First halal kitchen in new Hong Kong community living room for Muslim residents
Operated by NGO Caritas, HUB13 in To Kwa Wan has a halal kitchen, gym and social activities, and complements similar government-led spaces
In the old but bustling Hong Kong neighbourhood of To Kwa Wan, a small community living room with a dedicated halal kitchen offers a vital sanctuary for Muslim residents like Azmat Tariq.
The 2,000 sq ft (186 square metres) space, which is called HUB13, on Pau Chung Street is where the Pakistani homemaker, who lives with her husband and three children in a tenement building with no lift, can take a rare moment of respite.
There, Azmat gathers with others from the neighbourhood, learns about health management and can seek help for any problems she faces.
“I felt hesitant and shy about sharing anything with others before … I was always busy at home and had no time to go outside and make friends,” the 48-year-old said.
“But in HUB13, for one day each week, different ethnic minority families come here. We make food and just chit-chat, sharing our feelings … I feel relaxed here and more confident.”