Guangzhou is one of the most Muslim-friendly cities in southern China, with a halal food tradition that dates back more than 1,300 years to the Tang Dynasty and the Maritime Silk Road.
Today, Muslim travelers can find a wide range of halal food in Guangzhou, from inexpensive Lanzhou beef noodles and Xinjiang barbecue to Turkish, Arabic, and halal Cantonese cuisine.
If you are visiting Guangzhou for the Canton Fair, a business trip, or a holiday, this guide will help you find halal restaurants near the exhibition center, explore Xiaobei’s famous Muslim food district, and discover some of the city’s most interesting halal dining options.
Planning your Guangzhou trip? Find a hotel near the Canton Fair, Xiaobei, or central Guangzhou before you arrive.
How to Identify Halal Food in Guangzhou
One of the most useful things to know when looking for halal food in China is the Chinese word 清真 (Qīngzhēn). You will often see these characters on restaurant signs, menus, and storefronts serving Muslim or halal food.
Green signage is also common at halal restaurants, although color alone should not be used as proof that a restaurant is halal. If you follow strict halal requirements, it is always best to ask the restaurant about its current halal status and ingredients before ordering.
A useful phrase to save on your phone is: 这是清真的吗？(Zhè shì qīngzhēn ma?) “Is this halal?”
For additional halal restaurant listings while traveling, you can also use “HalalTrip’s Guangzhou guide“.
Halal Food Near Canton Fair in Pazhou
If you are visiting the Canton Fair, Pazhou is the most convenient area for finding food between meetings and exhibition appointments.
The 140th Canton Fair will take place in Guangzhou from October 15 to November 4, 2026, across three phases. The official exhibition venue is located at No. 382 Yuejiang Zhong Road in Haizhu District.
You can find the latest official exhibition information on the “Canton Fair official website“.
Staying near Canton Fair can save you time – less commuting, more time for supplier meetings and exhibition appointments.
👉 Find Hotels Near Canton Fair / Pazhou
Halal Lanzhou Beef Noodles – Daqia Garden Branch
One of the closest halal options to the Canton Fair area, approximately 480 meters from the Poly World Trade Center (5–10 minute walk). Distinctive green exterior, specializing in hand-pulled beef noodles, fried noodles, beef, and rice dishes.
Average price: around RMB 25 per person.
📍 Location: Shop 101, No. 183 Tingyuan Road, Haizhu District, near Exit D of Pazhou Metro Station.
Lanzhou Halal Noodles – Wansheng Wei Branch
Around one metro stop from the exhibition center (~15 min walk). Slightly more spacious dining environment, serving traditional hand-pulled noodles, sliced halal beef, and northwestern Chinese snacks.
Average price: around RMB 28 per person.
Halal Ma Ji Lanzhou Hand-Pulled Noodles – Modiesha Branch
About one metro stop from the Canton Fair, or five minutes by car. Family-style restaurant with an open kitchen where you can watch chefs hand-pull noodles.
Average price: around RMB 25 per person.
Zui Loulan Xinjiang Halal Restaurant – Pazhou Yue Media Building Branch
Approximately 700 meters from the exhibition center, third floor of the Yue Media Building. Known for Xinjiang Big Plate Chicken (大盘鸡), grilled lamb skewers, and naan bread.
Average price: around RMB 55–70 per person.
Western Regions Poplar Halal Restaurant – Six Elements Branch
First floor of the Six Elements shopping center, ~730 meters from the exhibition area (~15 min walk). Menu includes lamb skewers and northwestern Chinese specialties.
Average price: around RMB 60 per person.
Upscale Halal Dining Near Canton Fair
If you are hosting a Muslim buyer, business partner, or important client, you may prefer something more formal than a noodle restaurant.
Sultan Restaurant – Zhujiang New Town Branch
Around 6 km from the Canton Fair (~12 min drive). Elegant Mediterranean-inspired interior, with Turkish mixed grills, hummus, handmade bread, and Middle Eastern specialties.
Average price: around RMB 160–200 per person – a good choice for a formal dinner or hosting Muslim business clients.
If your visit is connected to sourcing or supplier meetings, read our “Canton Fair Guide” before planning your trip.
Xiaobei: The Heart of Halal Food in Guangzhou
Located in Yuexiu District around Xiaobei Metro Station on Line 5, Xiaobei is well known for its international Muslim community. The area around Baohan Street (宝汉直街) is particularly famous for Xinjiang, northwestern Chinese, Turkish, Arabic, and Pakistani cuisine.
If you only have time to explore one halal food area in Guangzhou, Xiaobei is an excellent choice.
Staying in Xiaobei is convenient for Muslim travelers who prioritize halal food and easy access to the area’s restaurants.
Best Halal Restaurants in Xiaobei
Sultan Restaurant – Xiaobei Branch – Golden Eagle
Building, 316 Huanshi Middle Road. Turkish and Arabic cuisine, shawarma, Turkish coffee, Arabic-speaking staff. Around RMB 100–180 per person.
Brothers Muslim Restaurant
Dongdu World Food Street, 475 Huangshi East Road. Xinjiang, Arabic, and Turkish dishes; accommodates ~150 guests. Around RMB 60–100 per person.
A Fun Ti Restaurant
Xinjiang-style with Uyghur-inspired music and dance performances. Around RMB 70–120 per person.
Salaamu Restaurant
Near Baohan Street, Middle Eastern cuisine, popular among Arab expatriates. Around RMB 50–90 per person.
Xinjiang Marhaba Halal Restaurant
Near Baohan Street and Luhu Park, traditional Xinjiang dishes. Around RMB 40–70 per person.
A Full Day Beyond the City Center
Guangzhou Sunac Private Day Tour (From Guangzhou / Shenzhen)
Skip the crowds and public transport hassle with a private day tour to Guangzhou Sunac Land Resort in Huadu District — home to six theme parks inspired by Guangdong’s local culture, from thrill rides and a flying theater to a snow world and water park. Ideal for families or travelers who want a full day of entertainment with door-to-door private transport from either Guangzhou or Shenzhen.
- Private, round-trip transport from your Guangzhou or Shenzhen hotel
- Access to multiple themed zones in one resort — rides, shows, and more
- Flexible pickup, ideal for families and small groups
Halal Cantonese Food in Guangzhou
Guangzhou is famous for Cantonese cuisine, so Muslim visitors may naturally wonder whether they can experience local food while following a halal diet.
One of the most interesting options is halal Cantonese-style dim sum.
Huimin Restaurant – A Historic Guangzhou Halal Restaurant
Established in 1956, Huimin Restaurant (回民饭店) is one of Guangzhou’s historic Muslim restaurants, located at 325 Zhongshan Sixth Road (~50 m from Exit A of Ximenkou Metro Station).
It’s halal Cantonese-style dim sum – dumplings, chicken feet, custard pastries, grilled lamb, crispy duck – gives Muslim travelers a chance to experience local cuisine while following halal requirements.
Average price: around RMB 54 per person.
If you are interested in Guangzhou’s tea-and-dim-sum culture, see our guide to “Guangzhou Yum Cha and Dim Sum“.
Halal Food Inside the Canton Fair
Halal food options can also be available inside the Canton Fair exhibition complex during the fair – useful when you only have a short lunch break between meetings.
Arrangements can change between sessions, so check the latest information at the “official Canton Fair website” when you arrive.140th Canton Fair, 2026:
- Phase 1: October 15–19
- Phase 2: October 23–27
- Phase 3: October 31–November 4
See our detailed “140th Canton Fair Preparation Guide“.
Stay Connected During Your Guangzhou Trip
You may need mobile data for maps, translation, restaurant searches, transport apps, and navigating the Canton Fair.
👉 Get Your China eSIM Before Your Trip
An eSIM can be particularly convenient for international visitors who want to avoid buying a physical SIM card after arriving.
Mosques and Muslim-Friendly Places in Guangzhou
Guangzhou’s best-known mosque is Huaisheng Mosque, also known as the Great Mosque of Guangzhou or Guangta Mosque, traditionally associated with the early arrival of Islam in China.
Use “HalalTrip’s Guangzhou Muslim-friendly city guide” for additional information on halal restaurants, mosques, and Muslim-friendly attractions.
Practical Tips for Muslim Travelers in Guangzhou
- Look for 清真 – save the characters on your phone so you can spot them easily.
- Ask before ordering – show 这是清真的吗？(Zhè shì qīngzhēn ma?) when unsure.
- Use halal food apps like “HalalTrip” – but always check current status before a special trip.
- Explore Guangzhou’s Muslim heritage – visit Huaisheng Mosque, then a historic halal restaurant.
- Xiaobei is best for variety – roughly 30 minutes by metro from Pazhou.
- Canton Fair visitors should plan ahead – restaurants around Pazhou get busy at lunchtime; eat slightly earlier or later, or head elsewhere for a business dinner.
Things to Do in Guangzhou After the Canton Fair
Your trip doesn’t have to end when the exhibition closes — consider exploring Guangzhou’s historic neighborhoods, landmarks, food culture, and riverfront areas.
👉 Explore Guangzhou Tours & Experiences
Halal Food in Guangzhou: Which Area Should You Choose?
| Area | Best For | Typical Budget |
|---|---|---|
| Pazhou | Canton Fair visitors and quick lunches | RMB 25–70 |
| Zhujiang New Town | Business dinners and clients | RMB 100–200+ |
| Xiaobei | Largest variety of halal cuisines | RMB 40–180 |
| Ximenkou | Historic halal and Cantonese food | Around RMB 54 |
Visiting Guangzhou for the Canton Fair? Stay around Pazhou if convenience is your priority.
For preparation advice, see our “Canton Fair 140 Preparation Guide“.
Before you land
Plan Your Guangzhou Trip
Final Thoughts
Guangzhou is a surprisingly convenient destination for Muslim travelers. For a quick meal near the exhibition center, Pazhou has several convenient options. For the widest selection of Chinese Muslim and international halal cuisine, Xiaobei is the city’s most important destination. For a formal dining experience, Zhujiang New Town offers options suitable for business meetings and client dinners.
Remember the two most useful things: look for 清真 (Qīngzhēn), and ask when you’re unsure.
If you are planning your first trip to Guangzhou, continue exploring GuangzhouVisitor for practical guides covering Canton Fair preparation, visas, transportation, food, shopping, and business travel in Guangzhou.
