"O mankind, eat from whatever is on earth [that is] lawful and good and do not follow the footsteps of Satan. Indeed, he is to you a clear enemy" (2:168)

"O you who have believed, eat from the good things which We have provided for you and be grateful to Allah if it is [indeed] Him that you worship" (2:172)

The subject of halal food served in kopitiam has been a concern for so long to many muslim here. It's a serious issue considering most are owned and run by non muslim. While many choose to believe the license displayed (which sometimes is so suspicious looking and definitely not by JAKIM), I prefer to differ. Because I still feel doubtful whether the food served is really halal. I know for fact that most non muslim (read: chinese) think that halal for muslim means no pork and no alcohol drink only. But they're not aware that it also means no alcohol in cooking food (e.g: chinese wine, rice wine), all meat must be from halal source, no mixing utensils with non halal food, clean preparation area and others. I think the most questionable will be the ingredients used. Obviously pork is a no. But what about the various sauces (soy sauce, vinegar), oil, ketchup, tomyam paste, wantan, or even the noodles. Are they using the halal ones? Maybe you'll query, hey what's wrong with noodles? But do you know that there are noodles (read: ramen) soaked in pork stock as they're made.

For me it's simple. I totally avoided kopitiam. I'm not comfortable at the thought of eating there. Why would I risk going when there are many other option available. To be honest, it's not only kopitiam. Mamak restaurant, sushi king, johny's and there's more in my list of doubt. I hope that every muslim should be really particular when it comes to food. We are what we eat after all. What we eat will be our flesh and blood. One of the reason our prayer is not heard is also if we didn't make sure the source of what we eat is halal.

I have to admit that I have been to a friend's meeting once or twice at a kopitiam which is in my list of doubt. As they've arrived and make orders, I couldn't find a way to suggest why not we go to another place. So I just sat there with a glass of plain water or ice lemon. Now, I feel guilty because I just watch and let them eat. I should have at least raise the query without worrying I'll sound ridiculous in a premise full with muslim customers.

That's why I'm so grateful that JAKIM has looked into this matter seriously and announce in a local newspaper recently which of the kopitiam in Malaysia actually obtained the certified halal license from them. I'll put the list here since some of us may not be aware.

Pensijilan Halal Kopitiam (JAKIM)

• Secret Recipe Cakes
• Bee's
• West 57th St Cafe
• Roti Delights
• Delifrance
• Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf

Those still in process of obtaining HALAL from JAKIM

• Strudel's
• Oldtown White Coffee
• Bangi Kopitiam
• Pakli Kopitiam
• Pacific Coffee

Source: Berita Harian Wednesday 11th August 2010, page 8

What about the rest of kopitiam in Malaysia? Well, while it is not compulsary for them to apply for the license, but it is our choice and our decision of where and what we eat.

There's also a website where we can check the restaurant and food premise with halal license from JAKIM.

http://www.halal.gov.my/