Is it possible to find a halal restaurant in Busan? As one of the largest port cities in the world, Busan has become a melting pot of people from different nations and backgrounds, including Muslims counted among its minority groups. Thanks to the Halal Korea initiative, more and more Korean businesses are becoming more Muslim friendly, and nowadays it’s not that difficult to find a restaurant serving halal food in Busan.
Most halal restaurants are clustered around the main Busan masjid, Al-Fatah Masjid, although you can also find halal-friendly food in other Busan areas. Here is a shortlist of halal restaurants in Busan that serve great food, and while you’re at it, you can also check out these delicious halal Korean dishes in Korea that are worth the try.
1. Jagalchi Market
If you are going to Busan, you must check out this well-known market! Jagalchi Market is Korea’s largest seafood market and is filled with endless restaurants where you can take the fresh catch to be cooked in any way your heart desires. Whether you’re a shellfish enthusiast or a sashimi lover you will find everything you want and so much more!
Be sure to visit Jackie’s Seafood who is well-known for his professionally filleted sashimi and savoury dishes; you can find his restaurant on the second floor of the main Jagalchi building. Also, OASE Seafood Buffet restaurant, which is located on the fifth floor, is popular for their king crab dishes and they also serve entrees such as pizza and pasta for non-seafood lovers.
Enjoy sampling some of the best (and freshest) seafood you’ll ever come across in the bustling aisles of Jagalchi Market!
We recommend that after your meal you check out these three main Busan tourist attractions nearby: Yongdusan Park for Yongdusan Temple and Busan tower, and Nampodong Street for some Busan shopping.
If you feel adventurous and is interested in eating a live octopus then watch this video of a person eating sannakji (live octopus) in Jagalchi Market:
Must-Try in their menu: Oysters and Sannakji (live octopus)
Price Range: $$
Google Rating: 4.0/5
Location: https://goo.gl/maps/YzdjwPLf44p, nearest station: Jagalchi
Opening Hours: 9 AM – 10 PM, closed on first and third Tuesday of every month
2. Jack and the Beanstalk Vegan Cafe
If you are a health fanatic and is looking for a meal that is healthy yet scrumptious in Busan, we recommend that you check out Jack and the Beanstalk, located close to Namcheon Busan subway stop. This colourful restaurant is vegan-friendly with an extensive menu filled with fusion Korean bibimbap, superfood salads, sandwich wraps, root vegetable burgers, pasta and smoothies. All meals are freshly made and delicious which makes this eco-friendly vegan restaurant a must-try!
For us, it’s the top place to go for Busan Muslim Friendly Korean food!
And whilst you’re there, go and explore the scenic Gwangalli beach which is a short walk away from Jack and Beanstalk.
Must-Try in their menu: Fusion Korean Bibimbap and Wraps
Price Range: $$
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jackandbeanstalkbusan/
Google Rating: 4.0/5
Location: https://goo.gl/maps/VpRc6DyiF1k, nearest station: Namcheon
Opening Hours: Tues – Sat 11 AM – 9 PM
3. Morocco Casablanca Restaurant and Halal Food
Right across the Busan Al-Fatah Masjid is Casablanca, a Moroccan restaurant run by a friendly Moroccan lady. It’s a great place to taste authentic Moroccan food: succulent Moroccan lamb-based dishes that melt in your mouth like their barbecued lamb and lamb tahini. This Busan restaurant also serves exquisite vegetarian or lamb Tajine (a Moroccan dish which is named after the earthenware pot in which it is cooked), usually containing vegetables, spices and lamb that is cooked to perfection and is served with traditional Couscous that is soft and savoury.
Personally, we find it one of the best halal restaurants in Busan – you should definitely give it a try!
Must-Try in their menu: Lamb, lamb, lamb!
Price Range: $
Facebook: Morocco Casablanca Restaurant and Halal Food
Facebook Rating: 4.8/5
Location: https://goo.gl/maps/UHYNFyWAPDG2, nearest station: Dusil
Opening Hours: 10:30 AM – 11 PM, closed on Mondays.
4. Cappadocia Turkish Kebap House
You can’t miss its humble facade located right beside Busan Al-Fatah Masjid. Known as one of the most popular halal restaurants in Busan, Cappadocia Turkish Kebap House is the only restaurant in town that serves authentic Turkish food.
It is famous for its Shish Kebab served with a side of vegetables, rice and Ekmek Turkish bread. We also recommend that you try their Kimchi Kebap, a delicious fusion that is a favourite amongst locals. For a good meal, order some Turkish salads, hummus and tea to go with kebab. If you love Middle Eastern cuisine, then you will enjoy dining at Cappadocia as it does not stray away from the traditional Turkish recipes!
Must-Try in their menu: Kimchi Kebap
Price Range: $
Facebook: Cappadocia Turkish Kebap House
Google Rating: 4.2/5
Location: https://goo.gl/maps/ryR5cMKp7ms, nearest station: Dusil
Opening Hours: Mon – Sun, 11:30 AM – 11 PM
5. Punjab Indian Restaurant
Are you a fan of Indian cuisine? If you happen to be at or near Haeundae Beach (it’s one of the places to go in Busan!) close to lunchtime or dinnertime, get a bite at Punjab Indian Restaurant.
Named no.1 halal restaurant in Busan on TripAdvisor, this renowned restaurant serves traditional northern Indian staple favourites using only halal ingredients, from appetising curry to naan bread that is crispy, light and well-seasoned. Their Samosas (a baked dish with a savoury filling) are full of flavour, buttery with a nice crunch and their Chicken Tikka masala that is creamy and rich in flavour will leave you craving for more!
And whilst you’re in Haeundae, head to Haedong Yonggungsa Temple, the temple is situated on a cliff overlooking the beautiful sea with bright cerulean waters accompanied by a stunning view.
Must-Try in their menu: Chicken Tikka Masala
Price Range: $$
Facebook: Punjab Indian Restaurant
Google Rating: 4.6/5
Location: https://goo.gl/maps/9QAvVDHi3hq, nearest station: Haeundae
Opening Hours: Mon – Sun, 11 AM – 11 PM
6. Shabana Indian Restaurant
Take your family for an awesome comforting meal after a long day of strolling in Busan.
There is nothing more pleasing than fresh Naan bread and hot curry; Shabana serves this comfort food in different flavours and spices to satisfy your cravings. This halal restaurant is located off the beaten track near Pusan National University an area known for its youthful ambiance, and offers a superb Indian buffet for a rather reasonable price, as well as vegetarian options like Baoli Handi (mash of vegetables with rice), Vegetable-Do Pyaza (marinated vegetables) and Makai Palak Kumbh (spinach curry).
So, bring your empty stomach and appetite to Shabana Restaurant and enjoy a hearty meal!
Must-Try in their menu: It’s an Indian buffet, so you can try pretty much everything if you want to.
Price Range: $$
Facebook: Shabana Indian Restaurant
Google Rating: 4.3/5
Location: https://goo.gl/maps/neA3CqLziS92, nearest station: Pusan National University
Opening Hours: Mon – Sun, 10:30 AM – 10 PM
Bonus: Changseondong Meokja Golmok for Korean Halal Food.
If you’re not that into Indian food and would rather try traditional Korean dishes, head to Changseondong Meokja Golmok for its famous street food. Look out for vegetarian Busan dishes like bibim dangmyeon or cellophane noodles with vegetables and fish cake; milmyeon (thin noodles) or cold noodles (without chicken or beef); and Ssiat Hotteok (Korean pancake with a honey and nuts filing) or regular Hotteok with sesame seeds.
While it still might be hard to find halal food everywhere in Busan though, on the upside, there is a steady rise in Muslim friendly restaurants and cafes. And you can always opt for Vegan or Vegetarian restaurants and enjoy additional health benefits of veggies and great meat substitutes like tofu.
One more thing: if you visit Busan Al-Fatah mosque, keep a lookout for halal restaurants as you will most definitely find many dining options in the area!
P.S. Take a peek at Okpo Land abandoned amusement park, one of the spookiest places in Korea!
P.P.S. If you planning on travelling to Seoul too, then be sure to check out our top halal restaurants in Seoul.
Did You Like These Halal Restaurants in Busan?
Have tried any of these halal Busan restaurants, if so let us know of your experience in the comments section below.
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