Source: The Standard

JAKARTA – A pioneering Muslim entrepreneur in Hong Kong has successfully transformed beloved local pastries by creating halal versions of traditional treats that typically contain pork fat, opening up Hong Kong’s culinary heritage to Muslim residents and international visitors.

Innovation in Traditional Baking

Swadiq Khan, a dedicated cafe owner, has spent the past decade developing and perfecting halal alternatives to Hong Kong’s most cherished baked goods. His central kitchen now produces pork-free versions of iconic items such as pineapple buns, sausage buns, and wife cakes—pastries that have historically been off-limits to Muslim consumers due to their lard content.

Khan’s mission extends beyond mere business success. “I distributed pineapple buns to ethnic minorities so they could experience what an authentic pineapple bun tastes like,” he explained, highlighting his commitment to cultural inclusion through food accessibility.

Meeting Strict Halal Standards

The entrepreneur’s operation has earned official halal certification from the Incorporated Trustees of the Islamic Community Fund of Hong Kong. This certification process required meticulous attention to every ingredient, from vegetable oil and flour to chicken sausages, ensuring all components meet stringent halal requirements while maintaining the authentic flavors Hong Kong locals expect.

Khan’s bakery has become a trusted supplier to the nearby Kowloon Mosque & Islamic Centre and has successfully attracted Muslim tourist groups from across Southeast Asia, including Malaysia, Singapore, and Indonesia, demonstrating the significant demand for such offerings.

Growing Muslim Tourism Market

The timing of Khan’s venture aligns with Hong Kong’s expanding Muslim tourism sector. In the first five months of this year alone, visitor arrivals from predominantly Muslim regions—including Gulf Cooperation Council countries, Indonesia, and Malaysia—exceeded 360,000, representing a substantial and growing market segment.

This surge in Muslim travelers has prompted broader industry adaptation. Currently, 190 restaurants throughout Hong Kong have achieved halal certification, while 60 hotels have received Muslim-friendly ratings from CrescentRating, indicating a city-wide shift toward accommodating Muslim visitors’ needs.

Government Support and Industry Development

The Hong Kong Tourism Board has responded proactively to this trend by launching comprehensive support initiatives. In late June, the board introduced an online training resource called “Tips for Welcoming Muslim Travellers,” featuring educational videos and infographics covering Muslim customs, dietary requirements, and religious practices.

Additional efforts include organizing educational seminars for industry partners and hosting overseas influencers and media representatives to showcase Hong Kong’s Muslim-friendly facilities and services.

Becky Ip Ching-tak, deputy executive director of the Hong Kong Tourism Board, acknowledged the progress while emphasizing future potential. “We have achieved significant advancement in Muslim segment development. However, I’m confident we can collaborate even more effectively with partners across various industry sectors to position Hong Kong as a premier destination for Muslim travelers,” she noted.

Cultural Bridge Through Food

Khan’s success story represents more than entrepreneurial achievement—it demonstrates how food can serve as a bridge between cultures and communities. By making traditional Hong Kong pastries accessible to Muslim consumers without compromising their authentic taste, he has created a model that other food establishments can follow.

The growing interest from international Muslim tourists not only validates Khan’s business approach but also highlights Hong Kong’s potential as an inclusive destination that respects and accommodates diverse cultural and religious needs while preserving its unique culinary identity.

As Hong Kong continues to develop its Muslim-friendly tourism infrastructure, pioneers like Khan play a crucial role in ensuring that the city’s rich food culture remains accessible to all visitors, regardless of their dietary requirements or religious observances.

Original article:

thestandard.com.hk. (n.d.). Halal bakery in Hong Kong makes pineapple buns without lard. Retrieved July 9, 2025, from https://www.thestandard.com.hk/hong-kong-news/article/306161/Halal-bakery-in-Hong-Kong-makes-pineapple-buns-without-lard