MY TRAVEL INFO: CHINESE MUSLIM RESTAURANT IN GUILIN & GUANGZHOU

ABDULLAH RESTAURANT, GUANGZHOU

Abdullah Restaurant (also known as the Qinghai Muslim Hotel) located at Sanyuanli Avenue, Baiyun District, Guangzhou, China. As of late 2025, it remains a legendary landmark for the Muslim community and travelers seeking authentic Northwestern Chinese Halal cuisine.

Abdullah Restaurant is one of the oldest and most famous Halal establishments in Guangzhou. It specializes in Qinghai and Xinjiang-style cuisine, known for its bold flavors and generous portions.

As seen in the photos, the interior is spacious and traditional, featuring large round tables (perfect for groups) and cultural decor including Arabic calligraphy and intricate glasswork.

It is highly regarded by Muslim travelers because it includes a dedicated prayer room (musollah) on-site.

Abdullah Restaurant offer a unique cuisine of its own.I love how they combine the Chinese taste with the taste of WesternChina - Qinghai, Xinjiang and all of the countries to the west of China.

The restaurant is known for generous portions and specific signature dishes includes :

• Roasted Lamb Ribs, exceptionally tender, juicy, and seasoned with cumin and chili
• Big Plate Chicken (Da Pan Ji): A hearty stew of chicken, potatoes, and hand-pulled wide noodles.
• Mutton Satay/Kebabs: Grilled over charcoal right outside the entrance.
• Hand-Pulled Noodles (Lanzhou Lamian): Freshly made to order.
• Rice-Fruit Dessert: A hot, sweet dish often praised in recent traveler reviews.

Be mindful that portions are very large—one dish is often enough for 2 to 3 people.

The owner and several staff members speak English, which is a significant plus for international tourists. 

MINT LEAF RESTAURANT, GUANGZHOU

The restaurant a popular choice for those seeking Halal-certified South Asian and Southeast Asian cuisine in the city. Located at 223 Beijing Road, Yuexiu District, Guangzhou (北京路223号). It is located right in the heart of the Beijing Road Pedestrian Street, making it very convenient for tourists visiting the historic area or the nearby Dafo Temple. Open daily from 10:00 AM to 10:00 PM.

As seen in your first photo, the restaurant markets itself as a "Taste of" multiple regions. They specialize in a fusion of:

• Sri Lankan & Indian: Known for authentic curries, biryanis, and tandoori items.
• Thai & Malaysian: Offers Southeast Asian staples like Tom Yum soup and satay.
• Mauritian: A unique addition to the Guangzhou food scene, providing a rare taste of Island fusion.

Why It’s Popular

It is a go-to spot for the local and visiting Muslim community.

English-Friendly: Given its location in a major tourist hub, the staff are generally accustomed to serving international guests.

ENDIAN HALAL RESTAURANT, GUILIN

Endian Halal Restaurant (恩典清真餐吧) located at Chongsan Road, Xiangshan District, Guilin, China. The Chinese name Ēndian (恩典) translates to "Grace" or "Favor," reflecting the owner's gratitude for Allah's blessings.

It is strategically located near the Chongshan Road Mosque (崇善路清真寺), a historic site dating back to the Qing Dynasty.

It is famous for serving local Guilin Muslim Cuisine and Northwest Chinese flavors (Xinjiang style). In 2017, This restaurant was at the height of its popularity among Southeast Asian travelers (particularly from Malaysia and Indonesia).

As seen in your photos, the interior featured a warm, traditional Chinese layout with round tables and "lazy Susans," ideal for family-style dining.

Visitors frequently raved about their fried mantou (sweet buns) with condensed milk, lamb skewers (shashlik), sweet corn, and local river fish prepared according to Halal standards.

While Endian Halal Restaurant was a staple for over a decade, many local businesses in Guilin's tourism sector shifted during the pandemic.

It remains a top-cited location for Halal food in Guilin travel guides, though some recent visitors note that newer spots like Xinjiang Hongfangzi BBQ or Kali Mirch (Indian) have also become popular in the area.

Proximity: If you are visiting, it is still the most convenient place to eat after performing prayers at the Chongshan Mosque.

CHINESE MUSLIM CUISINE

Chinese Muslim cuisine, often referred to as Hui cuisine or Chinese Islamic cuisine, is a distinct culinary tradition that blends regional Chinese cooking techniques with Islamic dietary laws. It is primarily associated with the Hui and Uyghur ethnic groups in Northern and Northwestern China.

Core Characteristics of Chinese Muslim Cuisine"

• High emphasis on mutton (lamb/sheep) and beef, which are staple sources of protein in the arid Northwestern regions. Pork and lard are strictly prohibited and replaced with vegetable oils or animal fats from halal-slaughtered livestock.
• Heavy use of cumin, chili flakes, and Sichuan peppercorns, giving many dishes a fragrant, spicy, and earthy profile.
• Unlike Southern Chinese cuisine which relies on rice, Northern Chinese Muslim food centers on wheat, featuring hand-pulled noodles (Lamian), dumplings, and flatbreads (Naan).

Famous Dishes:

• Lanzhou Beef Noodles (Lamian): Hand-pulled noodles served in a clear, rich beef broth with radish slices, chili oil, and cilantro.
• Cumin Lamb (Zi Ran Yang Rou): Slices of tender lamb stir-fried at high heat with heavy amounts of toasted cumin and dried chilies.
• Big Plate Chicken (Da Pan Ji): A spicy Xinjiang-style stew featuring chicken, potatoes, and bell peppers, often served over a bed of flat, wide hand-pulled noodles.
• Lamb Chuanr (Skewers): Small pieces of lamb fat and meat threaded onto skewers, seasoned with cumin and chili, and grilled over charcoal.
• Pao Mo: A specialty from Xi'an consisting of crumbled unleavened flatbread soaked in a rich mutton or beef soup.
• Halal Dim Sum: Cantonese-style small plates like Siew Mai and Har Gao, re-imagined with chicken or seafood instead of pork.

Regional Variations:

• Hui Cuisine: More closely resembles traditional Han Chinese flavors but follows halal rules. It focuses heavily on noodle soups and braised meats.
• Uyghur Cuisine: Features stronger Central Asian and Turkic influences, with more emphasis on tandoor-baked breads, pilafs (Polu), and heavy spices.

In 2025, this cuisine continues to grow in popularity internationally, particularly in Southeast Asia. For example, in Malaysia, restaurants like Lamb Shepherd, Homst, and Al Amber have become established hubs for authentic Chinese Muslim flavors.

Compiled by:

Hj Zulheimy Maamor

Lembah Keramat,KL

18/12/2025: 2.02 p.m