Alice Lee & Ali Mussa’s Zaitun: Jordan’s Go-To Spot for Late-Night Halal Fast Food

Among the vibrant streets of Jordan, Kowloon lies Zaitun, a restaurant that brings a unique blend of authentic Pakistani flavors and fusion cuisine to the city. Co-founded by Alice Lee and Ali Mussa, Zaitun has quickly gained a reputation as a late-night hotspot, serving Halal and vegetarian-friendly dishes to food lovers until 4 AM. With a passion for high-quality food and a deep-rooted cultural connection, Alice and Ali are redefining Hong Kong’s Pakistani dining scene.

Meet the Entrepreneurs: Alice Lee & Ali Mussa

Alice Lee: Creating a Distinctive Dining Experience

Born in Sichuan, China, Alice Lee has called Hong Kong home for nearly 20 years. Her goal in co-founding Zaitun was to introduce specialty dishes that stand out in a highly competitive food scene. Located in a high-foot-traffic area with no direct competitors nearby, Zaitun has carved out a niche that appeals to both locals and tourists.

Alice initially promoted the restaurant through leaflets, but she believes the real success comes from word-of-mouth referrals and customer satisfaction. She is deeply passionate about food’s ability to spread happiness, and through Zaitun, she aims to create memorable culinary experiences for every visitor.

Ali Mussa: Bringing the Flavors of Pakistan to Hong Kong

Originally from Pakistan, Ali Mussa moved to Hong Kong in the early 2000s, working in labor-intensive jobs before pursuing his dream of opening a restaurant. His family has successfully operated a restaurant named Zaitun in Pakistan for nearly a decade, offering a traditional dhabba experience—an affordable roadside eatery with homemade-style Pakistani food. Inspired by this, Ali brought his family’s culinary legacy to Hong Kong, ensuring that every dish at Zaitun carries the authentic flavors of his homeland.

With his deep knowledge of Pakistani cuisine and Alice’s dedication to creating a welcoming space, Zaitun has become a beloved late-night food spot for people craving rich, flavorful dishes.

A Desire to Spread Happiness:

When asked about the motivation behind the business, Alice succinctly stated, “Good food and happy people.” Alice firmly holds the belief that food has the power to spread happiness. She enjoys cooking as she can help brighten people’s moods by serving delicious food to make their day. Due to its uniqueness, this restaurant is trying to leave a lasting impression on its customers because the style of food served is one of a kind in the area. She hopes that Hong Kong people will respond positively to her restaurant and that more customers will come over time. 

Zaitun’s Unique Offerings: A Fusion of Cultures & Flavors

Since its grand opening on New Year’s Eve 2023, Zaitun has drawn food lovers with its diverse menu, which blends Mediterranean and South Asian influences. Some of the standout dishes include: Signature Pizzas – Try the Hot & Spicy Chicken Pizza, a fiery twist on a classic, or the Pepperoni Pizza, a crowd favorite. Pakistani Classics – Indulge in traditional dishes like Tandoori Chicken and Chicken Biryani. Sichuan Lamb – A tribute to Alice’s Sichuan roots, offering bold and spicy flavors. Street Food Staples – Enjoy samosas, momos, kebabs, and burgers, perfect for a quick, satisfying meal

One of Zaitun’s biggest draws is its late-night hours. Open until 4 AM, it’s the perfect spot for night owls, late-shift workers, and food lovers craving a hearty meal after hours. Plus, with fully Halal and vegetarian-friendly options, Zaitun ensures that everyone can enjoy a delicious meal, no matter their dietary needs.

Future Vision: Expanding Zaitun’s Presence in Hong Kong

Looking ahead, both Alice and Ali are eager to expand their business in the future. Despite the challenges they face by running a small family business in such a competitive location, they wish to open another restaurant with the same menu, perhaps in the Yuen Long area, to also expand their offering to customers all the way in New Territories in the future. With that, good food and happy people will continue to prosper across Hong Kong.


Next time you’re in Jordan, stop by Zaitun for a taste of authentic flavors with your friends and families, If you’re interested in learning more about how we celebrate talented entrepreneurs like Alice and Harry, reach out to us at info@guidefong.org. Stay tuned for our upcoming blog posts to discover more inspiring stories!