Hands up if you think Japanese cuisine is amazing ?♀️ Ramen, yakiniku, shabu-shabu, tempura... just the thought of these is enough to make our mouths water!
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Thankfully in recent years, Japan has been ramping up efforts so that Muslim travellers can try halal or Muslim-friendly authentic Japanese cuisine. In Tokyo itself, there are so many halal Japanese eateries to choose from that you can sometimes be overwhelmed. If you're visiting Tokyo soon and haven't got a clue where to start, we've rounded up this list with the top 8 most iconic Japanese dishes and the best places to savour them ?
P.S. Planning a trip to Tokyo soon? Check out our 6D5N Muslim-friendly itinerary!
1. Ramen
Ayam-YA Okachimachi
When looking for halal ramen in Japan, one place popular with Muslim travellers is Ayam-YA. This ramen chain has outlets in Kyoto and Osaka too.
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Their yummy chicken-based broth is what steals the show here as it's packed with flavour and even some local Japanese say it tastes just as exceptional as non-halal ramen too. Take your pick between thick, thin or spicy thick soup and choose the size you prefer. You have to order through a machine and the staff will deliver your food to you.
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If you want a stronger kick in your bowl of noodles, we recommend getting the spicy version! It's definitely comforting to slurp a bowl of Ayam-YA ramen after a whole day of walking and exploring ? Other than ramen, Ayam-YA also serves rice bowls and chicken kaarage too. Their prices range from around JPY850-1020, so it's pretty affordable!
Plus it's located near the popular and well-connected Ueno station which means it’s super convenient to get to. If you need to do your prayers, the Masjid Assalam Okachimachi is only a 2-minutes' walk away.
Halal Status: Halal-certified (by Japan Halal Foundation), mosque nearby
Price range: JPY850-1020
Address: 4 Chome-10-1 Taito, Tokyo 110-0016, Japan
Opening Hours:
Lunch – 11.30am to 3pm daily (last order at 2.30pm)
Dinner – 5pm to 10pm daily (last order at 9.30pm)
Contact No: +81-3-3834-6656
Shinjuku Gyoen Ramen Ouka
The next contender for "best halal ramen in Tokyo" would have to be Ramen Ouka located near the scenic Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden. This is one of the more unique ramen eateries in Tokyo as their ramen is served in a set with a bowl of rice, grilled chicken and yakitori. Once you're done with your ramen noodles, they'll recommend you to eat the remaining broth with rice - this is called ochazuke.
Not to mention that their servings are pretty huge and you can even upsize your ramen and customise your spice level. We definitely recommend visiting this place on an empty tummy or you can opt for a smaller portion if you’re not feeling exceptionally hungry!
#HHWT Tip: Shinjuku Gyoen Ramen Ouka is just a 3-minute walk from Shinjuku-gyoemmae station on the Marunouchi Line, or you can walk for 15 minutes from Shinjuku station, which is well connected to the different rails.
Halal Status: Halal-certified
Price range: JPY1500-2200
Address: 1 Chome-11-7 Shinjuku, Tokyo 160-0022, Japan
Opening Hours:
Monday to Thursday – 2pm to 10pm
Friday – 6pm to 10pm
Saturday, Sunday and Public Holiday – 1pm to 10pm
Contact: +81 3-5925-8426
#HHWT Tip: Need a guide to Shinjuku? Don't worry - our Muslim-friendly guide to the happening district of Shinjuku will help you out.
Naritaya
Here’s another ramen place in Asakusa that’s worth a visit - Naritaya! The broth for their specialty ramen is chicken-based and the noodles are made fresh in their own factory.
They have different kinds of ramen like miso and stewed beef. And if you are a fan of spicy food, you'd have to get their spicy miso ramen. Order a plate of their yummy kaarage chicken to go along with your ramen!
#HHWT Tip: A prayer room is available here – just head up to the second floor and there'll be a small area equipped with ablution facilities, prayer mats and garments.
Halal Status: Halal Certified (by Japan Islamic Trust), prayer space in establishment
Price range: JPY900-1500
Address: 2 Chome-7-13 Asakusa, Taito, Tokyo 111-0032, Japan
Opening hours:
Monday to Saturday – 11am to 10pm
Sunday – 11am to 9pm
Contact: +81 3-428-9806
P.S. Get around Asakusa with our Muslim-friendly guide - it has everything you need from the best sights to halal food places.
Taizan Sakura
Guess what? Asakusa has not just one but two halal ramen eateries. Located nearer to the main Asakusa station and a short walk away from the popular Nakamise shopping street, Taizan Sakura specialises in ebishuo ramen, a shrimp and seafood-based broth.
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The broth is flavourful and the noodles have just the right texture. Taizan Sakura also serves udon and one of their other signature dish is the curry tsukemen (dipping noodles).
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Rather than using the sweeter Japanese version of curry, Taizan Sakura serves up a savoury version similar to South Asian curry. This is fusion ramen at its finest ?
Halal status: Muslim-owned
Price range: JPY850-1200
Address: 1 Chome-33-8 A1 building 1F, Taito-ku, Tokyo 111-0032, Japan
Opening hours: 11am - 10pm daily
Contact No:+81 3-5811-1933
P.S. If you're looking for a place to stay in Tokyo, we've got just the list of accommodations you need near halal food!
Honolu Ebisu
If you’re visiting Shibuya, head on over to Honolu Ebisu to enjoy various types of chicken ramen. You can savour chicken ramen in whatever way you like – be it spicy, with soy sauce or fried chicken.
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The thick and rich taste of the chicken broth will leave you wanting more, plus the chicken chunks in the ramen is tender too. Other than the ramen, you can also order some light bites like kaarage chicken, gyoza and takoyaki! ? This bowl of hot, savoury ramen will warm the heart. Happy tummy guaranteed!
Halal Status: Halal Certified (by World Halal Food Council)
Address: 1 Chome-23-1 Shibuya, Ebisuminami, Tokyo 150-0022, Japan
Opening hours:
Lunch – 11.30am to 2.30pm daily
Dinner – 5pm to 10pm daily
Contact: +81 3-5734-1667
2. Yakiniku (grilled meat)
Yakiniku Panga
Going to Japan without having a taste of authentic halal wagyu is almost unheard of, and one of the few halal eateries where you can have a wagyu feast is Yakiniku Panga. Previously only located at Okachimachi, they have just opened another outlet at Asakusa called Halal Wagyu Dining Panga 585.
Stuff yourself to your heart’s content with juicy strips of glistening wagyu and yakiniku and watch with bated breath as the meat sizzles away on the grill in front of you. Trust us, Yakiniku Panga is one Japanese eatery you’re not likely to forget ?
Halal Status: Halal Certified (by Japan Halal Foundation)
Price range: JPY4900-8500 for wagyu
Halal Wagyu Yakiniku Panga (Okachimachi)
Address: 3 Chome-27-9 Taito, Taitō, Tokyo 110-0016, Japan
Opening Hours:
Monday to Friday - 11:30am to 2pm, 5pm to 10:30pm
Saturday & Sunday – 5:00pm to 10:00pm
Contact No: +81 3-3839-8929 or reserve via Hotpepper
Halal Wagyu Dining Panga 585 (Asakusa)
Address: Marugoto Nippon, 4th Floor, Asakusa 2-chōme-6-7, Asakusa, Taito Ku, Tokyo 111-0032
Operating hours: 11am - 11pm daily
Directions: Alight at Asakusa train station (TX Line) and walk one-minute to Marugoto Nippon where the restaurant is located
Note: The restaurant will only be open for 585 days from April 2019, so it’s estimated to close on 2 December 2020
Gyu-kaku - Akasaka branch
Gyu-Kaku is one of Japan’s most famous yakiniku chains, with locations all across the country! Opened in 2017, the Akasaka branch is the first to offer halal course meals, hooray! ?
So, what’s on the menu? They have the 2 muslim-friendly course meals - the normal gyu-kaku course (JPY4000) and wagyu course (JPY6000), which includes beef, chicken, and seafood?). Both courses feature a variety of vegetables and meat dishes, and they neither contain nor are prepared with any sort of pork products/extracts or alcohol! So you will definitely be spoilt for choices when you dine here ?
The cooking and eating utensils are used specifically for Muslim-friendly course meals and bear a mark of certification from Islamic Centre Japan. Even the dipping sauce containers and drinking vessels are also halal-certified. In keeping with halal principles, their dishes, glasses, and cookware for the halal meals are also hand-washed separately from those that are used for Gyu-Kaku’s non-halal-meals ? So if you are in the Akasaka area in Tokyo, don’t forget to check this place out!
#HHWT Tip: Muslim-friendly meals are available only at the Akasaka branch. Do make a reservation (which can be made by phone) at least three days in advance.
Halal Status: Halal meat and seafood options available. Since this is not a halal-certified restaurant, we advise our readers to dine at your own discretion.
Price range: JPY4000-6000
Address: Akasaka 3 Chome-12-11, Central Akasaka Building 2nd floor, Minato-ku, Tokyo 107-0052, Japan
Opening hours: 11.30am to 3am daily
Contact No: +81 03-5545-5029
Gyumon
Located in the bustling streets of Shibuya, Gyumon is a hole-in-the-wall restaurant with authentic halal yakiniku. It’s the perfect place for a hearty dinner after a shopping session in Shibuya!
Ordering is pretty simple as you just have to choose the cut you want and they’ll serve it to you raw. The raw beef is lightly marinated with salt and pepper allowing you to savour the taste of the tender beef slices. Have fun grilling the meat on the charcoal stove ?
We’re absolutely in love with the beef tenderloin, grilled to medium rare perfection! Do make a reservation by dropping them a call to avoid any queues as the restaurant is relatively small.
Halal Status: Halal meat available, Alcohol served in establishment. Since this is not a halal-certified restaurant, we advise our readers to dine at your own discretion.
Price range: JPY3000-4000
Address: 3 Chome-14-5 Shibuya, Tokyo 150-0002, Japan
Opening Hours:
Tue - Fri, 12pm - 12am
Sat - Sun, 4pm - 12am
Mon, 5pm - 12am
Contact No: +81 03-5469-2911
3. Japanese Curry
CoCo Ichibanya (Akihabara and Shinjuku branch)
Now you can enjoy halal Japanese curry at the first ever halal-certified CoCo Ichibanya Curry House in Akihabara and Shinjuku! The Akihabara outlet opened in September 2017 while the Shinjuku outlet just opened in 2018! Both received certifications from Nippon Asia Halal Association (NAHA). Let’s just refresh our memory now on how amazing their Japanese curry is ?
One of our favourites is their Chicken Tender Cutlet Curry with Cheese. The curry is flavourful and a little sweet. Plus, the cheese paired perfectly with the curry and meat ?
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If you're not a fan of chicken cutlet, get their beef or seafood curry instead. It'll taste just as exceptional. Check out Coco Curry House’s menu for more curry delights you can now enjoy! We sure wouldn’t mind making a trip to Tokyo just to get a taste of this, wouldn’t you agree? ?
Halal Status: Halal Certified (by Nippon Asia Halal Association)
Price range: JPY710-1170
Akihabara Outlet:
Address: 1 Chome-6, 1F Kanda Matsunagachō, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo 101-0023
Opening hours: 11am to 10.30pm daily
Contact No: +81 3-6260-8667
Shinjuku Outlet:
Address: Kabukicho Shotengai Shinkou Kumiai Building B1, 1 Chome-19-3 Kabukicho, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo 160-0021
Opening hours: 11am to 10.30pm daily
Contact No: +81 3-6457-3782
La Toque (Narita Airport)
Need another reason to fly to/from Narita Airport? Well, besides halal udon and tempura, Narita also has an authentic Japanese curry eatery – La Toque!
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So no worries if you arrive in Narita Airport with an empty tummy because there are just too many options to choose from. From chicken cutlet curry to salmon curry, you’ll definitely find a dish that you love at La Toque.
Halal Status: Halal Certified (by Japan Halal Association)
Price range: JPY980-1960
Address: 4th Floor, Narita Airport Terminal 2
Opening Hours: 7.30am to 8.30pm daily (Last order at 8pm)
Contact No: +81 476-34-6193
4. Sushi and Sashimi
Asakusa Sushiken
Sushi Ken creates every dish with only the finest ingredients and the freshest seafood ? If you’re a die-hard sushi fan, this is a restaurant you must not miss!
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Just like most eateries in Japan, dining here during lunch is much cheaper with lunch sets ranging from ¥1,300 to ¥1,800! The sets come with a mix of tuna, eel, prawns, salmon eggs and more. With a wide range of set meals to choose from, there’ll definitely be something for everyone in your travelling party.
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If you are on a tight budget, we recommend getting their rice bowls instead! Their Unagi bowl (JPY1800) is highly recommended as the eel has a soft texture with a natural sweetness flavour. They also have a selection of seafood, tempura and salmon bowls too.
Halal Status: Halal Certified (by Japan Halal Foundation)
Price range:
Rice bowls - JPY1300-1800
Sushi sets - JPY2400
Address: 2 Chome-11-4, Asakusa, Taito-ku, Tokyo 111-0032, Japan
Opening hours:
Monday to Saturday – 11.30am to 4pm, 4pm to 11.30pm (last order at 11pm)
Sunday, Public Holidays – 11.30am to 3pm, 3pm to 10pm (last order at 9.30pm)
*Closes on 31st December yearly
Contact No: +81 03-5246-6547
5. Tempura
Halal Tendon Itsuki
Located in the upscale shopping district of Ginza, Tendon Itsuki is probably Tokyo's first halal tendon (tempura bowl) bar. As the eatery is really small, you can watch the Chef fry the tempura right in front of you, and this is as good as it gets!
We highly recommend getting their Special Tendon which has snow crab tempura and it costs just JPY1500, which is pretty affordable in the Ginza area. Their other tendons are cheaper too, starting from ¥1000.
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This was hands-down one of the best tempura we’ve ever tasted! The tempura batter was crispy and flavourful but yet light on the palate. We couldn’t get enough of the tempura sauce too ?
Halal status: Halal-certified (by Japan Halal Foundation)
Price range: JPY1000-1500
Address: 2F, Ginza-INZ Building, 3-1, Ginza-nishi, Chuo-ku, Tokyo 104-0061
Opening hours:
Mon - Fri, 11am - 3pm, 5pm - 11pm
Sat - Sun, 11am - 11pm
Contact No: +81 3-6263-2988
Tsunahachi (Ginza branch)
Can't get enough of tempura when you're in Ginza? Head over to Tsunahachi at the popular department store Matsuya.
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What's great about this eatery is that you'll have the full tempura experience - it'll be served with not just tempura sauce, but 4 different kinds of seasalt from original to wasabi, sakura and seaweed. You can order sets with various kinds of tempura and they come with rice and ochazuke (steamed rice in soup).
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Rest assured the ingredients they use are fresh and the batter is crispy and light, so you mouth won't feel too oily from eating this!
#HHWT Tip: There's a prayer room in the same building too, located on the rooftop. Check out this article for more information.
Halal status: Muslim-friendly menu available, no meat or alcohol used in preparation of tempura. Do note that other customers are allowed to consume alcohol in the premises so do dine at your own discretion.
Price range: JPY2160-11100
Address: 8F, Matsuya Ginza, 3-6-1 Ginza, Chuo-ku, Tokyo 104-8130
Opening hours: 11am – 10pm daily (last order 9.30pm)
Contact No: +81 3-3567-1374
6. Shabu-shabu
Asakusa Nagomi
Asakusa Nagomi is one of the latest additions to the growing list of halal shabu-shabu eateries in Tokyo, serving up premium A5 wagyu in the busy Asakusa area. This is the perfect place to stop by after you’ve visited the famous Sensoji temple!
Credit:しゃぶしゃぶ 浅草 和み on Facebook
Asakusa Nagomi doesn’t just serve 1 variety of A5 wagyu, but an amazing 4 kinds to treat yourself to! Plus there are wudhu facilities and prayer rooms on-site, meaning you can both eat and pray in comfort here ?
Credit: @asakusanagomi on Instagram
Halal status: Halal-certified (Japan Halal Foundation)
Price range: JPY6000-19000
Address: Asakusa 2 Chome-14-17, Taito-ku, Tokyo 111-0035, Japan
Opening hours: 10am to 10pm daily
Contact No: +81 3-6802-7730
Shabu-shabu Hitsujinoyu
Are you a fan of lamb? Then head over to Shabu-shabu Hitsujinoyu to get your fix of halal lamb shabu-shabu! The eatery is opened by the same people who own Gyumon.
Credit: Shabu-shabu Hitsujinoyu on Facebook
The best part is, they have an all-you-can-eat course meal for JPY4800! And it'll be served in a lamb tower like what you see in this picture. This is perfect for sharing if you're travelling in a group.
Credit: Shabu-shabu Hitsujinoyu on Facebook
Each shabu-shabu set also comes with 2 kinds of sauces and other than beef slices, they will also serve minced meat in which you can make into chunks of meat and boil in the broth. What's also great about Hitsujinoyu is that it's located near the popular Shibuya station!
Halal status: Halal meat and seasonings used, alcohol is served in establishment so do dine at your own discretion.
Price range: JPY4800
Address: Adachi Bldg. 2F, 3-14-4, Shibuya, Shibuya-ku, Tokyo 150-0002
Opening hours: 5pm - 12am
Contact No: +81 3-6427-9197
7. Soba
Sojibo (Odaiba)
Sojibo is one of the only few halal eateries on the island of Odaiba and here's where you can get soba in different types of broth.
Their duck and leek soba is really mouthwatering as the duck slices are chewy and flavourful. If you're craving a thicker broth, their curry soba with chicken chunks will be perfect for you. In need of a refreshing meal? Then their cold soba dishes will be just what you need!
Other than soba, Sojibo also has other dishes like rice bowls and tempura. We particularly loved their tantalising Chicken Cutlet don ?
Halal status: Halal-certified food, alcohol is served in establishment so dine at your own discretion.
Price range: JPY700-1500
Address: 6F, Diver City, 1-chōme-1-10 Aomi, Koto City, Tōkyō-to 135-0064, Japan
Opening hours: 11am - 11pm daily
Contact No: +81 3-5520-1310
Yoshitomoan
Yoshitomoan isn’t exactly the most convenient to get to (12 mins train ride from Shinjuku station), but if you have time to spare, then we would definitely recommend making the trip down to try their soba which is served with tempura!
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Choose from their three Muslim-friendly dishes – Tamagotoji (egg) soba set, agemochi (fried mochi) soba set or kake soba (regular) set. They’re all served with tempura, cold tofu and warabimochi to finish off as your dessert!
Halal Status: Muslim-friendly menu available,alcohol served in the establishment. Since this is not a halal-certified restaurant, we advise our readers to dine at your own discretion.
Price range: JPY 1000
Address: 10 Nandomachi, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo
Opening Hours:
Tuesday to Sunday –12pm to 2.30pm, 6pm to 9pm.
Closed on Monday, 1st and 3rd Sundays.
Contact No: +81 3-3235-7177
Tentei
Here's another halal eatery in Narita Airport but specialising in soba dishes instead. Tentei's soba sets come with tempura so it's really worth it.
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The soba portions are generous and you can choose to have it hot or cold, depending on your mood.
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Besides their refreshing soba, Tentei's tempura is also crispy. It's cooked in a light batter and goes really well with cold soba. If you’re feeling really hungry, opt for the set which comes with both cold soba as well as tempura over rice! And if that’s not enough, they also serve other Japanese dishes such as sashimi.
Halal Status: Kitchen is Halal Certified (by Malaysia Halal Consultation & Training Agency). Do note that the restaurant also serves alcohol, but all glasses are carefully separated. We advise all readers to dine at their own discretion.
Price range: JPY860-1500
Address: 4th Floor, Narita Airport Terminal 2
Opening Hours: 7.30am to 8.30pm daily
Contact No: +81 476-34-6133
8. Udon
Kineyamugimaru Udon Noodle
If you’re flying in to/out of Tokyo via Narita Airport, and have some time to kill or a stomach to fill, don’t forget to try the halal udon at the airport! The beef udon consists of sprngy noodles and the taste of broth is just right, not too salty.
#HHWT Tip: It is a Japanese tradition that you should slurp your noodles if they are yummy!
To place an order, decide on the toppings for the udon as well as the size. You will then be served with a bowl of udon with toppings sans broth. Then, pick your own onigiri and tempura (self-service). Make your payment and then proceed to the dipping sauce station and dispense as much (or little) as you like.
#HHWT Tip: A multi-faith prayer space is also available on the same floor! Do bring your own sejadah and telekung.
Halal Status: Halal Certified (by Malaysia Consultation & Training Agency)
Price range: JPY400-1000
Address: 5th Floor of Narita Airport Terminal 1
Opening Hours: 7.30am to 9pm (Last order at 8.30pm)
Contact: +81 476-32-7877
Now that you know where to find these iconic Japanese dishes, it's time to bookmark them and add them to your itinerary! SHARE this with your travel buddies and let them know where you need to go to find the yummiest ramen, yakiniku or tempura ?
P.S. Find more halal food in Tokyo with our ultimate halal food guide!