Halal Food in Thailand: Bangkok, Hat Yai, Krabi and Phuket

Thailand is close, affordable and has a large Muslim community, especially in the south. That is why many Malaysian families choose Bangkok, Hat Yai or Krabi for a holiday. This guide explains where to find halal food in Thailand, from Bangkok to the southern provinces, how to recognise the local halal logo, which Thai words to know, and what you can bring from Malaysia.

Where to find halal food in Thailand

Halal food in Bangkok

Bangkok has many halal restaurants. Sukhumvit Soi 3/1 near Nana is well known for its Arab and Middle Eastern restaurants. Pratunam, which is popular for shopping, has Muslim stalls and restaurants. Ramkhamhaeng and Bang Kapi have a large Muslim community with plenty of halal versions of Thai food.

Hat Yai and southern Thailand

Hat Yai is one of the easiest places for Muslim travellers. Many of the traders there are Muslim, and food such as nasi kerabu, tomyam and Hat Yai fried chicken is easy to find in halal versions.

Krabi and Phuket

Krabi has a large Muslim population, so halal restaurants are easy to find in Ao Nang and Krabi town. Phuket has halal options in Patong and Phuket town, although you may need to search a little in the tourist areas.

Halal food logos in Thailand

Restaurants and products certified halal in Thailand usually display the halal logo of the Central Islamic Council of Thailand (CICOT), which is green with Arabic and Thai script. Some restaurants also display the words “Muslim food” or the Thai words อาหารมุสลิม (ahan Muslim). Muslim restaurants are usually run by Muslim owners, but choose one with the logo if you want certainty.

Thai words to know

Many Thai dishes such as kuey teow, fried rice and soups use pork (moo) as the main option. If a restaurant does not display a halal logo, even the “seafood” dishes may be cooked with the same oil or stock.

Halal food in Thailand: 7-Eleven and markets

There is a 7-Eleven on almost every corner in Thailand, and some of its products show a halal logo on the packaging, including bread, sandwiches and certain frozen meals. Check the logo on every item, because products with and without the logo sit side by side on the shelf. At night markets, look for stalls run by traders wearing the tudung or stalls that display a halal logo.

What you can bring from Malaysia

According to the Animal Quarantine Station at Suvarnabhumi Airport, bringing animal products into Thailand without a permit, including meat and food made from animals, is against the law. These products must be declared at the animal quarantine office, and offenders can face up to 2 years in prison, a fine of up to 200,000 baht, or both.

• Do not bring chicken or meat dishes in pouches, rendang or serunding.
• You can consider retort white rice, biscuits and dry snacks without animal products.
• Declare any food you are unsure about, including when you drive in through Bukit Kayu Hitam or Padang Besar.

Tips for eating halal food in Thailand

1. Mark halal restaurants on your map before visiting tourist spots such as Chatuchak or Pattaya.
2. Stay near Sukhumvit Soi 3/1 or Pratunam if you want plenty of halal food options in Bangkok.
3. Ask “halal mai?” to find out whether the food is halal.
4. Mosques are easy to find in Bangkok and southern Thailand, both for prayers and for asking where to eat.
5. If you are travelling by road to Hat Yai, remember that the quarantine rules still apply at the border.

A list of things to pack is in our travel packing tips, and a general guide to food for the journey is in travel food. If you are flying, see our guide to bringing food on a plane.

FAQ about halal food in Thailand