourism.

Don’t miss

Fort Santiago for a walk through history in the heart of the Walled City
The Golden Mosque (Masjid Al-Dahab) in Quiapo (visit during the day for the market atmosphere)
Dulang Restaurant in Ermita for authentic Tausug dishes like Tiula Itum (black beef soup)
Manila Baywalk for the world-famous sunset views

Must know

Quiapo offers the most authentic halal street food experience; Ermita offers more sit-down dining
Look for the new “Halal-Friendly” accreditation seal from the Department of Tourism in hotels
Traffic is heavy, staying near anchor points keeps you close to major sites and halal dining

Siem Reap, Cambodia

Anchor: Old Market (Phsar Chas)

Halal food convenience: ★★★
Certification confidence: ★★☆
Halal variety: ★★☆
Prayer access: ★★☆
Muslim‑friendly stay signals: ★★☆
Alcohol-free entertainment: ★★☆
Plant-based options: ★★★

Siem Reap is the gateway to Angkor Wat, but the city itself has a surprising Islamic heritage thanks to the local Cham Muslim community. The area near the Old Market and Pub Street is the tourist hub.

Just a short tuk-tuk ride or walk from the market lies the Neak Mah Mosque and a welcoming Muslim village (Steung Thmey). This proximity allows you to explore ancient temples at sunrise and return to a community where halal food, from Cambodian Amok curries to simple grilled meats, is abundant and authentic.

Don’t miss

Angkor Wat at sunrise (bring your own prayer mat for a quiet spot on the grounds)
Neak Mah Mosque in the Steung Thmey village
Muslim Family Kitchen for home-cooked halal Cambodian dishes
Phare, The Cambodian Circus for an incredible cultural show

Must know

Many halal restaurants are concentrated in the Steung Thmey area
Halal food is readily available, but alcohol is sold almost everywhere else; check restaurant policies
Tuk-tuk drivers are often knowledgeable about halal spots; ask for a Muslim driver if preferred

Hyderabad, India

Anchor: Charminar

Halal food convenience: ★★★
Certification confidence: ★★☆ (Cultural confidence is high)
Halal variety: ★★★
Prayer access: ★★★
Muslim‑friendly stay signals: ★★☆
Alcohol-free entertainment: ★★☆
Plant-based options: ★★☆

While the Golden Triangle gets the fame, Hyderabad offers a deeper, more seamless experience for Muslim travellers. Once the seat of the wealthy Nizams, the city’s Old City around Charminar is a living museum of Islamic heritage in India.

Here, “halal” isn’t a special request; it is the default for the city’s legendary cuisine. From the world-famous Hyderabadi Biryani to the slow-cooked Haleem, this is a culinary pilgrimage site where you rarely need to ask about ingredients.

Don’t miss

Mecca Masjid, one of the oldest and largest mosques in India, walking distance from Charminar
Shadab Hotel for authentic Hyderabadi Biryani (expect a wait, it’s worth it)
Golconda Fort for an evening sound and light show exploring the Qutb Shahi history
Laad Bazaar for traditional bangles and perfumes (Itar)

Must know

Halal meat is the standard in the Old City; certification stickers are rare because they are deemed unnecessary by locals
Mosques are abundant; you are never more than a few minutes from a prayer space
The city is a major tech hub, meaning rideshare apps (Uber/Ola) work perfectly

Galle, Sri Lanka

Anchor: Galle Fort

Halal food convenience: ★★★
Certification confidence: ★★★
Halal variety: ★★★
Prayer access: ★★★
Muslim‑friendly stay signals: ★★☆
Alcohol-free entertainment: ★★★
Plant-based options: ★★★

Galle Fort is a Unesco World Heritage site that feels like a living museum. Unlike the bustle of Colombo, this fortified city offers a walkable, European-style cobblestone experience in the tropics.

A significant portion of the families living inside the Fort are Moorish Muslims who have been there for generations. This means you can walk from the lighthouse to the Meera Mosque (built to look like a church) and stop for halal short-eats or gelato without ever leaving the historic ramparts.

Don’t miss

Meera Mosque a stunning white structure blending Victorian and Islamic architecture
Flag Rock Bastion for sunset views and watching cliff divers
Chambers Restaurant for high-end Middle Eastern/Sri Lankan dining
Shopping for Gems in the Muslim-owned jewelry boutiques lining the streets

Must know

The Fort is a no-alcohol zone in public spaces (though some hotels serve inside)
Halal food is ubiquitous inside the Fort walls
It is one of the few places in the world where the Call to Prayer mixes with the sound of ocean waves

Hua Hin, Thailand

Anchor: Clock Tower

Halal food convenience: ★★★
Certification confidence: ★★☆
Halal variety: ★★★
Prayer access: ★★☆
Muslim‑friendly stay signals: ★★☆
Alcohol-free entertainment: ★★☆
Plant-based options: ★★★

Hua Hin is the Royal seaside resort, a favourite of Thai kings and families seeking a quieter alternative to Pattaya. It has a distinct, relaxed vibe with wide beaches and night markets.

Thanks to a historical settlement of Muslim railway workers, the area behind the picturesque Hua Hin Railway Station has a strong halal infrastructure. You get the best of both worlds: a classic Thai beach vacation with easy access to roti, massaman curry, and prayer spaces, all without the “party” atmosphere of other islands.

Don’t miss

Hua Hin Railway Station one of the oldest and most beautiful in Thailand
Nurul Ehsan Mosque walking distance from the railway station
Hua Hin Night Market for incredible seafood (look for the Halal Crescent signs)
Cicada Market for art, crafts, and a relaxed evening atmosphere

Must know

The “Railway Mosque” creates a convenient halal cluster near the town centre
Hua Hin is very family-centric, aligning well with Muslim travel values
Halal signs are common in the night markets; look for the “Crescent & Star”

Kathmandu, Nepal

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Anchor: Thamel

Halal food convenience: ★★☆
Certification confidence: ★☆☆
Halal variety: ★★☆
Prayer access: ★★☆
Muslim‑friendly stay signals: ★☆☆
Alcohol-free entertainment: ★★☆
Plant-based options: ★★★

Kathmandu is the sensory-overload gateway to the Himalayas. Thamel, the backpacker and tourist hub, is a maze of trekking gear shops, prayer flags, and cafes.

The Kashmiri Muslim community has been trading in Nepal for centuries. Just south of Thamel lies the Jame Masjid and a cluster of authentic halal eateries. It allows Muslim travellers to experience the bucket-list adventure of the Himalayas with the comfort of knowing a warm halal meal and a mosque are never far away.

Don’t miss

Kashmiri Masjid and Jame Masjid located near Bagbazar (a short walk from Thamel)
Swayambhunath (Monkey Temple) for sunset views over the valley
Anatolia Restaurant or local Kashmiri eateries for hearty curries
Garden of Dreams for a quiet, neo-classical escape from the city dust

Must know

Local halal cuisine often features unique buffalo dishes alongside chicken and mutton
Established halal restaurants in the Thamel and Mosque area are reliable and popular with visitors
Thamel is chaotic but safe; the mosque area is a quieter sanctuary

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This article was first published in Wego.

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