Taiwan's friendliness towards Muslims
- MK
- 13 hours ago
- 4 min read
Taiwan is gaining increasing recognition in the international Muslim tourism market. Taiwan is committed to fostering a Muslim-friendly tourism environment, providing prayer rooms and halal dining options at transportation hubs, tourist attractions, and some restaurants and hotels. The country also actively promotes Muslim-friendly itineraries. While there is still room for improvement in the living environment, the government and non-governmental organizations are actively promoting measures to make Muslims feel more comfortable and at ease in Taiwan.
Muslim-friendly environment
In the 2023 Global Muslim Travel Index (GMTI), jointly released by Mastercard and Crescent Moon, Taiwan ranked third among non-OIC destinations. Taiwan has consistently ranked in the top three since 2019, and in 2022, it was named "Most Inclusive Destination of the Year (Non-OIC)" at the Crescent Moon's Halal Travel Awards. Muslim prayer rooms are now available at major Taiwanese transportation hubs and attractions, including the international airport, Taipei Main Station, Kaohsiung Main Station, Hualien Main Station, and Taichung High Speed Rail Station, as well as at thirteen national scenic areas and highway service areas. Muslim-friendly itineraries are designed to take into account Muslim dietary and pilgrimage practices, fostering a Muslim-friendly travel environment.
Muslim Friendly Restaurant
Muslim-friendly restaurants are not necessarily halal-certified restaurants, but rather restaurants that provide food services that conform to Muslim dietary habits. These restaurants generally avoid using pork and its products, do not serve alcoholic beverages, and may provide space for Muslims to pray.
Taiwan's local cuisine
Taiwan has a wide variety of world cuisines, but Taiwan also has local food suitable for Muslims, such as beef noodles, beef soup, fried lamb, ginger lamb soup, scallion pancakes, seafood... Especially beef noodles, which can be found almost everywhere in Taiwan.
Night markets are the most popular places for Taiwanese people to go. They are open at night and you can definitely find the food you like.
Beef Mama
Founded in 1961, Niu Mama is a 60-year-old establishment in the Ningxia Night Market. Early on, its specialty was Shacha beef, including Shacha beef fried noodles, Shacha beef, beef liver, beef heart, Shacha lamb, and more. They also offer beef offal soup and beef soup.
Stall 44, mid-section of Ningxia Night Market Taipei
Opening Hours: Approximately 6:00 PM to 12:00 AM
Click open Google Map
Delicious stir-fried lamb.
This establishment, a long-standing Ningxia Night Market establishment, uses imported lamb raised in Taiwan, giving it a wonderful texture and thickness. We highly recommend ordering the shacha stir-fried lamb; the aroma of shacha paired with the delicious lamb is heavenly. The herbal lamb chop soup is also excellent; it's not overpowering, but rather smooth. Dipping the lamb chop in the homemade doubanjiang (fermented broad bean paste) is a surefire favorite for Muslims.
No. 6, Ningxia Road, Datong District, Taipei City
at Ningxia Night Market Taipei
Opening Hours: 5:00 PM to 10:30 PM
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Ningxia Night Market Oyster Omelette
Founded in 1965, Yuanhuan Bian (حافة الحلقة) Oyster Omelet has been around for over half a century. The shop existed before the Yuanhuan was demolished, and through its reconstruction and relocation to the Ningxia Night Market, it represents a culinary history of the changing times. As the wheel of fortune continues to push, the old flavors remain and flourish, attracting not only locals and tourists, but also visitors from Japan, South Korea, mainland China, and Hong Kong.
Yuanhuan bian(حافة الحلقة) Oyster Omelet is located in the arcade on the side of Ningxia Night Market. This side is lined with independent restaurants and small shops, and in the center is a gathering area for vendors. You will see a long queue just a few steps from the entrance. The signature Yuanhuanbian Oyster Omelet is also very eye-catching. It is next to Huanji Sesame Oil Chicken next door, and diagonally opposite is the Bib Gourmand-recommended Fang's Chicken Rice. Liu Yuzai Egg Yolk Taro Pancake and Pig Liver Rongzai are also nearby. Overall, Ningxia Night Market is not big, but each one has its own highlights.
No. 46, Ningxia Road, Datong District, Taipei City
Opening Hours: Approximately 5:00 PM to 10:30 PM
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Many stalls in Ningxia Night Market sell oyster omelets
Vegetarian Restaurant
Many Taiwanese people are vegetarians because of their religious beliefs and do not eat meat at all. Therefore, there are many vegetarian restaurants in Taiwan. These restaurants do not charge by item, but by weight (grams), so you can diversify and choose small amounts, so that you can eat a variety of styles.
Everything that looks like meat or fish is made of vegetables, with absolutely no meat.
Certified Muslim-friendly Hotel
Taipei City boasts numerous Muslim-friendly hotels, offering Muslim-friendly accommodations and services. These hotels are certified Muslim-friendly, ensuring that guest rooms include prayer mats, prayer timetables, Qiblah (prayer direction) stickers, and bidet toilets. They also provide separate Muslim-friendly dining areas, and that ingredients, seasonings, cooking procedures, kitchen storage, and tableware comply with halal regulations.
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Taiwan is a country full of kindness and love. If you get lost, try asking passers-by or the police. We are all happy to help foreigners. Welcome to Taiwan. Whether it's the attractions, food, or culture, you can feel the joy.
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