Cambodia's population is predominantly Buddhist, but it also has a significant Muslim minority. According to the 2019 census, there are approximately 311,045 Muslims in Cambodia, making up a small but notable portion of the country's population. The majority of Muslims in Cambodia are Sunni Muslims of the Shafi'i denomination, following the Maturidi doctrine, and belong to the Cham and Malay minorities.
The Cham people, who originated from the Kingdom of Champa, have a long history in Cambodia and have maintained their Islamic traditions despite facing persecution under the Khmer Rouge regime. Today, they have their own mosques, with around 884 mosques scattered throughout the country, and a unified community led by four religious dignitaries. The Cham Muslims are divided into traditionalist and orthodox branches, with some conflicts between the two groups in the past.
Tboung Khmum province has the largest percentage of Muslims in Cambodia, with around 11.8% of the population identifying as Muslim. Despite being a minority, Muslims in Cambodia are free to practice their religion, and the government even sponsors annual iftar gatherings during Ramadan. In fact, the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) has praised Cambodia as a "beacon for Muslim coexistence".
Therefore, Cambodia's halal industry is growing rapidly, driven by the country's strategic location, increasing demand for halal products, and government support. The industry is expected to attract foreign investment, particularly from Middle Eastern countries, and boost the country's economy through exports and tourism. With a projected growth rate of 12.65% by 2027, Cambodia's halal food market is becoming increasingly attractive to investors and businesses. The government has established a halal steering committee to develop a strategic plan for the industry, including setting up a dedicated halal certification body and training inspectors.
Key Developments:
- Halal Certification: Cambodia has rolled out halal certification for food businesses under strict food safety rules, with 39 companies receiving certification.
- Partnerships: The country has partnered with Turkey to develop its halal industry, including halal certification, food production, and tourism.
- Halal Park Cambodia: A project aimed at creating a world-class halal ecosystem, providing halal certification, and promoting halal-friendly tourism.
- Government Support: The government is committed to promoting Cambodia's halal sector, particularly in the Middle East, to attract tourists and investors.
Finding halal food and restaurants in Cambodia can be relatively easy, especially in major cities like Phnom Penh and Siem Reap, which have a growing number of halal-certified eateries. These cities cater to the needs of Muslim communities and tourists, offering a variety of international cuisines such as Indian, Middle Eastern, and Malaysian food.
Halal Food Options:
- Phnom Penh: Areas like Boeung Kak, Phsar Thmei (Central Market), Monireth Blvd, Russian Market (Toul Tom Poung), Chbar Ampov, and Daun Penh have halal food options.
- Siem Reap: You can find halal restaurants like Muslim Family Kitchen and Cambodian Muslim Restaurant.
- Other areas: Some supermarkets like Lucky Supermarket and Aeon Mall in Phnom Penh carry imported halal meats, snacks, and spices.
Popular Halal Restaurants
Phnom Penh:
- Indian Royal Halal Food Restaurant: Offers Indian cuisine with a 4.7-star rating.
- MAMA TURK: A kebab shop with a 4.9-star rating.
- Hawawshi Egyptian Restaurant: Offers Western cuisine with a 4.6-star rating.
Siem Reap:
- D' Wau Restaurant: A halal restaurant with a variety of options.
- Muslim Family Kitchen: A popular halal restaurant with a 4.6-star rating.
Tips for Finding Halal Food:
- Look for halal certification from local Islamic organizations or international halal authorities.
- Ask locals, mosque authorities, or use online resources like GrabFood Cambodia to find halal restaurants.
- Some restaurants may not display halal certification, so it's always best to ask staff about their halal options.
Furthermore, Cambodia's halal market presents both opportunities and challenges. The country's strategic partnership with Turkey to develop its halal industry is expected to boost its economy through increased foreign investment, job creation, and growth in halal exports. The halal industry offers Cambodia a chance to diversify its economy, particularly in sectors like food processing, cosmetics, and pharmaceuticals, which can be produced according to halal standards. Additionally, the country's tourism industry can benefit from catering to Muslim travelers, with potential growth in Muslim-friendly tourism.
Challenges:
- Awareness and Education: Raising awareness about halal principles and certification among local businesses and consumers is crucial.
- Infrastructure Development: Investing in halal-certified processing facilities, logistics systems, and infrastructure is necessary.
- Certification Costs: High costs associated with halal certification can be a barrier for small businesses.
Opportunities:
- Growing Demand: Increasing global demand for halal products and services provides opportunities for Cambodia to tap into this market.
- Strategic Partnerships: Collaborations with countries like Turkey and Malaysia can enhance Cambodia's halal industry through knowledge sharing and capacity building.
- Diversification: The halal industry offers opportunities for economic diversification, job creation, and increased exports.
Additionally, Halal certification in Cambodia is a process that ensures products meet Islamic dietary laws and standards. The Ministry of Commerce and the Highest Council for Islamic Religious Affairs of Cambodia launched a halal certification and label for producers and exporters of foodstuffs, as well as restaurant businesses. This certification is handled by the secretariat of the Cambodian Halal Logo Steering Committee, which evaluates products to check if they meet required standards. Having a standardized certification process raises confidence among Muslim visitors and residents, increasing exports of halal products and attracting more Muslim tourists. Some recognized halal certification providers in Cambodia include TopCertifier and CertEase, which offer services such as gap analysis, documentation, training, and audits to ensure compliance with halal standards.
Cambodia's halal industry is poised for growth, driven by strategic partnerships, increasing demand for halal products, and government support. With a focus on developing its halal certification process and infrastructure, Cambodia aims to become a significant player in the global halal market. The industry offers opportunities for economic diversification, job creation, and increased exports, particularly in sectors like food processing, cosmetics, and tourism. As the country continues to develop its halal industry, it is well-positioned to attract Muslim tourists and investors, contributing to the country's economic growth and development.
