Here's What You Need to Know About The Halal Food Scenario Before Your Trip to Japan

Halal food, or food that is permissible for Muslims to eat according to Islamic law, has gained popularity in Japan in recent years. While Japan is not a traditional Muslim country, there has been a growing demand for halal food due to an increase in Muslim tourists and a growing Muslim population in the country. In this blog, we'll explore the history and current state of halal food in Japan, as well as some of the best places to find it.

The history of halal food in Japan can be traced back to the early 20th century when the first halal-certified restaurant opened in Yokohama in 1914. However, it wasn't until the late 20th century that halal food really began to gain traction in Japan. In 1988, the first halal certification body, the Japan Halal Association, was established, and in the following years, more and more halal-certified restaurants and products began to appear on the market.

Today, halal food can be found in various parts of Japan, including major cities like Tokyo and Osaka. There are now over 1,000 halal-certified restaurants in Japan, as well as a growing number of halal-certified products available in supermarkets and convenience stores. Many of these products are Japanese dishes that have been modified to meet halal requirements, such as ramen noodles made with halal chicken broth or sushi made with halal fish.

One of the best places to find halal food in Japan is at specialty halal restaurants. These restaurants offer a variety of dishes, including Japanese, Indian, Middle Eastern, and other cuisines. Some popular halal restaurants in Japan include the Tokyo Camii & Turkish Culture Center in Tokyo, which serves Turkish and Middle Eastern dishes, and the Halal Chinese Restaurant in Osaka, which serves halal-certified Chinese dishes. Japan has a lot of Pakistani and Nepali halal restaurants as well, scattered across big cities.

Another option for finding halal food in Japan is to visit international supermarkets or import stores, which often carry a selection of halal-certified products. These products include everything from halal meat and poultry to snacks and spices. Some popular international supermarkets in Japan include the National Azabu supermarket in Tokyo and the Nankai Terminal Market in Osaka.

In addition to specialty halal restaurants and international supermarkets, there are also a number of Japanese restaurants that offer halal options. Many of these restaurants have separate kitchens or designated areas for preparing halal dishes, or use separate utensils and equipment to prevent cross-contamination. Some popular Japanese restaurants with halal options include the Naritaya Ramen Restaurant in Tokyo, which offers halal-certified ramen noodles, and the Yakiniku Zanmai chain, which has several locations in Tokyo and Osaka that offer halal-certified yakiniku (grilled meat).

While finding halal food in Japan can still be a challenge, the availability of halal options has greatly improved in recent years. With the help of halal certification bodies, specialized halal restaurants, and an increasing number of halal-certified products, it is now easier than ever for Muslims living in or visiting Japan to enjoy a variety of halal dishes. You can also easily find Halal Restaurants, Grocery Shops, and Mosques on our website www.halalfoodinjapan.com