Vietnam's total population is approximately 87,850,000 people, with a diverse range of religions represented. Muslims make up a small portion of the population, with estimates varying between 70,934 and 175,700 individuals, representing around 0.1-0.2% of the total population.
The Muslim community in Vietnam is predominantly comprised of the Cham people, an Austronesian minority ethnic group, although roughly one-third of Muslims are from other ethnic groups, including Hoa (Vietnamese of Chinese origin) and Javanese.
The Cham Muslims practice a unique form of Islam that incorporates elements of their pre-Islamic culture, enriching the fabric of Vietnamese society. Geographically, Vietnamese Muslims are concentrated in eight cities across the country, with 62 mosques, including 17 located in Ho Chi Minh City.
Other areas with significant Muslim populations include the Mekong Delta region, primarily in An Giang Province, and the South Central Coast, particularly in Ninh Thuận and Bình Thuận Provinces. The community has been growing, with an expansion of Islamic infrastructure, including new mosques, community centers, and educational institutions.
Despite their small numbers, Vietnamese Muslims have made significant contributions to the country's cultural, economic, and social landscape. They participate actively in various aspects of Vietnamese life, including education, business, and community development, fostering a sense of inclusion and understanding between Muslims and other communities.
The government has implemented policies to address inequalities faced by minority populations, including educational and economic support programs, aiming to improve the livelihoods of Muslim communities and empower them to contribute fully to Vietnamese society.
Vietnam's halal industry is gaining momentum, driven by the government's efforts to tap into the global halal market, projected to reach $10-12 trillion by 2030. The Ministry of Industry and Trade is committed to developing a supportive legal framework that fosters international cooperation in developing Vietnam's halal industry.
With a strong foundation in agriculture and food production, Vietnam aims to become a significant player in the halal market, particularly in sectors like food, cosmetics, pharmaceuticals, and tourism.
Key Developments:
- Partnerships: Vietnam is strengthening ties with countries like Malaysia to develop halal standards and promote Vietnamese halal exports.
- Export Opportunities: Vietnamese companies are exporting halal-certified products to markets like Saudi Arabia, Malaysia, and Indonesia, with potential for growth in other sectors.
Furthermore, finding halal food and restaurants in Vietnam can be relatively easy, especially in major cities like Ho Chi Minh City, Hanoi, and Da Nang. These cities have a growing number of halal-certified restaurants, mosques, and prayer spaces, catering to the needs of Muslim communities and travelers.
Halal Food Options:
- Vietnamese Cuisine: Many Vietnamese dishes can be adapted to halal standards, such as pho, banh mi, and seafood-based dishes like banh canh cua (crab noodle soup).
- International Cuisine: Halal-certified restaurants serving Indian, Middle Eastern, Malaysian, and Indonesian cuisine are available in major cities.
- Vegetarian and Seafood Options: Vegetarian restaurants and seafood-based dishes are also good alternatives, as they often don't contain pork or non-halal ingredients.
Popular Halal Restaurants:
Ho Chi Minh City:
- Halal@Saigon: Offers local and international halal cuisine, including Vietnamese pho and banh mi.
- Taj Mahal Restaurant: Serves halal Indian and Pakistani dishes.
- Kedai Muslim Al-Amin: Offers Malaysian cuisine.
Hanoi:
- Zaynab Restaurant: Serves a fusion of Indian, Mediterranean, and Vietnamese halal food.
- Grills & Gravy: Offers halal Middle Eastern and Indian cuisine.
- D’LIONS Restaurant: Serves Malaysian and Singaporean dishes.
Tips for Finding Halal Food:
- Look for halal certification from local Islamic organizations or international bodies.
- Ask staff about preparation methods and ingredients.
- Check online reviews and ask locals for recommendations.
- Visit restaurants near mosques or in areas popular with Muslim tourists.
However, Vietnam's halal market presents both opportunities and challenges. The country's strategic location near major Muslim markets, abundant resources, and government support make it an attractive destination for investors looking to tap into the lucrative halal industry.
With the global halal market projected to reach $10 trillion by 2028, Vietnam aims to capitalize on this trend by developing its halal industry, particularly in sectors like food, cosmetics, pharmaceuticals, and tourism. The government has launched initiatives such as the National Halal Development Strategy and established the National Halal Certification Center to promote the development of the halal industry.
Challenges:
- Infrastructure, logistics, and certification processes need improvement to meet the demands of the global halal market.
- Limited Halal Certification Infrastructure: Vietnam's halal certification process is still developing, and the country lacks sufficient halal-specific infrastructure and expertise.
- High Certification Costs: Small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) face significant costs in meeting halal certification standards, which can be a barrier to entry.
- Limited Domestic Market: Vietnam's small Muslim population means that the domestic market for halal products is limited, requiring a focus on exports.
Opportunities:
- Growing Demand for Halal Products: The global demand for halal products is rising, driven by the growing Muslim population and increasing awareness of halal principles among non-Muslims.
- Diversification of Exports: Vietnam can diversify its exports by tapping into the halal market, reducing its reliance on traditional markets.
- Partnerships and Collaborations: Vietnam is strengthening ties with Muslim-majority countries, such as Indonesia and Malaysia, to facilitate halal certification and trade.
National Halal Certification Center
Vietnam launched the National Halal Certification Center (HALCERT) to promote the halal economy and ensure compliance with international halal standards. Halal certification in Vietnam is an official recognition that a product, service, or facility complies with Islamic dietary laws and practices.
HALCERT was launched in 2024 under the Vietnam Certification Centre (QUACERT) to oversee certification activities, facilitate discussions, training, and international collaboration within the Halal industry. HALCERT ensures that Vietnam's Halal certification practices meet global benchmarks, boosting product reputation and consumer trust.
Other organizations, such as Halal Authority Vietnam (HAV) and Halal Vietnam HVN, also provide Halal certification services, certifying products according to global Halal standards and managing the production of Halal goods in compliance with Islamic law. HAV's certification council consists of theologians, food technology experts, and other specialists, while Halal Vietnam HVN is a member of the World Halal Council, ensuring global recognition.
Vietnam's halal industry is poised for growth, driven by the country's strategic location near major Muslim markets, abundant resources, and government support. With a projected global halal market value of $5 trillion by 2030, Vietnam aims to capitalize on this trend by developing its halal industry, particularly in sectors like food, cosmetics, pharmaceuticals, and tourism.
The establishment of the National Halal Certification Authority (HALCERT) and partnerships with countries like Malaysia will help Vietnam tap into the lucrative halal market, with opportunities for export growth and economic development. Despite challenges like limited halal certification infrastructure and high certification costs, Vietnam's halal industry has potential for significant growth and international recognition.
