Singapore firm launches mobile app for halal foodies

Updated 07 January 2015
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Singapore firm launches mobile app for halal foodies

SINGAPORE: A Singapore-based company has launched a mobile application that enables Muslim foodies and travelers to share halal restaurant discoveries around the world.
The free “HalalTrip” app, available for Apple iOS and Android devices, enables users to take and upload photos of halal dishes, write comments and share them through social media.
Clicking on a photo gives details about the dish as well as the location of the restaurant. The app, which has English and Arabic interfaces, also uses a traveler’s location to display photos of halal dishes served in nearby restaurants.
The term halal is used for food, products and services that comply with Islamic requirements.
“Halal food is one of the biggest drivers of tourism for the Muslim market,” said Fazal Bahardeen, CEO of HalalTrip, part of a Muslim-oriented business group called CrescentRating.
“When traveling, one of the main concerns of Muslims is halal food. What we did is to bring in a social media element into discovering halal food and making it more fun and more intuitive,” he said.
Fazal predicted the Muslim travel market would be worth $192 billion a year globally by 2020, up from $140 billion in 2013.


Where We Are Going Today: Jackie Restaurant in Riyadh

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Updated 07 December 2025
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Where We Are Going Today: Jackie Restaurant in Riyadh

  • For mains, the wagyu burger was the table’s winner, juicy and well-seasoned with a soft bun that held everything together without falling apart

Jackie Restaurant at the St. Regis in Via Riyadh is one of those places that immediately gives you the sense that you are in for a well-curated evening. The setting feels polished and modern, with warm lighting and a lively atmosphere that would work well for a relaxed dinner or a more celebratory night out.

I visited on a busy evening, yet the service remained smooth. The staff welcomed us with genuine warmth and walked us through the menu. Their suggestions felt natural, not rehearsed, which made choosing easier. Jackie clearly puts effort into both flavor and presentation, and that becomes obvious once the food arrives.

We started with the tuna tartare, which was fresh, bright, and layered with citrus notes that kept it light. The truffle fries were another early favorite, crisp and fragrant with just enough truffle to elevate without overwhelming. The burrata with roasted tomatoes was also a standout, creamy and balanced with a sweet acidity from the slow-roasted tomatoes.

For mains, the wagyu burger was the table’s winner, juicy and well-seasoned with a soft bun that held everything together without falling apart. The black truffle pasta was rich and aromatic, though slightly heavier than expected. The grilled sea bass offered a cleaner, more delicate option and was cooked to a perfect flaky texture.

Dessert was a highlight, especially the chocolate fondant. It arrived warm, with a molten center and a scoop of vanilla ice cream that tied everything together. The lemon tart was another pleasant surprise, sharp enough to contrast the richer dishes.

If there is one drawback, it would be the pricing. While the quality is strong, some dishes, such as the truffle pasta, feel a bit too expensive for what they offer. It makes Jackie feel more like an occasional treat rather than a weekly spot.

Overall, with good service, memorable dishes, and a refined atmosphere, it is easy to see why Jackie has become a popular choice.