Halal Food Guide in Guangzhou: Near Canton Fair & Mosques
Finding Halal food in China can be daunting, but Guangzhou is a pleasant exception. As the starting point of the Maritime Silk Road, the city has a 1,300-year history of Islamic culture. It is home to the Huaisheng Mosque, one of the oldest mosques in the world.
Whether you are here for the Canton Fair or tourism, you will find a vibrant community of Muslim restaurants ranging from cheap noodles to high-end Turkish cuisine.
1. The Hub: Xiao Bei (小北)
If you want variety, head straight to Xiao Bei. Often nicknamed "Little Africa" or the "Arab Quarter," this area is the heartbeat of Guangzhou's expatriate Muslim community.
Vibe: Multicultural, bustling, and authentic.
Food Options: You will find endless rows of Turkish Kebab houses, Yemeni Mandi restaurants, Egyptian cafes, and Northwest Chinese (Uyghur) restaurants.
Metro: Line 5 to Xiaobei Station.
2. Near the Canton Fair (Pazhou)
When you are exhausted from walking the massive exhibition halls, you need food fast. Fortunately, there are options near the complex.
Look for the Green Sign with a mosque symbol. Lanzhou Beef Noodle (兰州拉面) shops are ubiquitous in China. They serve cheap, fast, and strictly Halal hand-pulled noodles with beef broth.
There are several tucked away in the food courts of Poly World Trade Center (next to Area C of the fair).
For a sit-down business dinner, head to the Canton Place or Xingsheng Road (in nearby Zhujiang New Town, just a short taxi ride away). You will find upscale Turkish restaurants offering mezze platters and grilled meats.
3. Must-Try Halal Chinese Dishes
Don't stick to just Kebabs. Chinese Islamic cuisine (Xinjiang and Hui style) is incredible.
Juicy chunks of lamb dusted with cumin and chili powder, grilled over charcoal.
A massive stew of chicken, potatoes, and peppers served over wide, flat hand-pulled noodles. Spicy and filling!
Rice cooked with carrots, onions, and mutton fat. It's sweet, savory, and rich.
Ready to explore the flavors?
Xiao Bei can be tricky to reach during rush hour traffic.
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