Halal Restaurants @ Itaewon

Itaewon: dubbed as the multicultural space where international restaurants are scattered around the neighborhood to cater the need of both Koreans and expatriates residing in Korea...or even tourists visiting Korea. 

It's nothing sort of spectacular or anything. I pass this neighborhood once a week at least...so..the sight and sound or the mere existence of halal restaurants to suit the need of Muslims in Korea...are out of my curiosity since they look as a natural thing to be. Well, halal restaurants near the Masjid...what's so unique about that? 

But then..when it comes to considering that this happens in Korea, one should remember one thing..that it used to be like 'finding a needle in a haystack' to find any halal restaurant. So..the flourishing business of halal restaurants in Itaewon should be deemed as a progress in motion for Muslim community in Korea. 

Next to Western chain food or vis a vis other global brands, the existence of halal restaurants specializing in Muslim-friendly food is a good way to acknowledge the fact that Korea has indeed embraced Muslim culture.*

*Though I got to admit that this should spread in other areas as well (not exclusively in Itaewon area).

Halal Logo

the round logo with 'Majelis Ulama Indonesia' inscription that circles it is a common sight in almost all food products in Indonesia and other Southeast Asian countries (esp. Malaysia, Singapore, Brunei, Thailand, Philippines, and even Vietnam). 

Even a home-made or medium-sized industries that mostly produce food products like the one above. 

Or even a coke or soft drink of International brand like Sprite above. Although sometimes I wonder as to why even a soft drink needs a halal label. But, for sure that all food and beverages are required to have a halal label on their products. It is in accordance to Islamic law as well as ( I think) to soothe or to raise the customers' confidence ...psychologically.^!^ 

Even Danone's Aqua....a mere drinking water is also required to have a 'halal label' from Indonesian Ulama Council.

Anyway...

I just hope that Korean food products also have a chance to see their possibilities of having this kind of label, considering the increasing number of Muslim foreigners residing in Korea.

I am sure that this will eventually help Korean products be more acceptable for wider international market.