The Best Halal Restaurants in Tokyo: A Top Food Guide
As halal awareness has grown in Japan, you can expect more halal options. To ensure the restaurants are genuinely halal, look for certifications from recognised halal certification authorities or Muslim organisations. Staff are more than happy to present to you this certification, and some staff even presented this to you without even asking for it, which was very nice and welcoming to witness. However, there will usually be halal-certified symbols on the shop walls or just outside to inform you whether the food is halal or not, as found across many halal restaurants in other countries. You may be surprised that halal authentic Japanese food can be found across major cities in Japan but particularly in places like Tokyo and Osaka. I will also provide a link later to halal restaurants to visit in Osaka too to accompany ‘The Best Halal Restaurants in Tokyo: A Top Food Guide’ blog.
Tokyo, being a diverse and cosmopolitan city, does offer a range of halal options for Muslim travellers at breakfast, lunch and dinner. So welcome to ‘The Best Halal Restaurants in Tokyo: A Top Food Guide’; here are, in my opinion, the best halal food places using great quality halal ingredients to visit in Tokyo.
1. Yakiniku Panga, Taito City, Tokyo (nearest metro: Shin Okachimachi)
You’ll usually need to reserve a place for this restaurant but let me tell you, it is worth it! It does some of the best halal wagyu beef, which melts in your mouth and is sold at a reasonable price. They do have a few other food options on their halal menu, too, like ramen, vegetable or meat-based soups, and seafood broths. This is a must-halal restaurant in Tokyo to try if you plan on visiting this city.
2. Nikoniko Mazemen, Kanda, Choyoda City, Tokyo (nearest Metro: Iwamotocho Station)
If you love spicy ramen, this is the perfect place for Muslim visitors. The spicy sauce ramen is very nice, but they offer other halal authentic Japanese cuisine options, including delicious Japanese curry rice bowls too! The restaurant service is fast and you can also conveniently find a nice prayer room at Masjid Nusantara, just a few blocks away from the restaurant too. Therefore, this is a great place for Muslim tourists to eat certified halal food before attending the local Masjid for prayer and potentially meet and connect with Muslim people.
3. Asakusa Sushi Ken, Taito City, Tokyo
For those who would usually avoid sushi restaurants due to some restaurants using Mirin in their sushi which contains alcohol, Asakusa Sushiken is a halal sushi restaurant to go to. Get front-row seats for chefs to create your sushi right in front of you, and the halal sushi is just as good in terms of food quality as many other Japanese sushi restaurants across the city.
4. Luxe Burgers, Ningyocho, Tokyo (Nearest metro: Ningyocho)
If you are craving halal burgers in Tokyo, this is the place to go. The cheeseburger and cheese potatoes are amazing and they also do wagyu beef here. They serve generous portions, the staff are warm and welcoming and they also have some vegetarian and vegan options too. This is a must-halal gourmet restaurant in Tokyo to try if you plan on visiting this city. Their webpage provides videos and menus of recommended halal and vegan food options to try so definitely check out their website if you do plan to visit this lovely place in Tokyo.
5. Tendon Itsuki, Ginza, Tokyo
Think tempura with rice but on another level! This halal Japanese restaurant provides the crispiest yet juicy fish tempura containing a delicious sauce laid on a bed of warm rice. You can also get a complimentary starter of Chawanmushi, which is a creamy egg dish with chicken inside, which is delicious. This is a must Muslim-friendly restaurant which provides a unique food experience which is different to the other options mentioned so far, so do consider visiting this place, whether at lunch time or at other times of the day if you’re in Tokyo.
6. Halal Ramen Honolu Ebisu, Shibuya, Tokyo
This halal restaurant can be found in both Osaka and Tokyo, serving delicious ramen with a wide variety of ramen to choose from. You pay at the machine and select your ramen (one of the popular choices is the spicy fried chicken ramen), and then you will receive a ticket to hand over to the chef. There is a small amount of seating downstairs and some upstairs where you sit on the floor. You may have to wait for a short amount of time but also be aware of the timings of when this place opens as they do usually open at 11:30 am and have a midday break between 3 and 5 pm.
7. Gonpachi, Asakusa (Near Asakusa Station)
Gonpachi restaurant is situated right outside the entrance to the Ginza line Asakusa station, exit 4. It’s located on two stories, with the downstairs tables for small groups and the upstairs a large bar area and more tables, including some that can be set up for large groups. With a warm, lively atmosphere along with a range of food, like soba noodles, tempura, tofu, and halal meat options to choose from, this is a must place to visit if you are in Tokyo.
8. La Toque, Narita Airport
A halal-certified restaurant at the airport is convenient if you have just arrived in Japan and are eager to try some halal Japanese food. The Japanese curry options are great to try and they do have other options, including more Western cuisine to choose from, too, for Muslim travelers arriving in Japan.
Additionally, you can use apps and websites like “Halal Navi” or “Halal Gourmet Japan” to find up-to-date information about the restaurants mentioned above and more. Lastly, when in doubt, feel free to ask locals or hotel staff for recommendations on halal dining options nearby. They can often provide helpful insights and direct you to suitable places based on your preferences.
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