Finding Halal Food in Busan, South Korea
As South Korea becomes a hotter destination for tourists, especially with the global buzz around K-Pop and K-dramas, you’ll naturally see more halal food options popping up in major cities like Busan.
If you're planning a trip to Busan anytime soon, here are the best Muslim-friendly restaurants for all tastes and preferences.
Muslim-Friendly Options for Seafood Lovers in Busan
1. Jagalchi Fish Market
If the thought of fresh seafood gets you salivating, then Korea’s largest seafood market, Jagalchi Market will be right up your alley.
This famous market won't just be a place for you to satisfy your palate; it is a feast for the senses as well, offering an incredible variety of seafood, from fresh crab and sashimi to grilled mackerel and shellfish.
The stalls in the market may not be halal-certified per se, but you can feel safe knowing that seafood is aplenty here.
However, the market serves alcoholic beverages, so dine according to your judgement.
Pro tip: There's the Oase Seafood Buffet on the 5th floor of the establishment, with a massive spread of seafood options.
Alternatively, you can join a Jagalchi Fish Market food tour to sample local delights from some of the local vendors, including octopus and fishcake.
2. Eobu
Another fabulous halal-friendly spot to tuck into delicious seafood in Busan is Eobu, located near Haeundae Beach.
Rated Muslim-friendly by the Korea Tourism Organization, this BBQ eatery specialises in grilled clams sizzling over a charcoal fire and is an ideal spot for Muslims to savour authentic Korean cuisine.
No alcohol is used to prepare the food; however, the restaurant does serve alcoholic drinks, so again, choose to dine based on your comfort level.
Indian, Middle Eastern, & Southeast Asian Restaurants
3. Bombay Brau
Fuss-free Indian cuisine that hits the spot - count us in!
At Bombay Brau, satisfy your Indian food cravings with dishes like butter chicken, lamb vindaloo, prawn makhani, and palak paneer (a pureed spinach dish).
The best part? All the meat is halal-certified. However, alcoholic beverages are served here, as is commonplace in South Korea, so avoid that and you're good to go.
4. Namaste Haeundae
Are you craving a delicious meal while soaking up the sun at Haeundae Beach? Then
Namaste Haeundae should be your go-to spot for exquisite Indian cuisine.
With its classical Indian decor and Bollywood-themed soundtrack, Namaste Haeundae offers a portal right into the heart of India and is one of the best halal restaurants in Busan.
Oh, and if you'd like to be extra safe, there are excellent vegetarian options on their menu, such as aloo gobi (a potato and cauliflower mix).
5. Cappadocia Restaurant
Just a stone’s throw from the Busan Al-Fatah Masjid, Cappadocia is the place to be for mouthwatering Turkish food.
As the oldest Turkish restaurant in Busan, Cappadocia specialises in kebabs, from lamb to beef.
You can even taste fusion dishes like a kimchi kebab, making it a must-visit for anyone looking to indulge in halal-friendly, authentic Turkish cuisine in Busan.
6. Warung Jaya Mbak Tia
You can always trust Indonesian cuisine for a satisfying meal, and at Warung Jaya Mbak Tia, that's exactly what you'll get.
Head to this Muslim-owned eatery located in Nampo-dong and enjoy all-time Indonesian favourites like bebek goreng (fried duck), mee goreng (fried noodles), and soto ayam (chicken noodle soup), with other side dishes suitable for every Southeast Asian palate.
7. Samarkand
Don't sleep on Uzbek cuisine when it comes to finding great halal-friendly options in Busan.
Right in the heart of the city's Chinatown lies Samarkand, a Muslim-owned establishment that serves some of Uzbekistan's favourite dishes which you can't miss, like samsa (a puff pastry stuffed with meat), deep-fried dumplings, and beef noodle soup.
At the end of your meal, wash it all down with piping hot black tea, and you're all set.
8. New Little India
With two outlets in the city, both near Busan Station, New Little India is one of the best Islamic-friendly restaurants in Busan.
Here, you can find all the usual suspects of standard Indian cuisine, from creamy butter chicken to chicken tikka and naan.
Take note, however, that while the meat is halal-compliant, alcoholic drinks are served on the premises, so customers, dine at your discretion.
Other Muslim-Friendly Markets for Halal Food
9. Gijang Crab Market
For massive crabs priced affordably that'll have the likes of Mark Wiens flocking over in an instant, head over to Gijang Crab Market during your Busan trip.
You can explore what traditional outdoor markets look like in South Korea while sampling local eats like crab roe fried rice, huge snow crabs, and steamed abalone.
There isn't a restaurant here serving halal food per se, but this place is safe if you're comfortable with purely seafood options.
10. Changseondong Meokja Golmok
Known as "Let’s Eat Alley," Changseondong Meokja Golmok is a foodie's paradise, lined with stalls run by friendly ajummas (elderly Korean women) churning out traditional Korean dishes.
Not all options are halal-certified, but you can find delicious vegetarian and seafood dishes. Must-try foods here include hotteok (sweet pancakes), spicy tteokbokki (rice cakes), and japchae (sweet potato noodles).
Tips for Finding Muslim-Friendly Restaurants & Halal Food in Busan, South Korea
Look for restaurants and markets certified as halal, self-certified, or labelled as Muslim-friendly with halal menus or pork-free options.
Research online on platforms like Reddit for recommendations from fellow travellers for halal food.
The Korea Tourism Organization has also compiled a full list of Islam-friendly restaurant recommendations across the country, complete with photos and website links, which you should definitely download beforehand.