One of the best things about food, apart from tantalising one’s taste buds, is that it brings people together. Families and friends grow closer over a shared meal and neighbours often bring food to welcome the newest members of the community. While both Malaysia and Singapore enjoy a bustling foodie scene in their respective countries, some of the more popular chains in Singapore are non-halal and off-limits for Muslim foodies. So check out these best halal food in Malaysia worth braving the traffic for!
- Looking for other halal food guides for Malaysia? We've got you covered!
- Check out these halal international food chains if you're ever in Dubai!
1. Jamie Oliver Pizzeria, KLIA
Credit: Farah Fazanna on HHWT
You no longer need to jet off to London to experience the culinary magic of Jamie Oliver. The renowned celebrity chef has brought his first restaurant to Malaysia, conveniently located at KLIA. Now, travellers can indulge in mouthwatering Italian dishes, each infused with Jamie's signature flair, before they take to the skies.
As you step inside, the irresistible aroma of freshly baked pizza from the wood-fired oven beckons, promising a taste adventure that’s simply unforgettable. It’s a delightful pre-flight experience where every bite is a reminder of why Jamie Oliver is a name celebrated in kitchens worldwide.
Halal status: No pork and ingredients are sourced from halal suppliers
Opening hours: 8am-5pm (Grab & Go) / 11am-7pm (Restaurant)
2. Chilli's
Chili’s is a casual Tex-Mex American restaurant chain that first opened its doors in Bangsar Shopping Centre in 1994. In a reply to us, Chili said that their meats and poultry are sourced from suppliers who are certified halal by Malaysian Islamic Development Department (Jakim) and the dishes they serve follow strict preparation methods to ensure it is alcohol-free.
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My favourite at this place would be its tacos, fajitas and quesadillas. The burgers and pastas look mouth-watering too!
Similar to TGI Fridays, Chili’s has a bar and serves alcoholic drinks.
Halal status: It's a pork-free restaurant with no alcohol-based food items on the menu. All meats and ingredients are from halal-certified suppliers. However, alcoholic drinks are served on the premises, so do dine with discretion.
Opening hours: Mon-Thu (11 am- 11 pm), Fri-Sat (11 am – 12 am), Sun (11 am – 11 pm)
Facebook | Instagram | Website
3. Tony Roma’s
Whenever we think of ribs, we think of Tony Roma’s. The first Tony Roma’s outlet opened in Sunway Pyramid in 2006, and to date, they have 11 outlets at major shopping malls nationwide. The juicy ribs look too good and we honestly think one should eat this with their hands. It goes really well with the four different sauces they put on the table (our collected favourite would be the Blue Ridge Smokies). Put away your cutleries and use the power of the hands!
Please be advised that Tony Roma’s also serves alcoholic drinks.
Halal status: All Tony Romas outlets are certified Halal as of year 2023.
Opening hours: 10 am – 10 pm daily
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4. Carl’s Jr
Credit: Carl's Jr on Instagram
We believe Carl’s Jr is the first designer burger outlet here in Malaysia. By designer, we mean we pay higher prices for a bigger sized burger that comes with specialty ingredients like avocado. Before Carl’s Jr, most of us would get our burger fix always came from Burger King, McDonald’s and Ramly stalls by the roadside!
Soda drinks are refillable at Carl’s Jr. I love the fries here, I have yet to encounter soggy fries at Carl’s Jr so far. They also have chilli cheese fries!
Halal status: Halal-certified
Opening hours: 10 am – 10 pm daily
5. Shihlin Taiwan Street Snacks
Credit: @foodstry.id
Shihlin Taiwan Street Snacks is known for their Taiwanese XXL Crispy Chicken. But who could blame them? This snack is quite addictive! You may find the same snack stall in Singapore, except you'll find that it's not halal. Shihlin has a few halal-certified outlets across Malaysia. They also serve Sweet Potato Fries, Crispy Floss Egg Crepe, Handmade Oyster Mee Sua and Seafood Tempura. You are recommended to wash down your snacks with soy milk, also available here.
Halal status: Some outlets are halal-certified, so do keep a lookout for the Halal certificate display. Otherwise, this establishment has a no pork, no beef and no lard policy.
6. Five Guys
Credit: Five Guys on Instagram
Just like any other chains around the world, Five Guys offers juicy burgers that'll blow your taste buds. When you're at the restaurant, order the famous beef Hamburger or Cheeseburger! They're grilled fresh to order so customers are bound to go through a flavourful journey. They also serve delicious Kosher Style Hot Dog and Cheese Dog for sausage lovers. Besides that, they offer three different types of sandwiches which are the Grilled Cheese, Veggie Sandwich and Cheese Veggie Sandwich!
Credit : Five Guys on Instagram
Of course, you can't miss out Five Guys' iconic milkshakes! Their handspun vanilla milkshakes with flavours like Peanut Butter, Oreo, Chocolate, Strawberries or Salted Caramel, are a must-order as they are the perfect pair up with the big burgers.
Halal status: Uses halal-certified meat only and they don't serve pork, lard or alcohol on the premise.
Opening hours: 10am - 10pm
Location: Check their website here
7. Taco Bell Malaysia
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When you dine at Taco Bell Malaysia, you will find Crunchy Taco Supreme, Crunchwrap Supreme, Chicken Quesadilla, Grilled Stuft Burrito, and Loaded Nachos on their menu.
For a menu item that's completely unique to Malaysia, make sure to try the Bell Rice Bowl that consists of Mexican rice, grilled chicken, crunchy nachos, pico de gallo salsa, black beans and topped with Malaysian sambal! For desserts, remember to add Cinnamon Twists and Chocodilla to your order!
Halal status: Uses halal-certified meat only and they don't serve pork, lard or alcohol on the premise. Currently awaiting Halal certification.
Opening hours & location: You can check here via their website
8. Din by Din Tai Fung
Credit : thewishingwand on Instagram
Finding a good soup dumpling spot can be pretty tricky (especially when it’s usually made of pork), but we’re here to tell you that one of the best places to experience this wonderful dish is at DIN by Din Tai Fung. In Malaysia, there are halal and non-halal branches of Din Tai Fung. So, make sure to head to the only two halal outlets known as DIN by Din Tai Fung which are located in Nu Sentral Mall and Suria KLCC. Now, you can see (or taste) for yourself what these world-renowned soup dumplings are all about!
Halal status: UsesHalal status: Uses ingredients sourced from halal-certified suppliers. Do note that alcohol is served in the establishment. So, we recommend that you dine at your own discretion.
Opening hours & location: You can check here via their website
Website| Instagram ingredients sourced from halal-certified suppliers. Do note that alcohol is served in the establishment. So, we recommend that you dine at your own discretion.
Opening hours & location: You can check here via their website
9. Gordon Ramsay Bar & Grill
Now you can taste all of Gordon Ramsay's classics that you've been craving from Hell Kitchen right here in Malaysia! Gordon Ramsay Bar & Grill is opened its doors at Sunway Resort on 18th June 2022.
Treat your tastebuds to an exquisite menu inspired by one of London’s most iconic restaurants, Savoy Grill! First up, you can't ever forget Chef Ramsay's most sought-after dish, his Classic Beef Wellington. It starts with the finest fillet steak, coated in a layer of duxelles (mushrooms sautéed with onions, shallots, garlic, and parsley and used to make stuffing or sauce) and finally wrapped in a delicate puff pastry before being baked. No shouting in the kitchen will be heard, we promise!
Halal status: We have reached out to the management and they have informed us that the restaurant is not halal-certified. However, they do not serve pork in their dishes. All ingredients and meats served are from halal-certified suppliers. Do note that alcohol is served on the premises, so do dine with discretion.
Address: Lobby Level, Sunway Resort, Persiaran Lagoon, Bandar Sunway 47500 Petaling Jaya, Selangor, Malaysia
Opening hours: 6pm-10.30pm daily
Website | Facebook | Instagram
10. KyoChon
Credit: ngjulien on Instagram
What makes KyoChon different from other fried chicken eateries is the use of chilled, antibiotic-free, and hormone-free chicken meat. The restaurant also uses imported natural, MSG-free sauces to bring out its authentic flavours. Their best-selling menu items are their signature Korean fried chicken with sauces like soy ginger, soy garlic, honey, and red peppers!
Halal status: Fully Halal-certified for all outlets.
Opening hours & locations: You can check here via their website
Our Singaporean friends can definitely look forward to these makan places while they are here. And just to put icing on the cake, the Malaysian ringgit is cheaper than Singaporean dollar, so what are you waiting for? Head to Malaysia for your next makan trip!