Before Shila Amzah broke into the China and international market, the Malaysian singer-songwriter lived in Hong Kong for two years between 2012 and 2014.
The 30-year-old recalled in a press release that she would miss home the most during Ramadan and Hari Raya in those years, as she was focused on her career and couldn’t make it home for the festival.
Luckily for her, she found some people in Hong Kong to buka puasa with during Ramadan. She added that it was easy to make herself at home in Hong Kong.
“With so many expats in Hong Kong, the locals have exposure to different cultures and races in their day-to-day lives, true to its title of Asia’s World City,” said Shila in the statement.
“Therefore, even as a Malaysian Muslim expat, I felt very comfortable when I was in Hong Kong ... I made the right choice to grow my career there.”
One buka puasa she remembers fondly was the one held at the Malaysian Embassy with fellow Malaysians and Muslim friends.
“It was really fun and merry as I was feeling homesick then; they were so kind to invite me over for dinner to break our fast and pray together.
"It really meant a lot to me.”
According to the KL-born artiste, Hong Kong is very welcoming of Muslim travellers, and there are plenty of food options for the Muslim community living there.
“Although I mostly cooked at home during Ramadan, sometimes when I didn’t feel like cooking, I would conveniently dine out at a Halal eatery in my neighbourhood.
“There are quite a number of Muslim-friendly eateries serving up every cuisine I could dream of.”
For a “mind-blowing biryani” Shila would go to a restaurant near Gold Coast Hotel.
For local Halal Hong Kong dishes, she’d visit Ammar Mosque and Osman Ramju Sadick Islamic Centre in Wan Chai harbour area.
“There are also a few Turkish restaurants along the road in Wan Chai and Causeway Bay area, and several Indonesian and Malaysian eateries in the Kowloon area where I can satisfy my nasi goreng cravings.”
Other than places to eat, Shila also named some of her favourite places to visit in Hong Kong.
“I love taking an evening stroll to enjoy the magnificent harbour view which truly inspires me. It is at night that Hong Kong truly shines.”
She would also frequent Kowloon Masjid located at the shopping district of Tsim Sha Tsui, the Ocean Park and "Sneakers Street" in Mong Kok.
She shared this tip: “If you truly want to immerse yourself in a new place, you need to spend time simply being there; being among the people, trying new foods and walking a mile in the locals’ shoes.
“Walking around the city is the best way to really see it all.
“I cannot wait to visit Hong Kong once the travel restrictions are lifted.”
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