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.
Singapore firm launches mobile app for halal foodies
Singapore firm launches mobile app for halal foodies
Where We Are Going Today: Rowly’s in Riyadh
- The ambience inside is both playful and rustic, with tables covered with classic red checkered cloth and the bar lined with bottles of Coca-Cola
From London to Dubai and now bringing in crowds in Riyadh, Rowly’s steakhouse opened its doors to customers in KAFD Riyadh at the end of 2025. Known for its signature fox logo and iconic mono-dish menu, the restaurant is for steak lovers looking to get a taste of London in Riyadh.
Upon arrival, a long line forms beneath the restaurant’s red banner, where guests can pass the time with Rowly’s “Match the Box” game, an interactive touch that introduces the brand’s theme before stepping inside.
The ambience inside is both playful and rustic, with tables covered with classic red checkered cloth and the bar lined with bottles of Coca-Cola. Decks of Uno and other games are provided throughout the space for those looking to enjoy themselves over their meal. Fox portraits decorate the restaurant, really bringing the theme together.
This playfulness extends to Rowly’s menu itself, where steak and side options are written on a large sheet of paper on the table and guests can check off their desired steak style, fries, salad, and sauce.
The menu features striploin, ribeye, and their special steak option. The waiter recommended I pair my Australian striploin with their secret sauce, accompanied by a side of truffle fries and a house salad.
The Australian striploin was priced at SR145 ($39), and you are able to add an extra 100 grams for SR60. I ordered my steak medium-cooked; it was delicious and paired wonderfully with my sides. I also got a Coke Zero to complete the classic meal.
While we waited for our order, we were able to use the menu sheet for games such as XP, word search puzzles, and maze puzzles, alongside the card decks provided.
For dessert, I tried the chocolate mousse, the perfect way to wrap up a traditional, enjoyable meal.
Rowly’s is a lively new addition to Riyadh’s dining scene, ideal for those willing to spend a little more time than usual for a fun yet high-end steak experience. I would recommend Rowley’s to families and friends looking for a straightforward menu that delivers high-quality meat in an energetic setting.
