Top 10 Halal Restaurants in Manila: Your Ultimate Guide to Halal Dining

Finding halal restaurants in Manila can feel overwhelming, especially for Muslim travelers navigating the Philippines’ capital for the first time. With over 200,000 Muslims in Metro Manila and a growing stream of visitors from Malaysia, Indonesia, and the Middle East, the demand for certified halal dining has never been higher. The good news? Manila’s halal food scene has expanded dramatically in recent years, offering everything from budget-friendly shawarma joints to upscale Persian fine dining.

This guide covers the best halal restaurants in Manila for 2026, verified for current operation and halal certification status. Whether you are craving Middle Eastern kebabs, authentic Filipino-Muslim cuisine, or international favorites, these restaurants deliver on both taste and trust.

How We Selected These Halal Restaurants

Every restaurant on this list meets at least one of the following criteria: official halal certification from a recognized Philippine or international body, Muslim ownership with transparent sourcing, or consistent verification through community platforms like Zabihah and HalalTrip. We also confirmed that each restaurant is currently open and operating as of early 2026.

Best Halal Restaurants in Manila (2026)

1. Shawarma Snack Center (SSC) — The Manila Institution

Cuisine: Middle Eastern, Arabian
Location: R. Salas Street, Ermita, Manila
Price Range: Budget to Mid-Range

Operating since the 1980s, Shawarma Snack Center is one of Manila’s oldest and most trusted halal restaurants. For over 40 years, SSC has served authentic Arabian and Middle Eastern cuisine at reasonable prices. Their shawarma platters, grilled kebabs, and hummus remain favorites among both the local Muslim community and international visitors. The restaurant’s longevity speaks to its consistency in maintaining halal standards and quality.

Must-Try: Mixed grill platter, lamb shawarma, and their freshly baked pita bread.

2. Arya Persian Restaurant — Upscale Persian Dining

Cuisine: Persian, Iranian-Arabic
Locations: Robinsons Place Manila, Robinsons Magnolia, Shangri-La Plaza, Promenade Greenhills
Price Range: Mid-Range to High

Arya brings the rich flavors of Iran to Manila with an extensive menu of halal-certified dishes. Their kebabs are grilled over open flames using traditional Persian techniques, and the saffron rice is a standout. With four branches across Metro Manila, Arya has made authentic Persian cuisine accessible to halal-conscious diners throughout the city. The warm decor and attentive service make it ideal for both family dinners and special occasions.

Must-Try: Joojeh kabab (saffron chicken), koobideh (ground lamb kebab), and their signature zereshk polo (barberry rice).

3. Gilak by Hossein — Fusion Fine Dining

Cuisine: Persian, Arabic, Indian, Mediterranean Fusion
Location: Multiple branches in Metro Manila
Price Range: Mid-Range to High

Gilak by Hossein has earned a loyal following for its creative fusion approach. The menu blends Persian, Arabic, Indian, and Mediterranean cuisines into a single, cohesive dining experience. The setting is luxurious, and the portions are generous. This is the kind of restaurant you visit when you want to impress guests or celebrate a milestone.

Must-Try: Mixed kabab platter, lamb shank stew, and the rose-water dessert.

4. The Halal Guys — American Halal Street Food

Cuisine: American, Middle Eastern Street Food
Locations: SM Megamall, Bonifacio Global City, and other Metro Manila locations
Price Range: Budget to Mid-Range

Originally a legendary food cart from New York City, The Halal Guys brought their famous platters and sandwiches to Manila. Their signature combo of savory gyro meat and chicken over rice, topped with white sauce and hot sauce, has made them a global halal icon. All meat products are halal-certified, and the generous portions offer excellent value for money.

Must-Try: Combo platter (chicken and gyro over rice), falafel sandwich, and their signature white sauce.

5. Ababu Persian Kitchen — Student-Friendly Persian

Cuisine: Persian, Middle Eastern
Locations: Multiple branches across Metro Manila
Price Range: Budget

Ababu has built a massive following, especially among students and young professionals, for its affordable and filling halal meals. Their shawarma rice bowls are legendary for value, and the Persian-inspired menu goes well beyond the basics. With multiple branches across the metro, Ababu is the go-to choice for a quick, satisfying halal meal on a tight budget. The recent Yelp 2026 listings confirm all locations remain active and well-reviewed.

Must-Try: Shawarma rice bowl, kebab platter, and Persian beef stew.

6. Behrouz — Consistently Excellent Persian

Cuisine: Persian
Locations: Multiple branches in Metro Manila
Price Range: Mid-Range

Behrouz has built a loyal following thanks to its tender kebabs, fragrant saffron rice, and authentic Persian stews. The atmosphere is relaxed and welcoming, making it a great spot for casual dining. Their beef koobideh is a consistent best-seller, and the menu caters well to both meat lovers and those who prefer lighter options like their fresh salads and yogurt dips.

Must-Try: Beef koobideh, ghormeh sabzi (herb stew), and their saffron-infused desserts.

7. Warung Indo — Authentic Indonesian

Cuisine: Indonesian, Asian
Location: Metro Manila
Price Range: Budget to Mid-Range

First opened in 2016, Warung Indo is one of Manila’s most acclaimed halal eateries specializing in Indonesian cuisine. The restaurant serves classic dishes like nasi goreng, rendang, and soto ayam that transport you straight to Jakarta. For Malaysian and Indonesian travelers, this restaurant offers a comforting taste of home. The portions are generous and prices remain very reasonable.

Must-Try: Beef rendang, nasi goreng, and their assorted Indonesian desserts.

8. New Bombay — Classic Indian Halal

Cuisine: Indian
Location: Metro Manila
Price Range: Mid-Range

New Bombay is a go-to destination for authentic Indian cuisine in Manila, offering a wide range of halal-certified dishes. Their rich curries, flavorful biryanis, and freshly baked naan bread are prepared using traditional Indian techniques. The restaurant has been serving the Manila community for years and consistently delivers on flavor and halal compliance.

Must-Try: Chicken biryani, butter chicken, and garlic naan.

9. Kashmir — Indian-Malaysian Fusion

Cuisine: Indian, Malaysian
Location: Metro Manila
Price Range: Mid-Range

Kashmir blends Indian and Malaysian influences in a peaceful, homey setting. As one of the oldest Indian restaurants in Manila, it has decades of experience serving halal food. The signature dishes include chicken curry, vegetable biryani, and warm roti. The restaurant is especially popular among the expat community and business travelers looking for familiar halal flavors.

Must-Try: Chicken curry, vegetable biryani, and their signature roti canai.

10. Manila Halal Food Park — Multiple Vendors

Cuisine: Mixed (Filipino-Muslim, Middle Eastern, Asian)
Location: Ermita area, Manila
Price Range: Budget

For the adventurous eater who wants to sample multiple halal cuisines in one visit, Manila’s halal food parks and clusters in the Ermita and Quiapo areas offer an unbeatable experience. These areas feature a concentration of small halal eateries serving everything from Filipino-Muslim dishes like beef kulma and chicken pastil to Middle Eastern staples. It is street food culture at its most vibrant and flavorful.

Must-Try: Beef kulma, chicken pastil, and fresh fruit shakes.

Tips for Finding Halal Food in Manila

Use Halal Restaurant Apps

Apps like Zabihah and HalalTrip maintain updated databases of halal restaurants in Manila and across the Philippines. These platforms include user reviews, certification details, and photos that help you make informed choices before you arrive.

Look for Certification Signs

In the Philippines, halal certification is issued by organizations accredited by the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI). Look for certificates displayed at the entrance or near the cashier. If no certificate is visible, ask the staff directly about their halal sourcing and certification status.

Explore Muslim-Majority Areas

The Quiapo and Ermita districts in Manila have high concentrations of halal eateries due to their proximity to mosques and Muslim communities. Walking through these areas, you will find dozens of small restaurants and food stalls serving authentic halal meals at very affordable prices.

Ask About Cross-Contamination

Some restaurants that serve halal meat also serve non-halal items. If strict separation matters to you, ask whether the kitchen maintains separate preparation areas and cooking equipment for halal and non-halal items.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is halal food easy to find in Manila?

Yes. Manila’s halal food scene has grown significantly, with dozens of certified restaurants, especially in areas like Ermita, Quiapo, Makati, and Bonifacio Global City. International chains like The Halal Guys also operate here.

Are Filipino restaurants halal?

Most mainstream Filipino restaurants are not halal by default, as many dishes contain pork or alcohol-based ingredients. However, Filipino-Muslim cuisine (Maranao and Tausug dishes) is inherently halal and available in select restaurants throughout Manila.

Do Manila restaurants accept international halal certification?

Yes. Restaurants certified by recognized international bodies such as JAKIM (Malaysia), MUI (Indonesia), or IFANCA (US) are generally trusted by the local Muslim community. The Philippines also has its own accredited halal certifying bodies.

What is the best area in Manila for halal food?

The Ermita and Quiapo areas have the highest concentration of halal eateries. For upscale halal dining, Makati and Bonifacio Global City offer premium options like Arya Persian Restaurant and The Halal Guys.

Can I find halal food at Manila’s malls?

Yes. Major malls like SM Megamall, Robinsons Place, and Shangri-La Plaza host halal-certified restaurants, including Arya, The Halal Guys, and Ababu Persian Kitchen. Food courts in these malls occasionally feature halal stalls as well.

Is street food in Manila halal?

Street food in Manila is generally not halal unless sold in Muslim-majority areas. Stick to stalls in Quiapo and Ermita for the best chances of finding genuine halal street food, and always ask the vendor about their sourcing.

Planning halal travel in Southeast Asia? Read our guide to the top halal restaurants in the USA or explore halal-friendly cities in America.