Explore Mouthwatering Halal Food in Pattaya at Royal Cliff’s Halal Kitchen

If you’re on the lookout for flavourful halal food in Pattaya, look no further than the establishments at the Royal Cliff. Within the walls of our 5-star hotel in Pattaya, we have our very own Halal Kitchen. It is an official HAL-Q certified establishment, which is issued by the Halal Science Centre from Chulalongkorn University. Being granted this certification means that all related staff at the Royal Cliff have been given proper training and product knowledge on Halal food handling. Our kitchen team passed their strict assessment to be awarded this certification. In accordance with the rules and regulations of this certification, all food supplies, utensils and equipment within our Halal Kitchen are certified as “Halal”.

What is Halal?

An Arabic term, ‘halal’ means what is permissible or lawful, particularly in the context of Islam. It is a term often used when it comes to food and the dietary restrictions of Muslims. To say something is ‘halal’ means it is considered safe to eat and not harmfully prepared. It isn’t only about the ingredients, but also the equipment used to prepare the food and how the animals are raised, treated, and slaughtered. Halal food must be prepared and processed separately from non-halal foods and equipment to avoid contamination. The animals used for halal food must be slaughtered according to Islamic guidelines (zabiha), ensuring minimal suffering and mentioning Allah’s name during the process. 

Who Eats Halal Food?

While halal is central to Islamic dietary laws, anyone can choose to consume halal food regardless of their faith. Halal guidelines essentially emphasize humane treatment of animals during slaughter. This can lead some people to choose halal options even if they aren’t Muslim. Many countries around the world have sizable populations that consume halal food, particularly those with large Muslim populations. Notable countries include Indonesia, Malaysia, Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, Turkey, Pakistan, and Egypt. However, there are also countries with substantial Muslim minorities, like France, Spain, the United States, the United Kingdom, and Canada.

Popular Halal Dishes

If you’re looking to enjoy halal food in Pattaya, here are some popular dishes you can keep an eye out for the next time you’re at a halal restaurant.

Chicken Shawarma 

With roots in the Ottoman Empire, chicken shawarma is a popular Middle Eastern and halal dish. The word ‘shawarma’ means “turning” in Arabic, with the dish getting its name from rotating vertical spit on which the meat is cooked. It’s commonly made chicken thighs or breasts flavored with spices like cumin, paprika, coriander, and turmeric. Yogurt is also a common addition when marinating the chicken and for a creamy sauce to go on the dish. It’s commonly served wrapped in toasted pita bread.

Lamb Biryani

The name ‘biryani’ comes from the Persian word ‘birian’ meaning ‘fried before cooking’ or ‘birinj’ meaning ‘rice’. It’s commonly made in a large, heavy-bottomed pot. Lamb shoulder or leg is commonly used, seasoned with spices such as garam masala, turmeric, and cumin powder. It is accompanied with basmati rice that’s been cooked with saffron and spices like cardamom, black cumin (shahi jeera), and star anise.

Falafel

A popular Middle Eastern street food, a falafel is a deep-fried ball or patty made from ground chickpeas or fava beans mixed with herbs and spices. It’s believed to have originated in Egypt, created as a meat alternative during Lent. It’s traditionally enjoyed with pita bread, hummus, tahini sauce, and fresh vegetables. It can also be served with other sauces like tzatziki or other side dishes like salad.

Hummus with Pita Bread

A popular halal food in Pattaya, hummus is a dip made from chickpeas, tahini, garlic and lemon juice. It’s believed to have roots in the Middle East. It’s commonly enjoyed with pita bread or vegetables like carrots and celery. It can even be used as a healthier substitute for mayonnaise in sandwiches and wraps. You can also enjoy it as a snack all on its own.

Kofte

Another dish that is believed to have come from Persia, kofte is a seasoned ground meat dish. The word ‘kofte’ is derived from the Persian word ‘kufteh’ which means ‘to grind’ or ‘to pound’. While originating in the Middle East, kofte is enjoyed in many areas of South Asia and the Mediterranean. It’s commonly made with ground lamb or beef, onions, spices, and occasionally, breadcrumbs for texture. It’s usually eaten in a flatbread with vegetables and other sauces. It can also be put in a stew or eaten with a sauce and rice.

Halal-Friendly Thai Dishes

Did you know that a lot of the most popular Thai dishes are actually halal? As notable Thai dishes often feature seafood, chicken, and vegetables, they can be ‘halal’ as long as they’re prepared using halal equipment and ingredients.

• Tom Yum – A flavorful, tongue-tingling Thai soup consisting of fresh herbs and aromatics such as lemongrass, galangal, kaffir lime leaves and your choice of protein and vegetables.
• Som Tam – A refreshing Thai papaya salad that includes shredded green papaya, long beans, cherry tomatoes, garlic, chilies, fish sauce, lime juice, and palm sugar.
• Tom Kha Gai – Featuring a creamy coconut milk broth infused with aromatics and spices along with chicken and mushrooms, commonly enjoyed with steamed rice.
• Pad Thai – A stir-fried rice noodle delicacy from Thailand made with eggs, tofu, shrimp or chicken, bean sprouts. It’s well-known and well-loved.
• Khanom Buang – Thai crispy crepes made with a rice and mung bean flour batter, filled with a meringue, shredded coconut, and toppings like foi thong (golden egg yolk threads).

Enjoy Halal Food in Pattaya at The Royal Cliff Hotels

If you’re visiting from the Middle East and concerned about food options while abroad, surrender your worries when you step into the Royal Cliff. We make a point of being inclusive of all guests and understanding of their dietary requirements and needs. With our award-winning chefs & restaurants, we can prepare your preferred dishes with ease in a halal manner. Our Indian restaurant in Pattaya, Maharani, was voted as one of the best Halal kitchens in Pattaya. To learn more about our halal offerings or to book a stay with us, get in touch with our Reservations team at (+66) 38 250421 ext. 2037 or email us at [email protected]. You can chat with us directly on LINE at @royalcliff. Our state of exclusivity is your paradise, and we look forward to giving you an unforgettable stay.