The SEA Games are nearly upon us, and as you prepare for your great adventure in the Philippines to coincide with the SEA Games 2019, a visit to Subic will no doubt be part of your travel itinerary. A coastal municipality situated northwest of Manila, Subic offers diverse sights and activities for different interests and passions. So, combine watching the SEA Games with lounging in sandy beaches along Subic Bay, diving to view shipwrecks and an array of coral species, a walkabout town to take in the splendors of 19th-century Spanish architecture to a game of golf, a fun time at the theme parks or a range of water sports. Subic has much to offer to ensure an active and action-packed holiday amidst the exhilaration of the SEA Games.
So, while packing and getting ready for your unique adventure during this special season, here’s our contribution to your highly memorable holiday enabling you to follow your Islamic practices-- a list of halal and Muslim-friendly restaurants in Subic at a distance of 2-45-minutes’ drive from the SEA Games venues. However, do remember that during the period of the SEA Games, there is likely going to be increased traffic and many changes to accommodate the increased tourism in the area, so call ahead and check on availability and make bookings as needed.
Image Credit: Mr. Taste Halal Food & Restaurant on Facebook
Claiming to be the first Halal-certified restaurant in the Subic Freeport Zone, Mr. Taste serves a range of Indian and Pakistani food.
Halal Status: Halal-certified
Address: Building 1143, Rizal Highway Corner, Argonaut Highway,
Subic Bay Freeport Zone 2222 Subic, Zambales, Philippines.
Opening Hours: Monday to Sunday (10.00am to 10.00pm)
Telephone: +63 906 463 6071
Image Credit: Shan Briyani Kebab Halal Restaurant
Offering a typical Indian fare, this restaurant also has shawarma and a range of halal meats and sells groceries.
Halal Status: Serves Halal food (Beef, Chicken & Mutton)
Address: 20 Elicano St, Olongapo, 2200 Zambales, Philippines.
Opening Hours: Sunday to Friday (10.30am to 9.00pm)
Saturday (10.30am to 10.00pm)
Phone: +63 917 134 9623
Image Credit: New Feng Huang Seafood Restaurant on Facebook
Located inside the Subic Bay Diamond View Hotel on the 5th floor, New Feng offers a spectacular view of Subic Bay. Chinese and authentic Cantonese cuisine is their specialty, while they are well-known for serving fresh seafood. They also serve a range of Asian and vegetarian-friendly fare.
Halal Status: Muslim-friendly seafood meals and serves halal chicken
Meals: Breakfast | Brunch | Lunch | Dinner
Address: Block 2, 3 Waterfront Road, Subic Bay Freeport Zone,
Olongapo, 2200 Zambales, Philippines
Opening Hours: Monday to Sunday (9.30am to 11.00pm)
Phone: +63 47 252 9022
Image Credit: Seafood By The Bay on Facebook
While not Halal certified, the restaurant serves a wide array of seafood dishes which they can customize for a Muslim-friendly meal. They do serve alcohol.
Halal Status: Muslim-friendly seafood meals on request
Meals: Lunch | Dinner
Address: Block 1, Lot 5, Waterfront Road, Moonbay Marina,
Subic Bay Freeport Zone, Olongapo, Philippines
Hours: Monday to Thursday (10.30am to 2.30pm & 5:30pm to 10.30pm)
Friday to Sunday (10.30am to 2.30pm & 5:30pm to 11.00pm)
Phone: +63 47 252 8199
Serves Asian, Thai, fusion and vegetarian-friendly food. While not Halal certified, an inquiry via Facebook Messenger revealed that they serve Halal food on special request, as long as the order is placed in advance. They do serve alcoholic drinks.
Halal Status: Serves Halal food on special request
Meals: Lunch | Dinner
Address: #67 National Highway, Barretto 2200
Olongapo, Philippines
Hours: Monday to Saturday (9.00am to 11.00pm)
Sunday Closed
Phone: +63 906 497 1499
A dedicated pizza joint that claims to be vegetarian-friendly.
Halal Status: Unsure
Meals: Lunch | Dinner
Address: 57, RH 5, Subic Baraca National Highway,
Olongapo, Zambales, Philippines
Hours: Monday & Tuesday (2.30pm to 2.30am)
Wednesday to Saturday (2.00pm to 2.30am)
Sunday (11.00am to 2.00 am)
Phone: +63 928 635 5720
The famed Starbucks can be a quick stop for rest and relaxation between SEA Games events. Since it is located within a mall, it will also give you an excuse to indulge in some shopping.
Halal Status: Unsure, however, the coffee, tea and other drinks should be Muslim-friendly
Address: Rizal Highway, Subic Bay Freeport Zone, Zambales, Philippines
(Located in Watsons Harbor Point Mall Subic)
Hours: Sunday to Thursday (7.00am to 12 midnight)
Friday & Saturday (6.30am to 12 midnight)
Phone: +63 47 2527439
Now, all that’s left is to enjoy your Muslim-friendly SEA Games 2019 adventure in Subic, Philippines.
Sakina has over 20 years of experience in the field of corporate communications; having worked for a leading Annual Report Production House dealing with top corporates of Sri Lanka and overseas, and later as the Group Communications Specialist for a Sri Lankan conglomerate for their overseas plantations business. She is well-versed in the production process of annual reports, sustainability reports, corporate videos and other corporate communication media. She also has experience in Social Media Marketing and works to increase and improve social media presence of corporates and small niche market businesses. Today, she works as a freelance writer and undertakes consultations on corporate communications and social media related projects. She enjoys writing for blogs on topics of interest.