By Wei Ruyu, interviews and reports
With the increasing number of Muslims traveling to and conducting business in Taiwan, the Tourism Bureau of the Ministry of Transportation and Communications and the Chinese Muslim Association have introduced certification criteria and regulations for the Muslim Friendly Restaurant designation. This allows domestic applicants for halal certification to receive the "Halal Dining Muslim Friendly Restaurant" certificate and label after undergoing review, training, and inspection. This provides greater assurance and more choices for consumers who want to enjoy authentic Muslim cuisine.
Many Muslim tourists in Taiwan currently come from Malaysia, Indonesia, Brunei, the Middle East, Central Asia, and northwestern China. (Image provided by Mook Magazine editorial department)
Ma Chaoxing, assistant secretary-general of the Chinese Muslim Association, said: "Previously, halal was used as the identifier for restaurants serving Muslim diners. To expand halal dining options, non-Muslim restaurant operators are now awarded the Muslim Friendly Restaurant certification label." Currently certified Muslim Friendly Restaurant establishments include Taipei Zhangjia Halal Yellow Beef Noodle Shop, Aladdin Restaurant at Leofoo Village Theme Park, Shangri-La Leisure Farm in Yilan, Southern Banquet Hall at Taiyi Ecological Recreational Farm, Holiday Inn Resort Taipei - Crowne Plaza, and Far Eastern Yu Lai Qiucui Japanese Restaurant in Hualien.
If you have Muslim friends visiting Taiwan, you can dine with peace of mind at any restaurant displaying the Muslim Friendly Restaurant certification label. (Image provided by the Chinese Muslim Association)
According to the Chinese Muslim Association's Halal Dining Management Measures, regardless of whether restaurant or hotel operators are Muslim, the fresh meat and seasonings they use must bear Islamic Halal certification. Additionally, cooking utensils must not be used to prepare non-Muslim meals, and dining areas must not display portraits of people or animals, indecent images, or serve alcohol. Otherwise, the establishment can only be labeled as "Muslim meal available" rather than a halal restaurant. Furthermore, restaurants must have the capacity to provide a small space for temporary prayer use, and hotels are encouraged to have dedicated prayer rooms.
Muslims’ dietary practices are shaped by their religious beliefs. As explicitly stated in the Quran by Allah, Muslims must consume Halalan (lawful) and Tayyaban (wholesome) food. Therefore, there are specific slaughtering guidelines for meats such as beef, lamb, and chicken. It is also emphasized that anything derived from pork or contaminated by it—whether ingredients or cookware—is forbidden. Additionally, alcohol and blood products, even in trace amounts, cannot be consumed or used as flavoring. Muslims also avoid eating omnivorous animals such as dogs, cats, birds of prey, amphibians, and cold-blooded creatures (like frogs, snakes, and turtles), as well as offerings made to deities.
In 2011, Taiwan welcomed over 6 million tourists. A closer look shows significant growth among visitors from Malaysia, Indonesia, Singapore, Brunei, and northwestern China, many of whom are Muslim. This trend continues to grow. The Tourism Bureau has also released a range of Muslim travel guides and promotional DVDs for Taiwan. These resources are currently available through the Chinese Muslim Association, and are expected to be distributed at Taiwan airports and tourist service centers in the future for public access. For more information on Muslim culture and cuisine, visit the Chinese Muslim Association’s website at www.cmainroc.org.tw/.
● Related reading: Promoting Muslim tourism to Taiwan, Tourism Bureau awards halal hospitality certification
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