Japan is a dream destination for many travelers, known for its rich culture, beautiful landscapes, and famously meticulous cuisine. However, for Muslim travelers and expats who observe halal dietary requirements, navigating Tokyo’s food scene can be a real challenge. Japan, in general, is notorious for not being especially accommodating to dietary restrictions, whether vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, kosher, or halal.
Why is finding halal food in Japan so tricky?
Japan’s culinary tradition is deeply rooted in ingredients like pork and seafood. Even dishes that look vegetarian or meat-free at first glance often contain fish or pork in their stocks and sauces — miso soup, dashi broth, and many simmered dishes frequently use these ingredients. This means that for those who follow halal dietary laws, dining out can require careful research and preparation.
That said, Tokyo is evolving. Thanks to increased tourism and a growing awareness of Muslim travelers’ needs, halal options are slowly but surely expanding. From specialty halal restaurants to markets and even halal-certified products popping up in convenience stores, it’s becoming easier to enjoy delicious and authentic meals without worry.
Below, we’ve compiled some of our favorite halal-friendly spots across Tokyo, covering a range of cuisines from Middle Eastern to Japanese-style ramen.
Halal Food Spots in Tokyo
1. Falafel Brothers (Roppongi & Shibuya)
If you’re craving a healthy take on Middle Eastern street food, Falafel Bros is a fantastic spot. Known for their fresh, crispy falafel, vibrant salads, and homemade sauces, this place offers a quick, casual bite that’s perfect for lunch or a light dinner. Their commitment to halal ingredients makes it a reliable stop for Muslim travelers seeking familiar flavors. They have a standalone store in Roppongi and a branch on the 7th floor of Shibuya Parco.
2. Ichikoro – Tori-Soba Juban 156 (Azabujuban)
Ramen lovers don’t have to miss out. Chicken Ramen Azabujuban specializes in chicken-based broths that are halal-certified, providing a delicious and hearty bowl of ramen without compromising on dietary laws. Their main focus is health with a particular focus on collagen, which makes it particularly popular among women too. Their rich, flavorful broth paired with tender chicken and fresh toppings makes it a must-try for those not wanting to miss out on the ramen experience.
3. Samarkand Terrace (Takadanobaba)
For a taste of Central Asian cuisine, Samarkand Terrace brings the flavors of Uzbekistan to Tokyo. With a deli style feel and friendly, multilingual staff Samarkand Terrace has a lot to offer. From juicy shashlik to fragrant plov, the dishes here are prepared with halal meat and authentic spices. Don’t forget to booked your meal with one of their tasty desserts and a rich cup of tea, as per tradition. The relaxed atmosphere makes it a great place to sit down and enjoy a leisurely meal.
4. Halal Yakiniku A5 Gyumon (Shibuya)
If you want to indulge in Japanese barbecue (yakiniku) but need halal options, A5 Gyumon in Shibuya is a standout choice. They offer premium halal-certified cuts of beef, including the famous A5-grade wagyu. The quality and care they put into their meats mean you don’t have to miss out on one of Japan’s culinary highlights.
5. Camii Mosque (Yoyogi Uehara)
Located within Tokyo’s most famous mosque, there is a small grocery store — where they sell halal snacks, ingredients, and even ready-to-eat meals. They’re invaluable for travelers who prefer cooking their own food or need to grab halal snacks on the go. They also sell knick-knacks, prayer mats, and daily goods. Our favourites are the samsas, but there’s plenty on offer.
6. Cinta Jawa Cafe (Shibuya)
Cinta Jawa Cafe is hidden away on the fourth floor above Shogun Burger in Shibuya. However, despite its secludedness, it is a popular spot of both Indonesians and foreigners alike. Their staff welcome guests with typical Indonesian charm and the interior encourages a relaxed feel. Dishes like nasi goreng (fried rice), satay, and rendang are flavorful options that provide a nice break from typical Japanese cuisine while adhering to halal standards.
7. Zenobia (Hiroo)
Zenobia is a cozy Middle Eastern restaurant tucked underground on the main Hiroo thoroughfare with authentic flavors from Syria and the surrounding region. Expect beautifully spiced dishes like shawarma, hummus, tabbouleh, and more — all prepared with halal ingredients and a passion for traditional recipes. Head there at lunch for the Arabian Lunch Plate, or in the evening for their à la carte menu and a more subdued atmosphere.
8. Sphinx (Iidabashi)
In Iidabashi, on the Tozai line, there is Sphinx, an Egyptian restaurant that doubles as as a villa of the community. From hosting events (check their instagram) throughout ramadan and for the many eids, to making an exciting party spot for private events, Sphinx has a lot on offer. What stands out most is their belly-dancing, where talented dancers provide entertainment during the meal. Sphinx certainly makes for a fun night out.
9. Kebab Stands
You’ll find kebab stands and trucks scattered across Tokyo, especially near popular nightlife districts. Many of these vendors use halal meat, and the quick, flavorful wraps and plates make great street food options for hungry explorers on the go. If you can find kebab shops with somewhere to sit down all the more exciting, our favourite is Hisar in Okubo which provides a wonderful selection of other Turkish food and drink too.
10. Luxe Burgers & Sunny’s Table (Asakusa)
Craving a Western-style meal? Luxe Burgers offers halal-certified beef patties with a range of toppings and sides. From hamburgers to hotdogs, there’s plenty to choose from, but the best are the sides, generously spiced and perfectly crispy, you can’t go wrong with the french fries or onion rings.
11. Indian Restaurants
Tokyo is home to several Indian restaurants with halal certifications or Muslim-owned establishments. These spots often feature rich curries, naan breads, biryanis, and tandoori specialties that cater to halal diets — and they bring the warmth and spices that many travelers love. Annam Ginza is one popular spot, but there are plenty of restaurants scattered about that cater to Halal dietary laws.
12. Yoshi’s Passion – Japanese Curry (Asakusa)
Every anime fan wants to try the Japanese-style curry, however it is almost always made using pork. Japanese curry can be a comfort food favorite, and at Yoshi’s Passion, they’ve created a halal-friendly menu, so our muslim brothers and sisters don’t have to miss out on this cult-classic! Rich, flavorful curry dishes made with halal chicken or beef allow visitors to enjoy this iconic Japanese dish without worry.
13. Wagyu to Worldwide (Kachidoki)
For those looking to explore Japan’s legendary wagyu beef burgers halal-style, Wagyu to Worldwide in Kachidoki offers premium halal wagyu beef dishes with international flavors, ensuring an unforgettable dining experience. They have another branch in Kyoto, so for those leaving Tokyo’s confines they can rest assured, options abound outside of the megalopolis.
Final Thoughts
While Tokyo may still pose some challenges for halal eaters, the growing number of halal-certified restaurants and food outlets is a promising sign. Whether you want to savor traditional Japanese dishes adapted for halal diets, indulge in Middle Eastern and South Asian flavors, or simply grab a quick halal snack, this city is gradually becoming more welcoming.
We recommend downloading apps like Halal Navi or Zabihah, and connecting with local Muslim communities or mosques for up-to-date tips and recommendations.
Enjoy your halal culinary adventure in Tokyo — a city where tradition meets modernity, and diverse tastes find their place.
