Halal Food in China: A Complete Guide for Muslim Students Pursuing MBBS in China
- Dr. Malik
- May 18
- 5 min read
Introduction
For every Muslim student aspiring to study MBBS in China, one of the biggest concerns before boarding a flight is: “Will I find Halal food in China?”
As an education consultant who has helped thousands of Pakistani and Muslim students successfully begin their MBBS journey in China, we at Web Consultants completely understand this concern. Halal food is not just a preference—it’s a religious obligation. Fortunately, China is home to over 20 million Muslims, and many cities across China cater to Halal dietary needs in both university settings and public markets.
In this blog, we’ll dive deep into everything you need to know about finding Halal food in China, whether you eat at restaurants, dine in university canteens, or cook for yourself.
This blog is based on real student experiences and insights from our recent video on Halal Food in China (attached right) — a must-watch for every Muslim planning to study in China!
Table of Contents
1. Why Halal Food Matters for Muslim Students
For any Muslim, food is not just about taste or convenience—it's about following religious guidelines. When students plan to study MBBS in China, their excitement is often mixed with uncertainty about access to Halal food.
Key Concerns Include:
Will I find Halal food near my university?
Are Chinese people aware of Halal standards?
Can I trust Halal signs in restaurants?
What if I want to cook myself?
The good news is: Yes, you absolutely can live a Halal lifestyle while you study in China—you just need the right guidance.
2. Is Halal Food Available in China?
Yes! Halal food, or “Qīngzhēn cài (清真菜)” in Chinese, is widely available across China—especially in major cities and university towns where international students are present. Many Muslim ethnic groups like the Hui, Uyghur, and Kazakh have preserved their culinary heritage, which is Halal by default.
These communities not only run Halal restaurants but also operate butcher shops, Halal groceries, and Islamic food markets, especially in areas with mosques.
3. Muslim Population and Culture in China
With over 20 million Muslims and more than 35,000 mosques, Islam has a deep-rooted presence in China. The majority of Muslims belong to two ethnic groups:
Hui Muslims – primarily speak Mandarin and are spread across China.
Uyghur Muslims – mostly in Xinjiang province, but their food culture is popular throughout China.
This vibrant community ensures that students who come to study in China feel connected, supported, and most importantly, well-fed with Halal food.
4. University Canteens and Halal Food
Nearly all MOE-listed medical universities in China that offer MBBS in English have international student departments and separate Halal sections in their university canteens.
📌 Example: Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, one of our top partner universities, provides Halal food in the student cafeteria prepared by Muslim chefs, served with clear labeling in English and Chinese.
Students can enjoy:
Halal beef/chicken dishes
Steamed buns (baozi)
Fried rice with eggs and vegetables
Noodles and soups
These meals are affordable, accessible, and safe.
5. Lanzhou La Mian – China’s Most Popular Halal Food Chain
One name you’ll hear again and again from our students is: Lanzhou La Mian (兰州拉面).
This chain of Halal noodle restaurants is run by Hui Muslims and can be found:
✅ Inside university campuses
✅ Just outside student dormitories
✅ In shopping centers and city streets
What to try:
Hand-pulled beef noodles (La Mian) - 拉面
Halal fried rice (Chao Mifan) - 炒米饭
Spicy beef stir fry (Gan Bian Niu Rou)- 干煸牛肉
Lamb skewers (Chuan’r) - 羊肉串
👉 The best part? All food is 100% Halal, freshly made, and affordable!
6. Halal Food Around Campuses
Most universities in cities like Hangzhou, Beijing, Xi’an, Wuhan, Nanjing, Shijiazhuang, and Luoyang have Muslim restaurants in the surrounding areas.
Students can easily explore with their friends and find:
Turkish kebab shops
Uyghur BBQ restaurants
Xinjiang-style dumplings
Pakistani/Arab restaurants in bigger cities
7. Hui Min Jie – Friday Markets for Halal Meat
One of the most valuable tips shared by senior students is visiting Hui Min Jie (Muslim Streets).
These are usually near the city mosque, and every Friday, students gather there for:
Jummah prayer (Friday prayer)
Buying fresh Halal meat
Purchasing spices, snacks, and groceries
📌 Tip: Bring your own storage bags and label them in English and Chinese. You'll get used to it quickly!
8. Cooking Halal Food in Dormitories
If you're someone who enjoys cooking your own food, rest assured that:
Dorms in most MBBS universities have shared kitchens
You can bring basic utensils from Pakistan or buy them locally
You’ll find Halal cooking oil, rice, flour, and vegetables easily in nearby shops
This is also a budget-friendly option and helps you stay healthy during your studies.
9. Friday Prayers and Halal Markets
Friday prayers are a great way to meet the local Muslim community and discover more Halal food options.
Mosques often have:
Local vendors selling cooked food and raw meat
Bulletin boards with ads for Halal butchers or grocery stores
Some mosques even offer free meals after Friday prayers for students.
10. Tips for New Students Looking for Halal Food in China
✅ Download Dianping app (like China’s Yelp) to search for “清真” (Halal) restaurants✅ Always look for Halal certification or Arabic signage✅ Ask seniors or join student WhatsApp groups for location-based tips✅ Avoid food stalls without signs unless you confirm their Halal status✅ Learn basic Chinese words like:
清真 (Qīngzhēn) – Halal
牛肉 (Niúròu) – Beef
鸡肉 (Jīròu) – Chicken
不要猪肉 (Bù yào zhūròu) – No pork, please
11. Halal Food Apps and Delivery Options in China
Food delivery in China is fast and reliable. Apps like:
美团 (Meituan)
饿了么 (Ele.me)
… allow you to filter Halal restaurants. Use Google Translate or ask a Chinese friend to help you set up your first few orders.
12. Common Halal Dishes You’ll Love in China
Here are a few Halal-friendly dishes:
Lanzhou Beef Noodles
Xinjiang Lamb Pilaf
Uyghur Dumplings
Grilled Chicken with Chili
Stir-Fried Tofu with Rice
Vegetable Spring Rolls
These are not only Halal but also authentic Chinese cuisine—a real treat!
13. Student Testimonials on Halal Food in China
Get in touch to hear from real students who Study MBBS in China and have no trouble finding Halal food—even in small cities!
✅ “I eat at Lanzhou La Mian almost daily. It’s tasty, filling, and Halal.”✅ “I buy Halal meat every Friday after Jummah in the local Muslim market.”✅ “Cooking in my dorm has been easy—I brought spices from home and buy meat from Hui Min Jie.”
14. Final Words – Study MBBS in China with Peace of Mind
If you're a Muslim student dreaming of a medical degree abroad, don't let Halal food worries stop you from choosing China. With its established Muslim communities, Halal food chains, university canteens, and prayer-friendly culture, China is an excellent destination to Study MBBS as a practicing Muslim.
🌐 Web Consultants has helped thousands of students study MBBS in China with complete confidence. From university admission to post-arrival support, we are here for you every step of the way.
📩 Have questions? Need guidance on choosing a city or university with easy access to Halal food?📞 Contact us today and start your journey to a successful MBBS in China!
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