In mid-June, Hong Kong was named the third most Muslim-friendly non-Islamic travel destination in the world, according to this year’s Mastercard-CrescentRating Global Muslim Travel Index.
The Hong Kong government has reaped awards and a steady upturn in inbound tourism within Asia-Pacific’s Muslim communities, namely Indonesia, Malaysia, and the Middle East, from its push to certify more halal restaurants and accredit halal-friendly hotels.
Indonesia saw a 42.6% increase in inbound visitors to Hong Kong in 2024 as compared to 2023, from 257,279 to 366,973, with Malaysia experiencing a 49.9% increase in the same time period, from 270,588 to 405,508.
Saffron, Hong Kong’s sole Persian restaurant operating in Central, has taken advantage of the government’s plans to render Hong Kong a top Muslim-friendly destination for visitors by increasing its footprint in the city where the action begins: bustling Hong Kong International Airport.
The Persian restaurant officially opened its grab-and-go concept at the arrivals hall of Hong Kong’s airport in early April, featuring an assortment of brand-new Persian foodstuffs perfect for speedy pre-flight dining or a meal to enjoy once you have landed in Hong Kong, with both the Muslim traveller and Hong Kong resident in mind.
As the airport’s first and only halal food establishment serving those passing through its halls, Saffron has introduced a new line of cold and hot wraps serving as portable meals when passing through security or arriving in Hong Kong before the start of your visit.
The lamb koobideh and chicken koobideh are the perfect order for wraps that can be easily transported to or from Hong Kong, with portions well-sized to make you full. The vegetables are fresh and meat grilled to perfection with a classic Iranian spice mix.
All the wraps and ingredients are prepared fresh daily in Saffron’s Wong Chuk Hang food factory, with no additives or preservatives included. The vibrant Persian sauces are homemade too, completing these traditional bites.
If you are seeking a heartier meal at Saffron, we recommend the assortment of rice dishes. For those with a sweet tooth, Saffron’s rice pudding is a rare bite in Hong Kong, made fresh with Persian rose water to add depth.
Saffron’s recent spring entrance at Hong Kong International Airport represents a new chapter in the restaurant’s Hong Kong story.
“With the latest opening of Saffron’s grab-and-go concept at Hong Kong International Airport, InvestHK is committed to attracting and supporting Muslim-friendly businesses to Hong Kong to amplify the city’s attraction for Muslim-tourists from key markets, such as Malaysia, Indonesia, and the Middle East,” says Sindy Wong, head of tourism and hospitality of InvestHK.
Saffron, Terminal 1, Departures Level (L5), Hong Kong International Airport, 1 Sky Plaza Road, Chek Lap Kok, Lantau Island
This feature is brought to Foodie in partnership with InvestHK.
