Where do locals go for delicious halal Japanese food in Tokyo

In the past, Muslim travellers might have found it difficult to visit Japan due to the lack of halal food options. It doesn't help that the cuisine uses Things have changed, however, and there are plenty of halal eateries for Muslims in Japan these days, especially in Tokyo.

Some of the food served in these eateries are not just halal for the sake of halal. Some are so good that locals would recommend them, despite not being subjected to any dietary restrictions. Here are my top three selections in Tokyo.

Japan Food Deals on Klook Activities and more deals in Japan

Top-rated affordable hotel stays in Tokyo

- Hotel New Otani Tokyo Garden Tower
- Hotel Metropolitan Tokyo Ikebukuro
- The Capitol Hotel Tokyu
- Mitsui Garden Hotel Toyosu Premier
- Hotel Niwa Tokyo

1. Tendon Itsuki, Ginza

I had already been in Tokyo for a few days when I made my way to Tendon Itsuki with my travelling companions, and it was a pleasant surprise to see that the place was really cosy. Yes! The authentic Japanese lunchtime experience of small tempura bars where the seatings all face the kitchen and the space behind you is enough for one person to walk through.

When we got there, we had to wait a while for seats to be available as office workers quickly gulped down their meals during their lunch hour. When we got seats, we ordered the basic Tendon (tempura bowl) because it has chicken, as well as tempura prawns and vegetables on top of rice (JPY1000).

The special here is the Snow Crab bowl with chicken, prawns and vegetables (JPY1500), but none of us was keen on cracking crabs for lunch. Tendon Itsuki is an eat-up-and-go kind of place, and with many customers lining up outside. So, we quickly ate up our delicious meals and left for more sightseeing.

Address: 2F, Ginza-INZ Building, 3-1, Ginza-nishi, Chuo-ku, Tokyo 104-0061

2. Gyumon, Shibuya

If you’re looking for a more leisurely meal, enjoying halal yakiniku grilled meat, then make your way to Gyumon in Shibuya. It’s a bit pricey, but many diners who have been there will attest that it’s absolutely worth it. Our contact, a Malaysian student Atifah Mariyah, who is currently studying Education at Teikyo University, Hachioji, attests that it’s not just a tourist trap, as both travellers and residents alike will highly recommend Gyumon.

The star of the eatery is, of course, grilled meat (which you grill yourself and eat fresh off the grill) but you can also order rice bowls with beef if preferred. Many who have been here praise the salad, too! Planning to go? The owner recommends calling to make a reservation first as lines can get long for walk-ins. Prices start at JPY2000 for a platter of one beef portion, one chicken portion, salad, rice and soup, while the three-beef platter (consisting of shoulder, round and rib loin portions) start at JPY3000 for lunch.

Address: 3 Chrome- 14-5 Shibuya-Ku, Tokyo-to B1F, Shibuya-ku, Tokyo, Japan

3. Wagyu Panga, Taito

Want to take it up a notch? Atifah recommends Wagyu Panya in Taito. The restaurant serves halal A5 yakiniku wagyu - the highest yield and meat quality grade, so you know you’ll be paying premium prices and savouring the most premium halal wagyu out there. The wagyu regular beef platter starts at JPY6000, while the wagyu special beef platter costs between JPY8300 to JPY11000. However, you can also order sukiyaki slices for grilling (JPY2300) or just a piece of steak (from JPY3,800) to be ordered with side dishes. Interestingly, they also offer Korean dishes such as stone-roasted bibimbap (JPY1100) and gom-tang beef bone broth (JPY900). Quite a popular place for locals and travellers, so call ahead to book seats.

Address: 3-27-9 Taito, Taito City, Tokyo 110-0016

There really are many halal restaurants serving authentic Japanese dishes around Tokyo, but we’d say these are the top three must-go if you want to make the most of your time in the city, as verified by locals and residents. When you’ve had a delicious, filling meal and your tummy’s happy, it makes the trip more enjoyable and more memorable when you’re back home.

READ:

Japan travel: 15 things to do in Tokyo
Japan travel: 10 things to do in Kyoto
Japan travel: 10 things to do in Osaka
Japan travel: 17 things to do in Okinawa
Japan travel: 13 things to do in Hokkaido
Japan travel: 11 things to do in Hiroshima

Check airfare here: Skyscanner | Trip.com | Expedia
Book accommodations and activities here: Agoda | Booking.com | Klook | KKday | HotelsCombined
General info here: Tripadvisor
Affordable data plans here
And while you are at it, be sure to get your travel insurance!