8 Halal Food Restaurants in Shanghai: From 157-Year Heritage to Modern Markets (Muslim Guide)

Halal Food in Shanghai

You can find halal food in Shanghai—much easier than you might think if you know where to look. With a population of 25 million, there are over 40 restaurants certified halal/halal-friendly. Everything from ¥4.50 beef dumplings that locals have been eating since 1964 to ¥250 Moroccan fine dining and Bund views. For three months I dined my way through Shanghai’s Muslim food scene, visiting everything from heritage restaurants that survived dynasties and wars to late-night street markets where Xinjiang vendors grill lamb skewers until 2 AM.

This guide gives you the practical information you need to find halal food in Shanghai: complete addresses and metro directions, frank assessments of what’s worth trying and what’s not, how to confirm a halal restaurant’s certification (not everything called “Muslim restaurant” is halal), and how to deal with Shanghai Disneyland and Pudong Airport where places with halal certification don’t exist. Whether you’re a first-time visitor worried you’ll starve before finding your next meal or an expat tired of dining at the same three restaurants over and over, you’ll know exactly where to eat by the time you’re done.

Three Golden Zones Make Finding Muslim-Friendly Restaurants Easy

Zhejiang Middle Road: Shanghai's Muslim Restaurant Hub

Zhejiang Middle Road in Huangpu District concentrates 8-10 certified restaurants within 500 meters. Take Metro Line 2 or 10 to Nanjing East Road Station, walk eight minutes west. This area operates nearly 24 hours—some establishments open 6:30 AM until 2:00 AM—solving timing problems for travelers with unusual flight schedules or jet lag.Concentration of 8 or 10 certified “recommended” restaurants all within 500m of Zhejiang Middle Road, Huangpu District. Take Metro Line 2 or 10 to Nanjing East Road Station, and walk west for eight minutes. Open nearly round-the-clock—some of the restaurants stay open from 6:30 AM to 2:00 AM—so that travellers with weird flights or jet lag can solve their timing problems.

Guanguanji brings the flavors of Northwestern China to this street. Their Xinjiang fried rice noodles (¥22) and big plate chicken (¥68, for 3-4) are both excellent value. For travelers arriving on red-eye flights or heading out before dawn, their long hours are a gift. Iraq Rice focuses on hand-grabbed rice with lamb chunks simmered in lamb fat until they shine with fat; Tarim is all about barbecue, including lamb skewers plus the nang pit meat found at other places; and the dinning environment at Western Regions Palace is just ever so slightly classier, with spicy chicken and baked buns.

Download Baidu Maps and search "清真" (halal) to activate the "explore nearby" function showing every certified restaurant within walking distance. The Halal China app provides another reliable resource, listing only officially certified establishments.

Yangpu District: Heritage Dining Since 1964

For “true” local Muslim culture, Yangpu District’s Pingliang Road. The restaurant Yixinzhai was set up in 1964, and was listed as part of the Shanghai Intangible Cultural Heritage in 2015 for their cooking techniques. They produce 5,000 of their beef pan-fried dumplings (¥4.50 each) a day, and their shop opens at 7 AM, but they can sell out by the time they close at 4 PM. Go any time 10 AM–11:30 AM.

Take Metro Line 12 to Ningguo Road Station and walk eight minutes to this neighbourhood which retains an old Shanghai character, with narrow alleyway and residents who’ve been living here for decades.

The Bund: Upscale Options With Skyline Views

The Bund and Nanjing Road commercial circle feature premium restaurants, where you can enjoy a blend of fabulous cuisine and the Shanghai skyline. Tajine Moroccan restaurant is located at 7 East Yan’an Road, opposite the Waldorf Astoria, with large windows overlooking the Bund and its historic architecture. This is where Muslim dining meets international class - prices about ¥150-250 per person.

Metro line 2 or 10 to Nanjing East Road Station puts you a five minute walk from these up-market delights. Great for business entertaining or personal splurging.

🥙 Still hungry after exploring halal food in Shanghai? Beijing is the obvious next stop — here’s our curated list of authentic halal restaurants you shouldn’t miss.

Understanding Halal Certification in China

The official certification from China is a blue plaque featuring white Arabic and Chinese characters explicitly stating “清真” or halal. The plaque is usually located at restaurant entrances, behind the cashier counter, or on menus. Newer certificates even come with QR codes for verification through official channels.

Never trust names. The word “Islamic,” “Muslim,” or “Halal” in a name means absolutely nothing without current certification. I’m sure I’ve passed 10 restaurants with Islamic decor, serving non-halal food with Muslim-themed names. Always check the paper certificate hanging on the wall when ordering.

Very important note: when a restaurant claims to be “Muslim-friendly” that is entirely different from “Halal Certified“. Some avoid pork but use the same cooking equipment, oil or kitchen as items with non halal items. If you wish to eat in compliance only eat at a 100% certified halal restaurant, where everything is strictly halal.

Major Chain Reality Check:

• McDonald's: There are currently zero halal-certified McDonald's locations across mainland China.

• KFC: Halal options are generally restricted to specific regions with large Muslim populations, such as Xinjiang and Ningxia; notably, all locations in Shanghai are not halal.

• Starbucks: Starbucks stores in China are not halal-certified, as they do not seek religious certification for their food or beverage sourcing.

• Pizza Hut: Pizza Hut China is not halal-certified, and its menu items are prepared in kitchens that do not follow halal separation protocols.

These chains serve halal food in other countries (Malaysia, UAE, etc.) but Chinese franchises operate differently. Don't assume based on international experience.

Three Heritage Restaurants: 1868-1891 History

1. Hongchangxing (Est. 1891): Copper Pot Lamb Hotpot

Established 134 years ago in the Guangxu Emperor’s reign, the city's oldest certifiably operational establishment, Hongchangxing, received the designation of “China Time-Honored Brand” from the government and assumed the role of official caterer for the 2010 Shanghai World Expo.

Signature: Copper Pot Lamb Hotpot

Zhejiang lake sheep 6-8 months old are hunted for tender meat with little gamey flavour. Their chefs hand slice each piece to paper-like (1mm) thinness - this knife skill indicates high quality. A traditional purple copper charcoal pot allows even heating. Their secret sauce amalgamates more than 10 ingredients including peanut paste, fermented shrimp oil, fermented tofu, and chive flowers.

How to eat properly: Let the broth arrive at rolling boiling. Dip one slice of lamb for exactly three seconds - the edges should curl slightly, then turn light pink. Dip in sauce. “Three dips and three lifts” to preserve its fluffy tenderness. The scallion pancake (¥8) proudly claimed the title of “China Famous Snack”, with dozens of different thin layers, fried crisp around the edges but soft on top.

The braised beef involved two hours of marination and each piece should be marbled with the muscles running through every slice.

Restaurant Details:

2. Yixinzhai (Est. 1964): Intangible Heritage Beef Dumplings

Yixinzhai’s beef pan-fried dumplings have Shanghai Intangible Cultural Heritage status since 2015, which refers to preserved culinary techniques with generations behind them. Each 10cm in diameter dumpling (¥4.50) weighs approx 150g; chop yellow beef rump and do not machine-grind it in order to maintain the texture of the meat so you can feel the fibres. Daily production: around 5,000 dumplings.

Cooking technique: wrapper of medium-gluten flour at 3mm thickness. Pan-fry on both sides till golden before steaming water in for three minutes as this “locks in the soup”. The experience of biting through the crispy bottom into soft top is irresistible.

First-Timer's Guide:

• Order & Wait: Order at least 4 dumplings at the counter and wait 10–15 minutes with your number tag.

• Eat Hot: Consume the dumplings immediately while they are fresh to prevent the skins from hardening.

• The Perfect Pair: Order the curry beef soup (¥8) to balance the richness of the fried dumplings.

Other Menu Items:

• Curry Beef Soup: Priced at ¥8, this soup features a rich, savory flavor and includes generous chunks of beef.

• Three-Yellow Chicken: Available at ¥38 for a half-portion, this local specialty is braised until the meat is firm and flavorful.

• Braised Beef: Sold at ¥28 per 250g, this is a cold dish that is highly convenient for takeaway or as a side.

• Mung Bean Shaved Ice: A seasonal treat priced at ¥6, this refreshing dessert is available during the summer months only.

Restaurant Details:

3. Islamic Restaurant (Est. 1868): Shanghai's Oldest Establishment

Beef Potstickers

Opened 157 years ago during the reign of the Tongzhi Emperor, Islamic Restaurant is Shanghai's oldest certified restaurant, still operating under the dispensation. State-owned, it retains the look of a planned-economy-era eatery, complete with aluminum serving trays, enamel mugs, and vintage cash registers. The beef potstickers, sold five to a basket, cost just ¥1.80 (US$0.25) each in 2025, approximately what they cost as far back as the 1980s.

Beef Potstickers: 8cm long, golden-crispy on the bottom, white-tender on top. Pure, fresh beef (80% content), no vegetable filler, no imposters; “Shanghai Famous Specialty Dish,” as awarded by the Shanghai Culinary Association.

Popular Combos:

• Classic Double Set: Includes 6 potstickers and 1 bowl of beef wontons for ¥18.

• Breakfast Set: Includes 2 beef buns and a serving of soy milk for ¥12.

Restaurant Details:

International Flavors: Turkish, Moroccan, Middle Eastern

4. Ateliers: Authentic Turkish Cuisine

Owner Mehmet from Istanbul opened Ateliers eight years ago, importing ingredients and hiring Turkish chefs to recreate authentic Istanbul atmosphere. The restaurant features blue-white decor, mosaic lamps, and Turkish carpets throughout.

Unique Feature: Free traditional costume rentals (Turkish robes for women, vests for men) for photos. Themed private rooms include Bohemian Tent Room, Palace Room, and Garden Room—all require advance booking.

One-Meter Kebab Feast (¥268, serves 2-3)

Staff wheel this out on a special cart with music playing. Six to eight meat varieties hang from a one-meter iron rack: lamb skewers, beef skewers, chicken wings, chicken legs, beef ribs, lamb ribs. Each piece uses different Turkish spice marinades. Everything's grilled in a traditional charcoal oven, then brushed with yogurt-spice mixture before serving.

Turkish Fig-Beef Pizza (¥78): Boat-shaped Pide with ground beef, fresh fig slices, walnut pieces, arugula, white cheese. The sweet figs contrast savory beef—completely subverting normal pizza expectations.

Turkish Tea: Free unlimited refills served in tulip-shaped glass cups.

Restaurant Details:

5. Tajine: Moroccan Cuisine With Bund Views

Tajine offers premium Moroccan dining paired with iconic Bund architecture views. The restaurant occupies the second floor at 7 East Yan'an Road, directly opposite the Waldorf Astoria. Window seats provide million-dollar skyline perspectives.

Interior: Moroccan Riad style with colorful geometric tiles, pierced copper lamps, Moroccan rugs, low cushions. Servers wear traditional Djellaba robes and perform the Moroccan Tea Ceremony—pouring from 30cm height to aerate the tea.

Chicken Lemon Tagine (¥98): Clay pot with cone-shaped lid allows steam circulation. Chicken legs, preserved lemon slices, green olives, onions, and spices (saffron, turmeric, cinnamon) slow-cook for two hours. The chicken falls off the bone, served with couscous (North African millet) to absorb sauce.

Chicken Almond Pastilla (¥68): Traditional Moroccan wedding dessert. Paper-thin phyllo pastry shatters on the first bite. Inside: shredded chicken, fried almonds, eggs, onions seasoned with cinnamon. The top is dusted with powdered sugar and cinnamon—a savory dish with sweet elements.

Moroccan Mint Tea (¥38/pot): Fresh mint, green tea, sugar. Traditional saying: "First glass bitter as life, second sweet as love, third gentle as death."

Restaurant Details:

6. Assa: Middle Eastern With Costume Experience

Assa provides Middle Eastern cuisine combined with free Arabian costume rentals (Thobe robes, Abaya robes, children's sizes available). The restaurant designs decor specifically for photos—rainbow wall, mosaic lamps, Persian carpet zones with floor cushions.

Turkish Boat Pizza Pide (¥68): Oval with curled edges, filled with ground beef, peppers, onions, tomatoes, cheese.

Middle Eastern Mezze Platter (¥58): Hummus (silky chickpea dip), baba ghanoush (roasted eggplant), mutabal (yogurt-cucumber-mint) served with freshly baked pita pocket bread.

Persian Pink Mist Guava Juice (¥28): Fresh guava, rose syrup, lemon juice creating a pink gradient. The sweet-tart taste cuts through grilled meat richness perfectly.

Restaurant Details:

Budget Options Under ¥30

7. Guanguanji: 20-Hour Daily Service

Guanguanji operates 6:30 AM-2:00 AM, solving timing problems for travelers with unusual schedules—early flights, late arrivals, midnight jet lag hunger.

Xinjiang Fried Rice Noodles (¥22): Huge 500g portion. Flat rice noodles stir-fried with beef strips, onions, bell peppers, tomatoes, heavy cumin and chili powder creating that distinctive Xinjiang flavor profile.

Big Plate Chicken (¥68, serves 3-4 = ¥17/person): Bone-in chicken chunks stewed until tender, potatoes that absorbed the broth, hand-pulled wide noodles (3cm width) underneath soaking up all that sauce.

Lamb Skewers (¥3/stick): Pure lamb chunks (not reconstituted rolls), 3-4 pieces per stick. Order minimum 10 sticks (¥30) for a proper serving.

Eight Treasures Tea (¥15/pot): Red dates, longan, goji berries, rock sugar, chrysanthemum flowers, walnuts, raisins, sesame seeds. Refill 3-4 times—gets progressively sweeter.

Money-Saving Strategies:

• Meituan "Couple Set": You can purchase a group deal on Meituan for ¥88, which includes 10 skewers, 2 portions of fried noodles, and 1 pot of tea (a total savings of ¥11 compared to ordering à la carte).

• Membership Recharge: Recharging a store card with ¥100 provides a ¥110 credit and grants a permanent 10% discount on every subsequent purchase.

Restaurant Details:

8. Zhejiang Middle Road: Full Day of Eating

Malan Noodles

Sample Five-Meal Plan (¥180 total):

Start your morning at 7:00 AM with a warming bowl of beef noodles at Malan Noodles for ¥25. For lunch at 12:30 PM, head to Iraq Rice to enjoy their signature hand-grabbed rice paired with fresh yogurt for ¥40. Take a mid-afternoon break at 3:00 PM at Western Regions Palace, where you can grab baked buns and a pot of tea for ¥20. For dinner at 7:00 PM, feast on Guanguanji’s famous "big plate chicken" and fried noodles for ¥60. Finally, wrap up your day at 10:00 PM at Tarim with a late-night snack of 10 lamb skewers and crusty nang bread for ¥35.

This 500-meter street concentrates enough variety that you could eat here exclusively for a week without repeating venues—unmatched convenience for Muslim travelers.

Location-Specific Halal Food in Shanghai Solutions

Shanghai Disneyland: Zero Certified Options

Hong Kong DisneylandChristmas 2025

Reality: Shanghai Disneyland has NO certified restaurants inside the park as of 2025. Disney restaurants serve conventional food; kitchens handle pork products.

Solution A: Bring Your Own Food

Disney permits unopened packaged food (nothing requiring heating). Recommended packing:

• Packaged Proteins: Purchase vacuum-sealed halal beef or chicken from city supermarkets for a reliable and portable protein source.

• Bakery Items: Look for bread or buns specifically from halal-certified bakeries located throughout Shanghai.

• Fresh Produce: Opt for whole fruits that are intact rather than pre-cut to ensure maximum cleanliness and food safety.

• Snacks: Keep energy bars and nuts on hand as convenient, calorie-dense snacks for long days of sightseeing.

• Hydration: Carry empty water bottles with you, which can be refilled for free at drinking fountains found in most public parks.

Solution B: Disney Town (Outside Park)

Jade Asian Restaurant serves seafood and vegetable dishes but lacks certification. If comfortable with non-certified seafood cooked in possibly shared facilities, this option exists. Always ask about cooking oil—if they use lard, obviously avoid it.

Solution C: Exit Park Temporarily

Disney stamps your hand for same-day re-entry. Take Metro Line 11 three stops to Luoshan Road Station (~10 minutes) for neighborhood restaurants. Round-trip including eating: 60-90 minutes.

Assessment: Write feedback through official Disney channels—Muslim tourist demand drives eventual changes. Other international Disney parks (like Paris) have made some accommodations—Shanghai could too with enough customer requests.

Airports: No Certified Restaurants

Both Pudong and Hongqiao airports currently have ZERO certified restaurants in terminals as of 2025.

Pudong International Airport (PVG):

Terminals 1 and 2 offer only conventional dining. FamilyMart and Lawson convenience stores stock packaged foods—read labels carefully to avoid lard, pork-based additives, or other prohibited items.

Safe products: Packaged hard-boiled eggs, plain bread without fillings, fresh fruit cups, drinks.

Practical Solutions:

• Pre-Departure Dining: Ensure you eat a proper meal in the city before heading to the airport to avoid limited options.

• Bring Your Own Food: Purchase food the previous evening to bring with you as a reliable backup during your journey.

• City Excursion: If you have a layover of 4+ hours, take Metro Line 2 into the city for an authentic meal (People's Square is approximately 60 minutes away each way).

• Late-Night Option: For those on red-eye flights, Guanguanji remains open until 2:00 AM, making it a great spot for a late-night meal.

Hongqiao Airport (SHA):

Same situation—no certified options. However, Hongqiao sits much closer to downtown (30 minutes versus 60+), making city meal runs more feasible with sufficient time.

Emergency Contact: Call airport hotlines (Pudong: 021-96990, Hongqiao: 021-2234-4550) for any updated information about dining options.

Business District Dining

Yelixiali

Lujiazui Business Lunch (¥150-250/person):

Recommendation: Tajine Moroccan Restaurant. Bund location carries prestige, upscale environment suitable for business, private rooms seat 6-10. Call 021-6330-9801 to book and specify business entertaining needs.

Nanjing Road Quick Business Meal (¥80-120/person):

Recommendation: Yelixiali (People's Square branch). Modern clean environment, fast service (food within 20-30 minutes), Shimao Plaza location directly on Nanjing East Road pedestrian mall.

Evening Entertainment With International Clients:

• For Middle Eastern clients: Ateliers Turkish is the ideal choice for authentic flavors and a sophisticated dining atmosphere.

• For North African clients: Tajine Moroccan offers a specialized menu featuring traditional North African dishes.

• For clients wanting Chinese Muslim cuisine: Hongchangxing is a historic and highly-regarded establishment for traditional Chinese halal dining.

Private rooms essential for business entertaining. Book ahead and confirm room accommodates your group size plus any presentation equipment you might need.

Seven Essential Rules for Safe Halal Food in Shanghai

Rule 1: Verify Physical Certification Plaques Always

Never trust restaurant names containing "Islamic" or "Muslim" when seeking halal food in Shanghai. Look for blue plaque with white Arabic and Chinese "清真" from China Islamic Association. Ask: "你们有清真证书吗?" (Do you have halal certificate?). Legitimate halal food in Shanghai establishments immediately show certification.

Rule 2: Avoid "Semi-Halal" Shared Facilities

Some establishments claiming halal food in Shanghai use shared kitchens, oil, utensils with non-halal ingredients. Warning signs: menu sections labeled "halal area" separate from "regular menu." Ask: "厨房是完全分开的吗?" (Is kitchen completely separated?). Only eat at 100% certified halal food in Shanghai restaurants.

Rule 3: Major Chains Are NOT Halal Food in Shanghai

Clear statement: McDonald's has ZERO halal food in mainland China. KFC only has halal in Xinjiang/Ningxia—every Shanghai KFC is non-halal. Choose local certified halal food in Shanghai chains like Malan Noodles or Yelixiali instead.

Rule 4: Question Hidden Ingredients in Halal Food

Chinese cooking uses lard (猪油) in pastries, fried rice—ask "什么油?" (what oil?). Cooking wine (料酒) contains alcohol in braised dishes—ask "有料酒吗?" At certified halal food in Shanghai restaurants, these issues don't arise.

Rule 5: Plan Ramadan Halal Food in Shanghai

Ramadan 2025 approximately Feb 28-Mar 29. Restaurants offering Iftar: Guanguanji (extends to 3:00 AM, Iftar sets ~¥80), Assa (Iftar buffets ¥128), Tajine (Moroccan Iftar, advance booking). Huxi and Xiaoyuan Mosques organize communal Iftars supporting halal food in Shanghai community.

Rule 6: Verify Delivery App Halal Food Orders

Meituan, Ele.me, Dianping require verification when ordering halal food in Shanghai: Check "Business License" section for certification photos. Read Muslim customer reviews (search "清真" or "halal"). Add order note: "请确认食材为清真，不含猪肉和酒精" (confirm halal, no pork/alcohol).

Rule 7: Pack Emergency Halal Food Supplies

Carry backup for finding halal food in Shanghai: Apps (Halal China, Halal Check, Baidu Maps), printed restaurant address list, Chinese phrase cards, vacuum-sealed halal beef/chicken, nuts/energy bars. Shanghai Islamic Association (021-6328-XXXX, weekdays 9:00-17:00) provides emergency guidance for halal food in Shanghai.

Frequently Asked Questions About Halal Food in Shanghai

Q: Is it easy to find halal food in Shanghai?

Moderately easy with preparation. Shanghai has 40-50 certified halal food establishments concentrated in specific districts—downtown offers 10-15 minute walking distance between options. Download Halal China app or reference this guide for convenient halal food in Shanghai access.

Q: Is KFC halal in Shanghai?

No. KFC operates halal restaurants only in Xinjiang/Ningxia provinces. Every Shanghai KFC location is non-halal. This confuses travelers because KFC serves halal internationally, but seeking halal food in Shanghai requires local certified chains.

Q: Is McDonald's halal in China?

No. McDonald's has zero halal locations in mainland China. Kitchens use shared equipment handling all menu items. Finding halal food in Shanghai means avoiding these international chains entirely.

Q: Is there halal food in Shanghai Disneyland?

No—Shanghai Disneyland has zero certified halal food as of 2025. Disney permits unopened packaged food (nothing requiring heating). Buy halal food in Shanghai before entering park.

Q: Is there halal food at Pudong Airport?

No certified halal food exists in Terminals 1 or 2. Convenience stores sell packaged foods—read labels carefully. For proper halal food in Shanghai, eat in city before airport or take metro downtown if 4+ hours available.

Q: Where is Zhejiang Road halal food street?

Zhejiang Middle Road in Huangpu District between Guangdong and Fuzhou Roads—500 meters containing 8-10 certified halal food in Shanghai restaurants. Metro Line 2/10 to Nanjing East Road, walk eight minutes west.

Q: What halal breakfast options exist?

Malan Noodles (7:00 AM, beef noodles ¥25), Guanguanji (6:30 AM, fried rice noodles ¥22), Yixinzhai (7:00 AM, beef dumplings ¥4.50), Islamic Restaurant (6:00 AM, beef buns ¥12). Multiple options for morning halal food in Shanghai.

Q: How do I ask in Chinese if restaurant is halal?

"请问这是清真餐厅吗?" (Is this a halal restaurant?) "你们有清真证书吗?" (Do you have halal certification?) Print these phrases for verifying halal food in Shanghai establishments.

Q: Are there Turkish or Middle Eastern restaurants?

Yes. Ateliers in Xinzhuang (Turkish, ¥120-150/person), Tajine on Bund (Moroccan, ¥150-200/person), Assa at Wujiaochang (Middle Eastern fusion, ¥90-120/person). All certified halal food in Shanghai with international flavors.

Q: Does Shanghai offer Iftar during Ramadan?

Yes. Guanguanji (Iftar sets ~¥80), Assa (Iftar buffets ¥128), Tajine (Moroccan Iftar, booking required). Huxi and Xiaoyuan Mosques organize communal Iftars supporting Ramadan halal food in Shanghai needs.