Written by Shyam Bhardwa
Halal restaurants can be a struggle to find in Tokyo. In a country that loves tonkatsu, tonjiru, and even tonkotsu ramen (ton being pork), it can be hard to find something that hits the spot and is completely safe. So, we’ve compiled a guide to some of Tokyo’s best halal eats — where to go, and what to know.
While the easiest way to stay halal is to stick to cuisines from Muslim-majority countries, it’d mean missing out on some Japanese staples. Luckily, Japan has recently seen a wave of halal restaurants adapting local cuisine — ramen, tempura, and even katsu is on the list.
However, it’s worth noting that halal might not mean the same thing between restaurants here. Some places may simply prepare a dish without non-halal ingredients, and call it halal. Others have special areas and kitchenware for halal dishes, and some certified by organisations to confirm they take special care in preparing halal food. We’ve tried to make sure to include any certifying boards or restaurant notes, so you know exactly what to expect at each restaurant.
1. Halal Wagyu Ramen Shinjuku Tei
Japanese (ramen)Shinjuku, Shibuya, Asakusa, Yotsuya
Certified by Japan Muslim Access
There aren’t many dishes more iconic than a steaming bowl of ramen. Unfortunately, until recently, halal diners often missed out — since both the toppings and broth tend to contain pork. However, restaurants like Halal Wagyu Ramen Shinjuku Tei set out to show that you can get the exact same comforting bowl, even when eating halal.
The chain restaurant’s ramen dishes all contain either beef or chicken broth, from animals slaughtered in accordance with halal laws. Meanwhile, instead of pork belly, the bowls are topped with chicken breast, or wagyu beef for the same rich, meaty flavor. The food is certified by Japan Muslim Access, a Muslim organisation in Japan that certifies restaurants around the country.
And as an added bonus, it’s not just the food where this restaurant shows its care for its Muslim visitors. There are areas for prayer, with the needed items available for use, and the Qibla clearly marked. Staff are also familiar with Islamic customs, so feel free to ask if you have any concerns.
2. Halal SUKIYAKI Restaurant Diyafa
Japanese (sukiyaki)Shiba
None (Self-assessed)
A lovely winter warmer, sukiyaki is one of the best ways to eat and chat with a group. The bubbling pot of broth is the perfect backing track, and the relaxed cooking of meat and vegetables is just the thing when the temperatures drop. But the beef is rarely slaughtered in accordance with halal laws, and in certain parts of the country, pork is also used.
Halal SUKIYAKI Restaurant Diyafa, on the other hand, ensures every cut of beef in their restaurant is halal. This means that Muslim diners can enjoy the same cozy experiences, without compromising on beef quality or their religious needs. It’s worth noting though, that the restaurant isn’t certified, so there may be niche issues with seasonings or tableware.
3. Ginza The Emperor
Japanese (yakiniku)Ginza
Certified by the Japan Halal Foundation
Maybe the purest way to enjoy the quality and succulence of Japan’s beef, yakiniku is as delicious as it is simple. Various cuts of beef, sliced thin and grilled over a flame — the smoky char cutting through the rich, beefy flavors.
The very best cuts are often said to come from Kobe, but unless you’re there, it’s unlikely you’ll know if the cow was slaughtered in a halal way. That’s where Ginza The Emperor has you covered — every slice of their top-quality meat is guaranteed halal.
Choose between either an a la carte nibble or a course-based feast that takes you through the wonders of Kobe beef. Tenderloin, strip, fillets, and leaner cuts are all available. Though the meats are pricey, it’s worth it for the quality and flavor, as well as the peace of mind knowing every bite is certified by the Japan Halal Foundation.
4. Tendon Itsuki Ginza
Japanese (tendon)2 branches in Ginza
Certified by the Japan Halal Foundation
Tendon is one of Japan’s most popular lunches, and when it’s well prepared, it’s easy to see why. Fresh, steaming hot tempura piled high on top of white rice, with a shell so crisp it crunches as you bite through. And traditionally, easy to enjoy for even halal eaters, since seafood and vegetables are most frequently made into tempura. If you want to be extra careful, and have one of the best tendon bowls in Tokyo though, head to Tendon Itsuki.
Also sporting a Japan Halal Foundation certification, Tendon Itsuki takes particular care with the fine details. Condiments are carefully chosen to be halal, such as their soy sauce and vinegars, while the tempura batter avoids alcohol while still staying crisp and light. Even the drinks are safe — with no alcohol options available.
5. Gohan Café
Japanese (teishoku)Shibuya
Certified by the Japan Halal Foundation
For more relaxed meals, Japan has a love of teishoku: set meals consisting of soup, pickles, rice, a main dish, and sometimes a light dessert. Chains across Tokyo offer their own versions, with different pickles and mains depending on where you go.
The unfortunate constant is the use of pork and non-halal meats, making this a tradition halal visitors struggle to take part in. But the Gohan café, certified by the Japan Halal Association, has a teishoku tray for you.
The meals at the Gohan Café lean into another Japanese favorite, karaage, or fried chicken, as the centerpiece of the meal. This, in addition to halal soup stocks and condiments, lets halal eaters grab a seat at the table, and tuck into some traditional teishoku.
6. Soleil Hibiya
Asian fusionHibiya
Nippon Asia Halal Certification
A unique eatery in the heart of Tokyo, Soleil offers a mix of Asian cuisines alongside Western classics like pizza and pasta. The aim is to create a fusion of guests — a space where people from all faiths and backgrounds can mingle and feel welcomed. With their halal-certified kitchen, approved by the Nippon Asia Halal Certification, halal guests will certainly feel that way.
Visitors can settle in for a halal-butchered angus steak, or pizza topped with halal beef pepperoni. The owners run several halal restaurants around Asia, and the menu is carefully curated to ensure a comfortable dining experience for all dietary needs. For a world tour of food, with the comfort and assurances of home, head to Soleil.
7. Carvaan
Middle EasternShibuya
Islamic Center Japan
Finally, for a meal rooted in the traditions of the Middle East, Carvaan is the place to go. Their menu contains the culinary treasures of Iran, Syria, Afghanistan, and many other countries, while the décor is imported to create a truly authentic dining experience. And with the backing of the Islamic Center Japan, every bite is completely halal.
FAQs
Do I have any more options for halal food in Tokyo?
There are a plethora of Middle Eastern restaurants around the city that are halal certified. You can also check out some of our recommendations for vegan and vegetarian restaurants in a pinch.
Is it more expensive to eat halal in Tokyo?
It doesn’t have to be. We found that while most of the restaurants on this list might be slightly pricier than a comparable restaurant, it’s only by a hundred or two hundred yen at most — that’s a couple of dollars.
We do our best to make sure information is accurate. To confirm both the halal options and the certification of the restaurants, we checked their promotional materials, including websites, social media, and advertising. For further clarity, we also contacted some of these restaurants to confirm our research.
