HONG KONG SkyCity Marriott Hotel is Hong Kong’s first hotel to earn halal certification for its foodservice operations.
The hotel is not the city’s first to apply for halal certification, but it is the first to meet the stringent standards of the certification body. “I am glad now that the local Muslim community and travelers can enjoy halal food in a 5-star environment in Hong Kong,” says Mufti Muhammad Arshad, a member of the certification body.
Halal is an Arabic word meaning lawful or permitted, and halal certification requires businesses to ensure kitchens that are free of Islamic-prohibited foodstuffs including pork, alcohol and meat from carnivorous animals, among other things.
“With crew members of Malaysian, Emirates and Qatar Airlines staying with us, we already see an internal demand” for halal, says Nicholas Tse, general manager of SkyCity Marriott. “Besides, we hope to change the general public’s perception of an airport hotel—we cater to every need, even special dietary requirements, despite our location. With the official certification, we become more competitive, in particular in the MICE sector, to tab business from markets where there are large Muslim population, including the Middle East, Indonesia, Malaysia and even China.”
The Halal food menu, which includes selections of chicken and lamb, is now available at SkyCity Bistro. Other special menus, such as Indian vegetarian menus and Kosher meals, can also be prepared with prior arrangement.