More halal food options at North Spine Plaza

At least three eateries are expected to be halal-certified by the end of the month

by Nicole Lim

Three eateries at the new North Spine Plaza are expected to be halal-certified before semester ends.
PHOTO: Nicholas Yeo

Muslims will now have more halal dining options on campus, once the halal certification for three new eateries at the North Spine Plaza is approved.

The eateries – MIA Pizza and Pasta Express, Wheeliz Gourmet, and Dunkin’ Donuts – are expected to be certified before the semester ends, according to NTU’s Chief Housing and Auxiliary Services Officer Mr Jimmy Lee.

Muslim students told the Nanyang Chronicle that they welcome the new additions and hope the eateries will be certified soon.

Hazmi Ong, 25, a final-year student from the School of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering, said, “Wow, finally. I have eaten McDonald’s for dinner so often that the McSpicy burger has started to taste like plain white rice to me.”

First-year student from the School of Physical and Mathematical Sciences, Nur Atsirah Kamsir, 19, said, “I know how hard it is for businesses to be set up in university campuses, especially in terms of capital. So I’m quite pleased that they finally gave some space for the halal tenants.

“On behalf of the Muslim community, thank you.”

Currently, Muslim students have five dining options at North Spine – Mcdonald’s, KFC, Pizza Hut, Jollibean U+ and North Spine Food Court.

The expanded halal dining options are part of the 18 cafes and eateries, and 13 retail shops that opened in the North Spine Plaza last month. Mr Lee said that students can expect more businesses to move in over the next few months.

According to some visitors, the opening of the North Spine Plaza has already driven more traffic to the area.

“It’s really hard to get a seat anywhere, especially during lunch hour,” said Sharmane Tan, 20, a second-year student from the School of Humanities and Social Sciences.

Apart from food outlets, the plaza will also be used to host performances and events. An official opening is in the works.

Associate Professor Kwok Kian Woon, Associate Provost (Student Life), said: “Having more amenities is important as the number of students residing on campus continues to grow.

“With a wide line-up of shops, I won’t be surprised if the mall attracts our Jurong neighbours to NTU,” he added.

A version of this article appeared in the print edition of The Nanyang Chronicle on February 10, 2016, with the headline ‘More halal food options at North Spine’. Print Edition