On the south side of R&F Plaza on Longjin West Road in Liwan District, Muslim travellers will find a small shop that saves them a long search. Moonlight Food Store stocks halal groceries, meat and simple household items, and it sits not far from Zhongshan 8th Road, where shops and restaurants popular with Arab visitors cluster. Small as it is, it is the kind of place you keep returning to throughout your stay.

What sets it apart

  • A halal meat section that makes life easier for those cooking in an apartment or staying a long time, and saves you hunting for a butcher every time.
  • Basic groceries and imported products familiar to Arab shoppers, enough to prepare simple meals where you stay.
  • Everyday household items for those living near the wholesale markets.
  • A practical location for traders who spend their days in Liwan's markets, so they can drop by on the way back without losing time.

Tips before you go

  • Zhongshanba station on Line 5 is the closest to the area, and ride-hailing apps are a comfortable option too.
  • The word 清真 (qingzhen) means halal in Chinese, but its standards may differ from Gulf certifications, so ask the seller where the meat comes from.
  • Small shops may change their hours on public holidays, so check before you set off; mornings are usually the quietest time to shop there.
  • Have WeChat Pay or Alipay ready, as they are the most widely accepted.