Looking for halal food in Osaka like Takoyaki or Okonomiyaki? If these are your favourite street snacks from your local night markets, then you should know that they originate from Osaka! Branded as the ‘nation’s kitchen’ due to its key role in the rice trade during the Edo period, it joins Tokyo and Kyoto as one of the top three culinary centres of Japan! So, we are truly stoked to announce that there is now an exciting variety of Muslim-friendly Japanese restaurants here. Let's check them out and join us on a halal gastronomical adventure in Osaka!
Credit: giphy
#HHWT Tip: It's only a 45-minute train ride to travel from Osaka to Kyoto so we highly recommend a trip there! Plus, we have a handy food guide to halal Japanese food in Kyoto and lots of travel guides for you!
P.S. If you're looking craving for other cuisines besides Japanese food in Osaka, we've also got you covered with our ultimate Osaka halal food guide!
1. Sojibo
Embark on your halal food hunt right away as soon as you step off the plane at Kansai International Airport (KIX). Home to not one, not two, but THREE halal-certified restaurants serving authentic Japanese food, it also houses 15 other restaurants with pork-free and alcohol-free menus (though not strictly halal)! We’ll start off with the first halal-certified restaurant here - Sojibo!
Credit: Danial Ariff
Sojibo by Gourmet Kineya is halal-accredited by the Malaysian Halal Consultancy & Training Agency (MHCT). It dishes up a variety of quality hand-made thin buckwheat noodles (soba) that can be ordered either cold on a bamboo tray with a dipping sauce, or in a hot broth.
You can take your pick of accompaniments to go along with your soba, such as hot grated karami daikon, grated yam, wild vegetables, egg, shrimp tempura or duck and leek, amongst others. For the big-eaters, we recommend the set that comes with an additional bowl of rice topped with either shrimp tempura or chicken cutlet!
What’s fun here is that you get to grind your own wasabi stick, for that extra bit of freshness!
#HHWT tip: If you can't finish the wasabi stick (we don’t think we can either!), the restaurant provides small plastic bags for you to bring it back. Great souvenir idea! ?
Soba noodles are known for their health benefits. Naturally low in calories and fat, they also contain high polyphenol levels to prevent heart disease, rutin which fights against free radicals and fibre to boost the digestive system! Sooooo….pile up on the soba, we say!
Halal status: Halal Certified (by Malaysian Halal Consultancy & Training Agency)
For Reservations: (+81) 07-2456-6519
Opening Hours: Daily 7am-10pm (last order 9.30pm)
Price: 320 to 1580 yen
Address: Kansai International Airport Terminal Building 3F, 1-Naka, Senshu-kuko, Tajiri-cho, Sennan-gun, Osaka
Directions:
2. Oragasoba
Now heading back to KIX, we’d like to acquaint you to yet another soba restaurant that is halal-certified by the MHCT. Oragasoba is the second soba restaurant at the airport by Gourmet Kineya so you know the folks behind the company has a strong commitment towards halal Japanese dining! We just think it’s a swell idea as we can easily hop by there if it gets too crowded at the other halal soba restaurant at T1!
Credit: @dhashimotors on Instagram
The restaurant serves halal curry dishes too - yay!
Note: Alcoholic drinks are sold here so we suggest dine at your own discretion.
Halal status: Halal Certified (by Malaysian Halal Consultancy & Training Agency), alcohol served
For Reservations: (+81) 07-2456-6046
Opening Hours: Daily 11am-10pm (last order 9.30pm)
Price: 194 to 960 yen
Address: Aeroplaza 3F, Kansai International Airport, Senshukuko Kita1, Izumisano-shi, Osaka 549-0001
Directions:
3. The U-Don (ざ・U‐don)
Up next on our halal oodles-of-noodles feast at KIX is The U-Don! The U-Don features Sanuki udon, a form of thick wheat flour noodle from the Shikoku region easily identified by its square shape and flat edges.
Credit: @deeyusoff on Instagram
It’s a self-service concept here at The U-Don. First, pick up a tray and choose the type of udon dish you’d like. The udon dishes range from hot options such as warm udon in shoyu broth to the more summer-apt dish, zaru (chilled) udon. Next, move on to the food-warmer section where you can have your choice of add-ons such as fishballs, boiled turnip and an assortment of tempura.
Credit: @xoxdeenaxox on Instagram
Feeling ravenous? Load up your tray with more food from the next selection consisting of other nibbles such as inari (rice-stuffed fried tofu) and nigiri (rice balls). Lastly, bring your food-laden tray to the cashier who will total up your bill. Easy-peasy! Oh, by the way, you also get to enjoy free-flow of hot or cold matcha green tea!
Halal status: Halal Certified (by Malaysian Halal Consultancy & Training Agency)
For Reservations: (+81) 07-2456-6515
Opening Hours: Daily 7am-10pm (last order 9.30pm)
Price: 450 to 760 yen
Address: Inside the Kuukou Minami Noren, Kansai International Airport Terminal 1 2F, 1 Senshukukoukita, Izumisano-shi, Osaka-fu 549-0001
Directions:
4. 3 te’ cafe’
Always wanted to try Kobe beef but could never squeeze Kobe into your itinerary? Now you can enjoy the beef right in Osaka! This awesome cafe serves full-course meals with Kobe beef, complete with appetizers and dessert ?
Credit: @nikimachichan on Instagram
The best part about 3 te’ is that they organise meet-ups with fellow Muslimahs thrice every month! Perfect if you want to meet some friends while travelling.
Halal status: Halal meat available, alcohol-free, pork-free
*Since the restaurant is not halal certified, fellow Muslims are advised to dine at their own discretion
Reservations: [email protected]
Opening Hours: Tuesday, Thursday & Sunday: 11.30am-4pm, Wednesday, Friday & Saturday: 11.30am-4pm, 6pm-10pm (Closed on Mondays)
Price: 800 to 5000yen
Address: 1 Chome-10-17 Nishishinsaibashi, Chūō-ku, Ōsaka-shi, Ōsaka-fu 542-0086, Japan
Website | Facebook | Instagram
5. Ganko Osaka Houzenji(Unfortunately, they have stopped serving halal dishes ?)
Keen to treat yourself to some washoku (traditional Japanese cuisine)? Look no further than the Ganko Osaka Houzenji! Certified halal by the Kyoto Halal Council, Ganko Osaka Houzenji is part of a chain of restaurants that serves traditional Kyoto dishes. What’s more is that it’s conveniently located in the vibrant Namba area and boasts of 380 seats in both large and small private dining rooms!
Diners here can enjoy a variety of dining experiences such as a sushi bar or washoku- and kaiseki-dining in a cosy traditional Japanese setting, complete with female Japanese servers dressed in kimonos!
The halal menu at Ganku Osaka Houzenji consists of three halal bento sets ranging from 3564 yen to 8316 yen. Each set comes with its own hot-pot of either tofu, sea bream or beef.
Even though alcohol and non-halal food are served here, the restaurant takes immense care in upholding its halal status. It has a dedicated halal kitchen and employs cooking tools exclusively for its halal menu. It refrigerates halal food separately from the non-halal food and has trucks to transport only halal food! To further reassure its Muslim diners, the restaurant also provides disposable yet sturdy tableware and glasses to its customers.
Note: You need to make reservations from the halal menu at least three days in advance!
Halal status: Halal meat available, alcohol served
For Reservations: +81-(0)6-6212-6550
Opening Hours: Daily 11.30am-11pm (Last Order 10.30pm)
Price: 3564 yen ~
Address:1-2-2, Namba, Tyu-ouku Osaka-shi, Osaka
6. Minokichi Shinsaibashi
Ever marvelled at the meticulousness and artistry that goes into kaiseki cuisine? Then you should really try out halal kaiseki dining at Minokichi Shinsaibashi!
Minokichi Shinsaibashi is part of the Minokichi chain of restaurants which specializes in kyo-kaiseki, or Kyoto traditional cuisine, in a multi-course format that fascinates both the palate and the eyes.
Credit: @kiki_xii on Instagram
Founded centuries ago in 1716, Minokichi started out as a vegetarian restaurant which served no pork. Today, the restaurant still does not use pork for its dishes and also offers a Muslim-friendly menu approved by the Kyoto Council for Sharia and Halal Affairs. In addition, the food and condiments from the menu are also free from any alcohol or mirin (sweet sake).
The restaurant also serves a more pocket-friendly halal lunch set which is no less delicious and aesthetically pleasing.
The special meals above are only available for Muslim customers through prior reservation and cancellations will be accepted free of charge up to 2 days in advance!
#HHWT tip: Besides the branch at Shinsaibashi, the same halal menu is also available at its Kyoto, Tokyo, and Yokohama restaurants.
Halal status: Halal meat available, alcohol-free, pork-free
*Since the restaurant is not halal certified, fellow Muslims are advised to dine at their own discretion
For Reservations: +81-6-6245-6789
Opening Hours:
Mon-Fri 11am - 3pm (last order 2.30pm)/5pm - 10pm (last order 9pm)
Saturday 11am - 10pm (last order 9pm)
Sundays & Holidays 11am - 9pm (last order 8pm)
Price: 2700 yen ~
Address: Osaka Toyota Building B1, 4-3-11, Minamisenba, Chuo-ku, Osaka-shi, Osaka, 542-0081
Directions:
7. Ayam-ya Namba
Having first opened in Tokyo, Kyoto and Malaysia, this popular ramen chain opened in Namba just last year! Conveniently located near shopping spots, Ayam-ya serves up power-packed ramen with salt or soy-based broth. Try their ‘extra-rich’ broths, add in some eggs and spicy sauce. One thing's for sure - you’re in for a truly unforgettable meal!
Unlike other ramen shops, this one actually has the option of a dry ramen! Mix all the toppings, noodles and sauce before you dig into the dry ramen. And after you finish the noodles, finish off your meal by adding the rice into the remaining sauce and toppings. Mix it up and enjoy the remaining food!
If you're feeling quite sick of ramen already, opt for their chicken karaage dish ?
Credit: @gungmas_lathifah on Instagram
#HHWT Tip: They have a prayer room so you can perform your prayers here before/after your meal!
Halal status: Halal Certified (by Japan Halal Foundation)
Reservations: (+81) 50-1290-7105
Opening Hours: 11.30am to 2.30pm, 6pm to 9.30pm (Closed on Tuesdays)
Price: 680 yen ~
Address: 1-10-7, Nippombashihigashi, Naniwa-ku Osaka-shi, Osaka 556-0006
8. Ukihashi
If you feel like indulging yourself in formal Japanese dining, make your way to the swanky Hotel Granvia Osaka for some exquisite, Muslim-friendly meals at Ukihashi!
Here, you can indulge in authentic Japanese cuisine using seasonal ingredients, presented in a visually stunning manner that is guaranteed to delight the senses! The restaurant has private dining rooms that offer an impressive panoramic view which is guaranteed to make that dining experience extra memorable.
Credit: hotelgranviaosaka
At Ukihashi, their Muslim-friendly menu is both pork-free and alcohol-free. Muslim-friendly menu consists of a bento box for lunch or a traditional Japanese course for dinner. Only halal-certified chicken and beef is used. Soy sauce and other seasonings used for their halal menu do not contain alcohol.
Credit: hotelgranviaosaka
Even though other non-halal dishes are prepared in the same kitchen, the restaurant assured us that the cookware and kitchen utensils used for preparing Muslim-friendly food are separated from those used for non-halal food. However, do note that dining plates and cutleries are the same as those used for their non-halal menu. Alcohol is also served in the establishment. As such, we suggest dining at your own discretion.
Credit: hotelgranviaosaka
Do note that you need to make reservations from the Muslim-friendly menu at least four days in advance.
#HHWT tip: If you plan to stay at Hotel Granvia Osaka, prayer mats and qibla indicators are available upon request.
Halal status: Halal meat available, alcohol served in establishment
*Since the restaurant is not halal certified, fellow Muslims are advised to dine at their own discretion
For Reservations: 81-6-6344-1235 (hotel main line)
Opening Hours:
Lunch - 11.30am to 3pm (Last Order 2pm), Dinner - 5pm to 10pm (Last Order 9pm)
Note: A 3 day advance notification is required
Price: Halal Bento Box 4200 yen, Halal Kaiseki Course 8300 yen
Address: 3-1-1, Umeda, Kita-ku, Osaka, 530-0001
Directions:
*Special mention! Fleuve, located at the same hotel, is a fine-dining restaurant specialising in French fusion cuisine which also offers a Muslim-friendly menu. Do check them out if you’re interested!
9. Uemachi
If you want to dine like royalty in an opulent, feudal-like atmosphere, then hurry on down to Uemachi at the Sheraton Miyako Hotel Osaka! Here, you are able to soak yourself in the grandeur of the Muromachi and Momoyama periods in a mansion-like setting while feasting on halal bento sets!
Credit: @razi_moh on Instagram
Uemachi takes pride in serving exquisite traditional and contemporary Japanese dishes using only the freshest in-season ingredients. Imbued with the spirit of omotenashi (world-renowned Japanese hospitality), you can expect impeccable service while indulging in bento meals that are fully halal-certified by The Kyoto Council for Sharia and Halal Affairs.
Do note that the halal dishes are cooked in a separate halal kitchen and that you need to make bookings at least three days in advance as the meals are limited to 20 sets per day.
#HHWT tip: If you are staying at Sheraton Miyako Hotel Osaka, you can request for prayer mats and a qibla compass. The hotel also has another restaurant ‘eu’ that serves halal breakfast buffet!
Halal status: Halal Certified bento sets (Certified by Kyoto Council for Sharia and Halal Affairs)
For Reservations: +81-6-6773-1253
Opening Hours:
Breakfast - 7am to 10am
Lunch - 11.30am to 2.30pm
Dinner - 5pm to 9.30pm
Address: 6-1-55, Uehommachi, Tennoji-ku, Osaka-shi, Osaka
Directions:
10. Ramen Honolu
Hands up for those who love their ramen extra spicy? You certainly won't be disappointed with what Ramen Honolu has to offer! Conveniently located in Namba, we hear it is the first halal ramen restaurant ever to open in Osaka!
The restaurant serves delish ramen noodles swimming in either salted or soy-based chicken broth. The thick, cloudy broth is made by boiling halal chicken for all of eight hours so believe us when we say that that the soup is simply...umami perfection! The best part is that you can also choose your spice rating, ranging from mild to spicy to extra spicy, so for chilli-lovers out there, rejoice!
Credit: @mai3my3mai3 on Instagram
It's customary to pour whatever leftover soup into a bowl of rice so you can enjoy every last drop of that tasty broth. *winks*
If the ramen and rice alone don't fill you up, you can order dishes from the side menu such as the famous halal-certified Nikkoken chicken gyoza, and halal roast chicken with rice.
Note: Even though the restaurant is not halal-certified, all ingredients used are halal. Alcoholic beverages are also served, so we suggest to dine at your own discretion.
#HHWT tip: A prayer space is available at the restaurant for Muslim visitors.
Halal status: Halal meat available, alcohol served
*Since the restaurant is not halal certified, fellow Muslims are advised to dine at their own discretion
For Reservations: 06-6710-9604
Opening Hours:
11.30am - 2.30pm (lunch)/5.30pm - 9.30pm (dinner), daily
Price: 780 yen~
Address: 1F, 2-5-27 Motomachi, Naniwa-ku, Osaka-shi, Osaka 556-0016
Directions:
11. Tsuki no Odori
Rejoice if you're a chicken lover! Tsuki no Odori, which is known for their chicken dishes has now started serving their halal menu every day. They've taken great care to ensure that the halal dishes served meets their standards and diners expectations.
Credit: @farnamals on Instagram
Their miso hot pot and chicken salt hot pot are made for sharing with a minimum of 2 people so this is the perfect place to slurp down some hot soup with your travel buddies!
Credit: @toyonaka_bunny on Instagram
You cannot miss trying their special sashimi - yes, chicken sashimi ?
Note: It's best to make a reservation before visiting especially if you're going in a group of 4 or more, as although they do have halal meals on hand, the number of servings is limited.
Halal status: Halal meat available
*Since the restaurant is not halal certified, fellow Muslims are advised to dine at their own discretion
For Reservations: Email [email protected] / Call +81-6-6213-9988
Opening Hours: 4pm - 12am (Last order at 11:00pm). Closed on Thursdays
Price: 2100 yen ~
Address: 24K Bld.2F, 1-1-11, Dotombori, Chuo-ku Osaka-shi, Osaka
Directions:
12. Bulls
If you're more of a meat eater instead, check out Bulls for halal shabu-shabu, steak and sukiyaki! If you're starving, they serve all-you-can-eat sukiyaki and shabu-shabu for dinner (you'll have 90 minutes to gobble down all the meat you can ?).
They use different kitchen ware and plates for their halal meals and store the meats separately. Good news for students - they've also started offering discounts if you present your student card when ordering their halal meals!
Halal status: Halal meat available, alcohol served
*Since the restaurant is not halal certified, fellow Muslims are advised to dine at their own discretion
For Reservations: (+81) 6-6647-0555
Opening Hours: 11am - 3pm (Last order at 2.30pm), 5pm - 10pm (Last order at 9.30pm)
Price:
Lunch - 1500 yen (Sukiyaki lunch set)
Dinner - 5000 yen (all-you-can-eat sukiyaki and shabu-shabu), 3500 yen (sukiyaki and shabu-shabu set for one), 3500 yen (steak set for one)
Address: OCAT Mall 5F, 1-4-1, Minatomachi, Naniwa-ku, Osaka Unfortunately Bulls has closed down (as of Apr 2019) ?
13. Matsuri
And finally, to round off the list, let's take you to the first restaurant ever that serves halal takoyaki in Japan – the newly opened Matsuri! Matsuri, meaning 'festival' in Japanese, serves popular Japanese dishes such as takoyaki, okonomiyaki and ramen at pocket-friendly prices!
Do note that even though the restaurant is not halal-certified, measures have been taken to ensure that all ingredients that go into the dishes are halal. However, alcoholic beverages are served at the restaurant, so we suggest to dine at your own discretion.
Round off your meal with local desserts such as takoyaki pancake or oshiruko (red bean soup)!
What sets this restaurant apart is that it doesn’t used any pre-chilled or pre-cooked items, so say hello to fresh and delicious food! They also have a mini-retail corner where you can shop for Muslim-friendly foodstuffs such as condiments and instant ramen!
Samurai Ramen Umami – instant ramen sold at the restaurant. Although not halal-certified, it does not contain any animal products or alcohol.
#HHWT tip: A prayer space is available at the restaurant for Muslim visitors.
Halal status: Halal meat available, alcohol served
*Since the restaurant is not halal certified, fellow Muslims are advised to dine at their own discretion
For Reservations: +81-06-6940-6633
Opening Hours: Daily 11am – 2pm (lunch)/5pm – 12 am (dinner)
Price: 280 yen ~
Address: 3-27-17 Yoshino, Fukushima-ku, Osaka-shi, Osaka 553-0006
Directions:
Aren't you impressed by the Muslim-friendly Japanese food options we now have in Osaka? So what are you waiting for? Book that next flight to Osaka, pronto!