Halal Restaurant in Hanoi: Batavia Restaurant

If you are a traveller like me then you know the struggle of finding proper halal makan in non-Muslim-majority cities. So guess what? While strolling through the charming chaos of Hanoi’s Old Quarter, I stumbled upon a gem that had me grinning from ear to– Batavia Restaurant!

A Little Piece of Indonesia in Hanoi
Tucked away in the heart of Hanoi, Batavia is not just any Indonesian restaurant – it's a cozy, homey spot bursting with authentic flavors, warm service, and loads of soul. Think Balinese wood décor meets Vietnamese charm. Love at first sight lah!

The heart and soul behind Batavia? Meet Mr. Iwan, an Indonesian expat with a big smile and even bigger dreams. He moved to Vietnam years ago and, like many of us, missed the comfort of his home food. That craving turned into a mission… and boom! Batavia was born.

100% Halal, No Compromise
Now here’s the best part, Batavia is 100% halal! Mr. Iwan takes this very seriously, kid you not. All their meats are sourced from certified halal suppliers (in fact some were imported!), and the kitchen is managed with strict halal practices so when you makan here, no worries, no doubts, tanpa was-was.

I even peeked into their kitchen (curious traveller kindathing) - clean, organised, and the smells... MasyaAllah laparrudin terus.

Inspired by Home & Heart (Masak dengan kasih saying)

The menu? A true love letter to Indonesia. Mr. Iwan shared that the dishes are inspired by his late mum’s cooking, his travels across Indonesia, and the street food stalls he grew up with, a typical Indonesia kampung upbringing. It’s not fusion or modern, nor was it this-and-that fancy shmancy food, it’s the real deal, straight-up kampung-style goodness with Hanoi flair.

A True Crowd Favourites
Okay, let’s talk food! These three dishes? Must. Try.

1. Rendang Sapi – Slow-cooked, tender beef in rich coconut gravy. Smoky, spicy, heavenly.
2. Nasi Goreng Batavia – Their signature fried rice with just the right kick.
3. Sate Ayam with Peanut Sauce – Juicy, smoky skewers with that creamy, dreamy sauce.

But we from IslamiCruise did not have the normal-typical-crowd favourite, we have a fusion of Indonesia-Vietnamese food. The mix vege versus the Vietnamese fried fucuk, the all-time-famous Pho, cakoi (my favourite, and we only got a plate [mana cukup!]) and keropok. And beladoooo (the Minang in me leap with joy) and few other dishes that was to die for.

IslamiCruise Approved!

And guess what? Our friends from IslamiCruise have been loyal patrons of Batavia for over 3 years now! It is their go-to spot whenever they're in Hanoi and you know IslamiCruise only partners with trusted halal eats and great taste place! And I approves it too.

Why Hanoi Loves Batavia
Besides the yummy food and halal seal of approval, Batavia has won the hearts of both locals and travellers because of its authenticity, affordable prices, and homely vibe. Plus, it’s perfect for Muslim tourists who wanna eat with peace of mind without compromising on taste.

Save it. Share it. Tag your makan kaki.

IslamiCruise Halong Bay 2025 Media Fam Trip is organized by IslamiCruise Internation Sd Bhd.

Halong Bay: A Spiritual Serenity onboard IslamiCruise

I have been sailing on cruises multiple times in multiple countries but my recent trip onboard IslamiCruise’s Pelayaran 55 in the breathtaking Halong Bay, Vietnam was definitely not my normal nor typical sail. This time around, it is all about blending spiritual healing with nature, and perhaps to some - soul-refreshing/ searching. We cruised through the stately limestone islets while participating in tazkirah, Qiamullail, congregational Subuh solat and meaningful forum with renowned scholars. Till now, I’m still processing everything.

An Experience Like No Other

A little background on IslamiCruise: Established back in 2014, they were (still are) the world’s first Islamic program onboard a Halal-certified cruise, of which redefined the meaning of Muslim-friendly travel. Everything on board is Syariah-compliant, right from the halal-certified food, Qibla-facing prayer signs, as well as religious activities, making you feel at peace without compromising your lifestyle.

Pelayaran 55 brought along 50+ participants from all age groups and walks of life, indifferent when it comes to this trip. What makes it great is that despite that we were strangers at first, but by the end of the trip we are one big family.

The Heart of the Journey

This would be the tazkirah sessions. We are humbled and honoured to have Ustaz Syeikh Muhd Zainul Asri and Ustazah Mahani, Ustaz Azwan Ali together with Ustazah Muzayyanah that brought something special to share. This is unlike the surau or masjid session lecture or ceramah, this felt personal – a direct impact to the soul I would say.

I clearly remembered, one moment we were waking up for doing Qiamullail under the stars, performing Subuh prayer in congregation and quietly listening to a Subuh tazkirah, and next before our eyes we saw the beautiful sunrise emerge. We were all overwhelmed. Who needs filter when you are presented with God greatest gift.

The Food for the Soul

Golden Cruises served us a sumptuous 5 star halal meals, strictly monitored by Ustaz Salam. I was told that the meat was brought all the way from Hanoi as Halal meat is hard to source in Halong Bay. And also, there are times that Ustaz Salam himself prepared some of the dishes. Happy tummy throughout the trip.

Bonding Time
Aside from the structured activities, there was a lot of time for chit-chatting especial during mealtime and this extended to while tender boat riding, cave excursions or even lepaking at Titop Island, everything just clicked. As much as the exhilarating adventures, the piritual moments shared balanced it off.

Everyone said the same thing ie. they connected and genuinely grateful for this wonderful experience. It’s not every day (nor usual) that you get to go on a trip that feeds your soul and your sense of travel at the same time.

So, if you are ever desire for a more meaningful and unique holiday ie. balancing travel and spiritual aspect then this might just be the trip for you, it recharges your spirit, reconnects you with inspiring people, and reminds you of your purpose if life - IslamiCruise. 

With over 50+ sails to places like Phuket, Banda Aceh, and Halong Bay (was told 20+ cruises just in Halong Bay alone), they announced that come this January 2026 a 13-nights cruise sailing from Malaysia and Arab Saudi, with stops at Banda Aceh, Maldives, and Salalah in Oman. An epic trip indeed.

So yeah, this isn’t just another holiday trip but a journey inward, outward, and obviously upward. An experience that I will remember (hence blogged about it) and one that I recommend for you to experience it too.

IslamiCruise Halong Bay 2025 Media Fam Trip is organized by IslamiCruise Internation Sd Bhd.

Pearl Harvesting in Halong Bay, Hanoi

 
Me - part adventurer, part National Geographic perasan-er, part konon historian dan segala bagai. When I learnt that IslamiCruise excursion includes visiting a pearl farm in Halong Bay, I told myself “kena pergi nih!”

Floating Pearl Farm

After a hearty Vietnamese+Western breakfast on board, we were grouped and boarded the tender boat to the pearl farm. Built on wooden platforms, nets bobbing in the water, and segmented areas showcasing and educating us about how pearl is harvested.

Pearl farming is the local’s livelihood for many families around Halong Bay. The province started their pearl aquaculture in the early 90s with help from Japanese experts. Then on, it has grown into an export industry, I learnt that they are now supplying high-quality pearls to both local and international markets. You can see the Vietnam’s pearls in boutiques from Hanoi to Tokyo, to even Europe.

The Process and Types of Oysters & Pearls

It starts by the technicians implanting a tiny shell bead or nucleus into the oyster (yes, I know – it is hard to see, but you have to trust the process kay). The oyster then reacts by secreting layers of nacre around it – layer by layer, eventually forming a pearl. Like what they say ‘if life gives you lemon, make a lemonade’ but in this case ‘if life gives you an irritant, make jewelry’. God is great!

Depending on the oyster species and desired pearl size, this process takes 18 months to 5 years. Akoya pearls are usually harvested around 24 months, while South Sea pearls need more beauty sleep in order to make a premium pearl. During this ‘hibernation’ time, farmers will carefully monitor water quality, clean the shells, also do a health checks on the oysters (Mutiara di belai yea). So be patience, young pearl padawan (tetiba Star Wars pulak).

I was told that the farm here mainly uses Akoya oysters, the small species known for producing perfectly round and glossy pearls. Having said that, they also raise South Sea and Tahitian oysters of which create a larger, more exotic gems.

Nothing Goes to Waste

Pearls are then polished, graded and set into jewelry on-site. Meanwhile oyster shells are used to make mother-of-pearl inlays for ornaments such as trays to picture frames, event the face of watches (I have one myself). And the oyster meat? Well, sometimes they eat it despite not all species are tasty – so they say. Amazingly, the by-products ie. broken shells are repurposed into lime for agriculture. Haiwan cangkeran seribu guna!

Are Vietnamese Pearls Famous?

I bet many would want to know, and I was told (might need verification here), they are sold not only in Vietnam but also being exported to Japan, Korea, Australia and Europe. And that some pearls from Halong Bay even carry OCOP certification (Vietnam’s “One Commune One Product” initiative - quality and locality).

The guess the best part about visiting the farm is that I can see the whole process of the pearl journey, from oyster to jewellery. I felt a deep appreciation of the people here, the pearl harvester/technician, the team that monitors the oyster, the jewellery craftsman, the sales personnel – everyone plays a role. It is slow work and delicate, just to create something so beautiful.

So, if you’re sailing through Halong Bay next time around, please don’t skip the pearl farm. There’s 2 things that can happen, either you walk away with a necklace (or an ornament) or just a nucleus of new knowledge, it will definitely be a gem of an experience you’ll carry with you long after the cruise ends. Thank you IslamiCruise!

#TravelTips:
Ask staff for certification of its origin and pearl type.
If cost is an issue, get a mother-of-pearl trinket instead – cheaper, lighter and easy to pack.

IslamiCruise Halong Bay 2025 Media Fam Trip is organized by IslamiCruise Internation Sd Bhd.