Tracking down the best halal eateries in Osaka

When traipsing around Osaka, checking out the must-sees like Osaka Castle, Nara Deer Park, and downtown Minami (where tourists check wefie off the list with the Glico Running Man) means plenty of walking around the whole day. This means you need sustenance as soon as possible to recharge your energy.

Where is a halal foodie to go, though? You’ll be happy to know there are many halal options around Osaka near these popular attractions. Here are a few that we went to fill our tummies.

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1. Naritaya Osaka Minami

Naritaya is a chain of halal ramen shops that can be found all over Japan. We had the Spicy Miso Ramen (around JPY900) since it was a rainy day and something hot and spicy sounded good, and the Wagyu Yakiniku Bowl (JPY1,800) because we could. Looking at the price, we knew that it probably wasn’t the top-of-the-tier wagyu, but it was a satisfying dish nonetheless. Most importantly, it’s not easy to find halal beef in Japan that’s easy on the wallet!

Meanwhile, for the kids who were not really into rice, there were deep-fried chicken cuts, and fried gyoza (~JPY800).

If you have been to Naritaya before, or have heard about it from friends who travelled there, do note that during the lockdowns in Japan, Naritaya Osaka Minami had moved to the third floor of the same building. In its place is another ramen shop that is not related and not halal. On a separate note, Muslim travellers will be happy to know that all Naritaya shops have a room for prayers (with proper ablution facilities), so don’t worry about finding a place for your Zohor and Asar prayers.

Address: 1-7-23 Higashi Shinsaibashi Chuo-ku, Osaka-shi, Osaka

Top-rated affordable hotel stays in Osaka

- Hotel Hankyu International
- Holiday Inn Osaka Namba, an IHG Hotel
- Hotel New Otani Osaka
- THE LIVELY OSAKA HONMACHI
- Hyatt Regency Osaka

2. Bhatti Indian-Nepalese Restaurant

This is a non-Japanese food restaurant, but this was near our Airbnb (and 10 minutes walk from Dotonburi) and the food was so good that we went back twice during our three days in Osaka. The star of the show was the cheese naan. They were really generous with the cheese; the bread was fluffy and seasoned nicely. Prices were reasonable with naan starting at JPY300, cheese naan at JPY500 and honey naan at JPY380.

Of course, being an Indian-Nepalese restaurant, they also have curry – all sorts of them! Vegetable curry starts from around JPY700, while seafood curry starts from JPY900. Order naan and curry, and you have a filling meal to replenish your energy after a day of walking.

On the menu, it looked like they also offer Thai food and a small selection of sushi. We saw that more Japanese patrons came in after office hours.

Address: 2-13-31 Shimanouchi, Chuo-ku, Osaka-shi, 542-0082 Osaka

3. Matsuri

A favourite among Indonesians, Malaysians and Singaporeans, Matsuri is just one train stop away from Dotonburi, where the famous Glico Running Man sign is. After a day of exploring the downtown area (and checking out every level of the 6-story Don Quijote complex), we were happy and relieved to see that Matsuri was opening up for the evening when we got there. We didn’t know it then, but we didn’t have to line up to get it, which is usually the case if you got here a bit later.

Matsuri is a quaint eatery where the tables are quite packed, and you sit on the floor, so it felt very casual. However, despite the small shop, there is a variety of Japanese food to be ordered here, from takoyaki to ramen to gyudon and even mochi! They also have an array of vegetarian options, including vegetable tempura. There really is something for everyone at Matsuri.

Address: 3 Chome-27-17 Yoshino, Fukushima Ward, Osaka, 553-0006, Japan

4. Yakiniku Zerohachi Namba

Finally, how does all-you-can-eat yakiniku sound to you? Then get to Zerohachi Nanba for halal yakiniku which also includes wagyu beef, where you can eat as much as you want in one hour for the price of JPY5,500 per person. However, there is also the wagyu-less option for JPY3500 per person, and I think that is still a good deal. And if you’re not the all-you-can-eat type, they offer set meals starting at JPY2,700.

This buffet restaurant is recommended by a friend, Sarah Fatini, who just recently came back from a visit to Osaka. I haven’t tried it yet myself, but since Sarah is an experienced traveller as well as an avid foodie, I would make my way here the next time I’m in Osaka.

Address: OCAT Mall 5F,1-4-1.Minatomachi.Naniwa-ku.Osaka 5560017 Japan

Now that you know where to go for good halal food in Osaka, it’s time to plan your trip with peace of mind that you won’t go hungry there!

A travel writer and editor, Zurien is always saving up for trips with her husband and daughters. Sharing similar interests in pop culture, food, travel and Spy Family, the most valuable takeaways from family trips are the memories, and finding out it’s possible to wake up at 4 am for the best views.

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