Ever since travel has been put on pause, one of the places we miss most is Japan. As huge foodies, we're constantly reminiscing about the yummy eats we've tried and loved on past trips - especially the souvenirs! Since travels to Japan won't be happening anytime soon, the next best thing to do is to make them yourself. And unless you've got someone over there to ship them to you in boxes, our list of easy halal Japanese souvenir recipes should do the trick ?
1. Tokyo Banana
Tokyo Banana is one of the most classic treats one can buy from Japan. Since the halal status of Tokyo Banana products have always been a concern for Muslim travellers, it's definitely got people wondering what this popular snack tastes like. Well, we're here to change that today because with this halal Tokyo Banana recipe, you'll have the chance of savouring its light and fluffy sponge cake filled with delicious banana custard cream!
2. Royce' Nama Chocolate
Royce' Chocolate is another popular Japanese souvenir that many travellers leave Japan with, more specifically one of its best-selling products - Nama Chocolates. While you can easily purchase this lovely treat outside of Japan since it has outlets in Singapore, Malaysia and Indonesia, according to the Royce’ website FAQ section, their chocolates aren’t officially halal-certified as some of their products contain liquor (this includes several of the Nama Chocolate flavours). If you’ve been itching to have a taste of this Japanese snack without worrying about its halal status, this halal Royce’ Nama Chocolate recipe we’ve got for you is just the thing you need ?
3. Royce' Potato Chip Chocolate
If you’ve tried the halal Royce’ Nama Chocolate recipe and loved it, then this halal Royce’ Potato Chip Chocolate should definitely be your next treat! These chocolate-covered chips give you the perfect sweet and salty flavour combination that is quite unlike any other. Using just 2 ingredients (yes, you read that right), you’re only a few simple steps away from making a batch of this addictive snack. Get started with this incredibly easy and simple halal Royce' Potato Chip Chocolate recipe right here.
4. Shiroi Koibito
Shiroi Koibito is no doubt one of the top souvenir items in Japan. It's made of white chocolate sandwiched between langue de chat biscuits - the crispy butter biscuits you may know as cat tongue or lidah kucing locally! The most popular Shiro Koibito is manufactured by the Ishiya company (you'll probably recognise the white and blue box, the french description 'chocolate blanc et langue de chat', and the individual green packets with the snow crystal design). Although Ishiya's Shiroi Koibito is said to non-halal as it uses animal-derived shortening for the biscuits, you can use this easy halal shiroi koibito recipe to enjoy them at home.
5. Mochi
Uniquely Japan, mochi is a signature dessert that is widely loved by locals and travellers alike. Also known as a rice cake, this traditional snack is chewy, smooth and deliciously addictive - and, best of all, totally doable on your own! Traditionally, a red bean filling (anko) is used but nowadays you can find many variations such as strawberry, caramel and chestnut. Do it the classic way with this recipe by New York Times Cooking or use this halal mochi ice cream recipe for a fun twist to this deliciously addictive Japanese dessert ?
P.S. Try out a slightly different version with this easy halal strawberry mochi recipe!
6. Dorayaki
If you grew up in the 80s or early 90s, you'll probably know dorayaki as the number one treat favoured by Doraemon! This Japanese dessert features two small pancakes with a sweet filling sandwiched in between. While traditionally anko (or red bean paste) is used as the filling, nowadays you'll find all kinds of variations, including Nutella, peanut butter, kaya and more! Dorayaki is really easy to make and delicious to eat, so why not make your own at home with our easy halal dorayaki recipe.
7. Baumkuchen
Baumkuchen may be a traditional German cake but it's regarded as a popular 'return' gift at weddings in Japan! It also happens to be one of the many popular souvenirs that travellers buy on their Japan trips. If you've been craving for this cake since you last enjoyed it or simply wonder what it tastes like, here's an easy halal baumkuchen recipe so you can bake it whenever you'd like in the comfort of your own home!
8. Castella
Light, fluffy and perfectly pillowy, Castella is an absolute dream to eat! Using basic ingredients (some of which you may already have in your kitchen!), all it takes to put together this delightful treat are a couple of steps that aren't too far from making your standard, traditional cakes. Ready to indulge yourself in one of the most popular Japanese confections? Then use this easy halal castella cake recipe for when it's time to whip one up.
9. Matcha Kit Kat
Anyone who goes to Japan will come across a vast variety of Kit Kat in all sorts of flavours relevant to Japanese cuisine. And one of the most popular ones has to be the Matcha Kit Kat! This green tea-flavoured Kit Kat has become a super iconic souvenir to bring home. But unfortunately for Muslim travellers, Kit Kat products made in Japan are not halal-certified, with overall uncertainties on the ingredients contained or cross-contamination due to being processed in the same facility used to make non-halal products by Nestle, its manufacturer. While nowadays you can get halal-certified green tea Kit Kat in Malaysia (where Nestle has a factory producing a halal version), it's actually just as easy to whip up halal matcha kit kat right at home using just 3 ingredients!
So if you're ready to transport yourself to Japan, take this handy list with you to the kitchen and treat yourself to delicious Japanese souvenirs ?
For more easy recipes, you can check these out: