Japanese cuisine has many well-known dishes - and Wagyu beef is definitely one of them! Wagyu (和牛 literally meaning "Japanese beef") refers to the meat from 4 breeds of Japanese cattle. Some wagyu is named after specific regions (e.g. Kobe beef, Matsusaka beef) but what they all have in common is the distinct marbling of fat in the meat, giving it a rich and sweet taste. ? That's also why it melts in your mouth once you take a bite!
Credit: Giphy
Wagyu is given a grade based on factors such as marbling and firmness, with A5 being the highest and most coveted grade. It can be cooked in a variety of ways including Yakiniku (BBQ-like grill), Shabu-shabu (Japanese-style hotpot), or as a steak. Either way, it's so delicious and an experience to cross off your bucket list if you're ever in Japan! ? Without further ado, here are 10 eateries to try halal Wagyu in Tokyo:
1. Wagyu Otoko Cowboy
Credit: Halal Media Japan
Located 5 minutes from Shibuya station, this sleek and modern restaurant has a separate halal menu so you can enjoy delicious, tender Wagyu steak without any worries. ? The menu has 3 beef dishes, but only 2 are Wagyu, with one being Ozaki beef. Ozaki beef is one of the most prestigious Wagyu brands, so it's totally worth the price!
Credit: Halal Media Japan
Served on a sizzling hotplate, each meal comes with rice and various sides including halal soy sauce and condiments. They even include a halal-certified daifuku mochi for dessert!
Halal Status: Separate halal menu available, using only halal-certified ingredients and without any alcohol in the meal/preparation. Do note that this restaurant also serves pork and alcoholic beverages on its regular menu. Halal ingredients, cookware, and tableware are stored separately.
Price: JPY7,980 (Wagyu), JPY14,800 (Ozaki)
Opening Hours: 4PM - 11PM (Mon-Fri), 12PM - 11PM (Sat-Sun)
Address:3F Kokusai Bldg A, 13-16, Shibuya-ku, Tokyo 150-0042
[Want to look for an accommodation that's close to these amazing eateries? Check out some of the most popular and convenient neighbourhoods in Tokyo!]
2. Asakusa Nagomi
Asakusa Nagomi serves up premium Wagyu Shabu-Shabu in the busy Asakusa area. This is the perfect place to stop by after you've visited the famous Sensoji temple! ? They only serve selected A4 and A5 Wagyu from the Kobe, Hida, Omi, and Kagoshima brands so you know you'll be getting the best value for your money here.
Shabu-shabu is a method of cooking where you dip the meat into boiling-hot broth until it's just nice. It keeps the meat tender as it won't overcook! They also have a lunch menu (between 10AM-4PM) that includes Wagyu Croquettes and Wagyu Beef Burger for a more convenient option. Solo diners and larger groups are also welcome here - do call ahead and make a reservation if you wish to have a private room!
#HHWT Tip: They also have a prayer space here with wudhu (ablution) facilities. Do remember to bring your own prayer garments.
Halal Status: Halal-certified by Japan Halal Foundation
Average Price: JPY7,000
Opening Hours: Open daily; 10AM-10PM (Last order 9PM)
Address: Asakusa 2 Chome-14-17, Taito-ku, Tokyo 111-0035, Japan
Contact: +81 3-6802-7730
[Have we got your appetite going yet? Here are even more halal eateries in Tokyo serving up the best Japanese cuisine!]
3. Yakiniku Panga
Stuff yourself to your heart’s content with juicy strips of glistening Wagyu on the Yakiniku grill and watch with bated breath as the meat sizzles away in front of you. Dip it in some mouth-watering sauce and you've got a perfect meal right there! Trust us, Yakiniku Panga is one Japanese eatery you’re not likely to forget. ?
They also have a 2nd outlet called Halal Wagyu Dining Panga 585 in Asakusa. Their menu includes grilled Wagyu beef sushi and a Wagyu roast beef rice bowl topped with generous slices of Wagyu. ? Unlike the Okachimachi outlet, each seat at the Asakusa outlet faces a teppan (iron plate) so you can watch your food be cooked by the chef right in front of you.
P.S. The Asakusa outlet is only open until 1 Dec 2020 so if you want to visit better plan your trip before it's too late!
Halal Status: Halal-Certified by Japan Halal Foundation. Do note that they may serve alcoholic beverages, but there is no alcohol used in any of the cooking or condiments.
Price: JPY4,900 - JPY8,500
Opening Hours:
Okachimachi: 11.30AM - 2PM, 5PM - 10.30PM (Mon-Sat), 5PM - 10PM (Sun)
Asakusa: Open daily; 11AM - 11PM (Last day of operation - 1 Dec 2020)
Address:
Okachimachi: 3 Chome-27-9 Taito, Taitō, Tokyo 110-0016, Japan
Asakusa: Halal Wagyu Dining Panga 585, Marugoto Nippon, 4th Floor, Asakusa 2-chōme-6-7, Asakusa, Taito Ku, Tokyo 111-0032
Contact:
Okachimachi: +81 3-3839-8929 or via Hotpepper
Asakusa: +81 50-5303-8438
Website (Jpn) | Facebook (Okachimachi) | Facebook (Asakusa)| Instagram (Okachimachi) | Instagram (Asakusa)
[Can't wait for a trip to Japan to have some quality steaks? These 13 halal steaks in KL (at alcohol-free restaurants!) will satisfy all your cravings ?]
4. Issho
Nestled in the Muslim-friendly neighbourhood of Ueno, this eatery is located just a 1-minute walk away from JR Ueno station for extra convenience. Make your way across the road and keep an eye out for a building with the words 'FUNDES'. Then, head up to the 8th floor to start your Wagyu journey!
As one of the most popular item on the menu, the Charcoal-Grilled Chuck Rib is a must-try! Served with rice and side dishes, sink your teeth into delightfully juicy strips of wagyu and let the flavours take you away. ? Enhance the taste further by sprinkling a tiny bit of salt and spreading some wasabi onto the wagyu.
P.S. While you're at Issho make sure to try their Motsunabe! A type of Nabemono (hotpot), this dish is typically made from beef and pork tripe but Issho offers a fully halal version. It's almost impossible to find halal Motsunabe so it's a once-in-a-lifetime chance to try something new. ??
Halal Status: Uses meat sourced from halal-certified suppliers. Do note that alcohol is served on the premises, and the glassware is not separate though you can request for disposable cups from the staff. We recommend that you dine at your own discretion.
Average Price: JPY1,300 - JPY1,900
Opening Hours: Open daily; 11.30AM - 2.30PM (lunch), 5PM - 12AM (dinner)
Address: FUNDES Ueno Bldg. 8F, 7-2-4 Ueno, Taito-ku, Tokyo 110-0005
Contact: +813-5830-3785
5. Shinjuku Gyoen Ramen Ouka
Shinjuku Gyoen Ramen Ouka is a ramen restaurant but they have options featuring exquisite Wagyu beef too! ? Plus they're located in a central location just a 5-10 minute walk from Shinjuku station and the sprawling Shinjuku Gyoen National Gardens.
Their SS grade Wagyu set includes ramen topped with tender Wagyu slices, chicken dumpling, grilled chicken, rice, and even dessert. The rich fattiness of the beef will make the steaming hot bowl of ramen seem even more amazing. For a meal where the Wagyu itself is the star of the show, they have a Crystal Wagyu Premium 'Nikunabe' set that comes with Wagyu sirloin on a sizzling hot plate, mini ramen, chicken dumpling, rice, and dessert. The Nikunabe uses Kagoshima Wagyu, which won the 2017 Wagyu Olympics!
Halal Status: Muslim-owned
Price: JPY10,400 (SS-grade Wagyu), JPY12,900 (Nikunabe SSS-grade)
Opening Hours: 3PM - 10PM (Mon-Thurs), 6PM - 10PM (Fri), 1PM - 10PM (Sat, Sun, PH)
Address: 1F, 1-11-7, Shinjuku, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo 160-0022
Contact: +81 3-5925-8426 or reserve online (Reservations not required but are encouraged as the queue may take 2-3 hours during peak seasons)
Website | Facebook | Instagram
6. Sumiyakiya
Don't be surprised to find curry or kimchi served at this restaurant! Unlike the other Yakiniku restaurants in this list, this halal restaurant in Roppongi (near Roppongi Hills) has a mix of Japanese, Korean, and South Indian cuisine. Just thinking about crunchy, sour kimchi (or savoury, rich curry) paired with sweet and tender beef has got our appetites going. ?
They serve Wagyu Hida beef as well as Kobe beef - both guaranteed to be a treat! If you're travelling as a duo or group, order the Premium Wagyu Supreme Platter (4pax) or Kobe Beef Platter (2-3pax) for the best cuts of meat. For a truly exquisite meal, you can even order the Mahathir Course which is a traditional Japanese-Shojin-Yakiniku Fusion course that was prepared for the Malaysian PM when he visited Sumiyakiya. ?
Halal Status: Uses halal-certified ingredients. Do note that alcohol is served on the premises. We recommend you dine at your own discretion.
Average Price: JPY1,800 - JPY8,500 (Ala carte options excluding set meals/platters)
Opening Hours: Mon-Sat; 11.30AM-3PM (last order 2.30PM), 5PM-11PM (last order 10.30PM), closed on Sun
Address: Nishiazabu 3 Chome-20-16, Minato-ku, Tokyo 106-0031, Japan
Contact: +81 03-3403-5397
Website | Facebook | Instagram
7. Halal Sakura
Probably the only halal restaurant you can find near Nippori station, Halal Sakura is the first restaurant in Tokyo to offer both Japanese and Uighur cuisine! ? Their menu includes typical Japanese fare such as ramen and teishoku set meals, as well as Uighur classics such as lamb kebabs, polo rice, and meat pies. Their teishoku sets use Awa Wagyu beef too! ?
They also have an entire Japanese BBQ menu full of Awa Wagyu beef! All sorts of cuts are included, such as short rib, top roast, and thin slices perfect for shabu-shabu. ? Solo diners won't have to worry about eating alone either - the meat is served in platters suitable for 1-4 guests!
Halal Status: Halal-certified by Nippon Asia Halal Association
Average Price: JPY1,000 - JPY3,000 (Servings for 1 pax)
Opening Hours: Open daily; 11AM - 11PM
Address: Japan, 〒110-0003 Tokyo, Taito City, Negishi, 2 Chome−18−11 ルート根岸第二ビル1F・2F
Contact: +81 3-6802-3171
8. Gyukaku
Gyu-Kaku is one of Japan’s most famous Yakiniku chains, with locations all across the world. The Akasaka branch opened in 2017 and is the only outlet to offer a separate halal menu - including a Wagyu option. ? All halal meals require a reservation at least 3 days in advance so set a reminder for yourself to secure your seat!
The Wagyu Course Meal includes beef, chicken, and seafood dishes for the ultimate Yakiniku experience. It even comes with dessert! They also have ala carte Wagyu options including Kalbi (short rib) and Chuck Eye Roll. Don't forget to try their other dishes too such as Beef Tongue with Shio Tare (sauce). It may not be Wagyu but it'll still taste amazing. ?).
Halal Status: Separate halal menu available, using only halal-certified ingredients and without any alcohol in the meal/preparation. Do note that this restaurant also serves pork and alcoholic beverages on its regular menu. Halal ingredients, cookware, and tableware are stored separately.
Average Price: JPY1,180 - JPY1,480 (Wagyu ala carte), JPY6,000 (Wagyu set meal)
Opening Hours:
Mon-Fri: 11.30AM - 3PM (Lunch, last order 2.30PM), 5PM - 12AM (Dinner, last order 11.20PM)
Sat, Sun, Holidays: 4PM - 12AM (Last order 11.20PM)
Address: 〒107-0052 Tokyo, Minato, Akasaka, 3-12,11 Central Akasaka Building
Contact: +81 03-5545-5029 (Reservations required, at least 3 days in advance)
9. Gonpachi (Various branches)
Gonpachi's Nishi-Azabu branch is famous for its appearance in Tarantino's iconic film 'Kill Bill' but did you know that this chain also serves up halal options at several of its outlets, including Wagyu beef? ? All ingredients are carefully selected and regionally-sourced in Japan for a truly authentic taste. ?
Head to their Asakusa, Shibuya, Ginza, and Nishi-Azabu outlets to choose from mouth-watering Wagyu beef, or the more premium Ozaki wagyu option. ? Both meals come with sides including fried oyster, sashimi, and fried shrimp dumplings that will leave you feeling full and ready to take on the rest of your day!
If you're really looking to splurge on some premium Wagyu, their Shibuya outlet has a JPY20,000 Wagyu sushi meal that comes with 3 kinds of Ozaki beef sushi! ? The meal also includes deep-fried soft shell crab, seasonal Edo-style nigiri, and sukiyaki rolls. While the price tag may be high, it's definitely a must-try for foodies for some high-end Japanese cuisine!
Halal Status: Separate halal menus available, using only halal-certified ingredients and without any alcohol in the meal/preparation. Do note that this restaurant also serves pork and alcoholic beverages on its regular menu. Halal ingredients and cookware stored separately and you can request separate disposable cutlery.
Price: JPY8,800 (Wagyu beef), JPY19,800 (Ozaki beef), JPY20,000 (Sushi course)
Opening Hours:
Asakusa: Open daily; 11.30AM - 11PM (Lunch menu available from 11.30AM - 3PM, last order 10PM for food and 10.30PM for drinks)
Ginza: Open daily; 11.30AM - 12AM (Lunch 11.30AM - 3PM, last order 11.30PM)
Nishi-Azabu: Open daily; 11.30AM - 3.30AM (Lunch 11.30AM - 3PM, last order 2.45AM for food and 3AM for drinks)
Shibuya: Open daily; 11.30AM - 3.30AM (Lunch 11.30AM - 3PM, last order 3AM)
Sushi Shibuya: Open daily; 11.30AM - 2.30PM (Lunch last order 2PM), 5PM - 2AM (Dinner last order 1AM)
Address:
Asakusa: 1F, 2F Nakagawa Building, 2-1-15 Kaminarimon, Taito-ku, Tokyo 111-0034
Ginza: 2F 1-2-3 Ginza, Chuo-Ku ,Tokyo 104-0061
Nishi-Azabu: 1F/2F 1-13-11 Nishiazabu, Minato-ku, Tokyo 106-0031
Shibuya/Sushi Shibuya: 14F E.Space Tower 3-6, Maruyama-cho, Shibuya-ku, Tokyo 150-0044
Contact: Contact the individual shop to make reservations. Reservations are required for all halal menus, at least 3 days in advance.
10. Kochuan
This is truly a once-in-a-lifetime treat of traditional Japanese luxury. ? Kochuan is a restaurant famous for its quaint and tranquil setting in a traditional Japanese garden, and their traditional tatami-style rooms that will transport you back in time. Private rooms for up to 50 guests are also available, where you can dine on treasured recipes that date back to 1955!
Credit: Halal Media Japan
Their halal dish is the most luxurious option on this list, and features halal Wagyu shabu-shabu or beef steak in a kaiseki banquet-type course meal. The meal includes grilled fish, sashimi, sushi, and halal chicken - the price tag may be steep but it's worth it for a meal like no other! Do note that a minimum of 2 people are required for the meal, and reservations are required.
Halal Status: Separate halal menu available, using halal-certified beef, chicken, and ingredients including seasonings. No alcohol or pork used in food preparation. Do note that this restaurant also serves pork and alcoholic beverages on its regular menu. Separate cookware, cutlery, and tableware used for halal meals.
Price: JPY40,000
Opening Hours: Open daily; 11AM - 10PM
Address: 1-1-1 Shiroganedai, Minato-ku, Tokyo
Contact: +81 3-3441-8888 (Reservations at least 3 days in advance - the halal menu is available for dinner, do enquire with the staff directly about lunch)
No matter what your budget, you can definitely find a delicious Wagyu dish that will leave you speechless. ? Getting to eat authentic Japanese cuisine is a must-do during any trip to Tokyo and there's nothing like sinking your teeth into a generous serving of Wagyu to make your trip extra memorable!