Halal Food in Shinjuku

Welcome to Shinjuku, a vibrant district in Tokyo where modern meets traditional and food lovers find their paradise. But for Muslim travellers, the quest for delicious cuisine doesn’t stop at just any food stall. The hunt is for something more specific – Shinjuku Halal food.

This district is home to a wide variety of halal food options, each offering a distinct taste of Japanese culinary excellence while strictly adhering to Halal dietary laws. Whether you’re a Muslim traveller seeking familiar comfort in foreign land, or simply curious about the diversity of Shinjuku Halal food, this gastronomic journey is one to anticipate. Stay tuned as we delve into the delightful world of halal food in Shinjuku.

Does Shinjuku have halal food?

Yes, Shinjuku, a special ward in Tokyo, Japan, does have restaurants that offer halal food. Japan has seen an increasing number of restaurants catering to Muslim dietary requirements in recent years, particularly in tourist-heavy areas like Shinjuku.

However, it’s still a good idea to research beforehand or check with the restaurant to ensure they meet Halal standards. Websites like Halal Gourmet Japan or Halal Media Japan can be useful resources to locate Halal-certified or Muslim-friendly restaurants.

Is it hard to find halal food in Shinjuku?

Shinjuku, a major district in Tokyo, Japan, is known for its bustling city life, shopping centers, and diverse food culture. While Japan isn’t predominantly a Muslim country, the increase in Muslim tourists over recent years has led to a rise in the availability of halal food.

In Shinjuku, you can find a number of restaurants offering halal food, such as Malaysian, Turkish, and Indian cuisines. There are also a few Japanese restaurants that offer halal versions of local dishes. However, the density of halal restaurants may not be as high as in some other international cities, so it’s advisable to plan your meals in advance.

Using apps like “Halal Navi” or “Happy Cow” can help you find halal food places nearby. Another tip is to look for establishments that are certified by the Japan Muslim Association or other international halal certification bodies. Keep in mind that English may not be spoken at every restaurant, so learning a few key Japanese phrases could be helpful.

Which area of Shinjuku is halal?

There isn’t a specific area in Shinjuku that is Halal, but there are numerous restaurants throughout the district that offer Halal food. Here are a few:

1. Yoshiya Shinjuku: This restaurant serves Halal certified Okinawa cuisine. They have Halal certified beef, chicken, and some seafood options.
2. Sekai Cafe – Shinjuku: This cafe is dedicated to serving everyone, regardless of dietary restrictions or religious beliefs. They offer Halal, vegetarian, and vegan options.
3. Little Saebejae: This is a Korean Halal restaurant in Shinjuku.
4. Kineya Mugimaru in Shinjuku Takashimaya: They offer Halal certified udon and soba.
5. Shinjuku Gyoen Ramen Ouka: Ramen Ouka serves Halal and vegan ramen.

These are just a few examples. In recent years, there has been an increase in the number of restaurants in Japan offering Halal food due to the growth of Muslim tourism. So, you can find a good amount of Halal food in Shinjuku and throughout Tokyo. However, it’s always a good idea to check the recent reviews or contact the restaurant directly to make sure they still offer Halal options.

Are there a lot of Muslims in Shinjuku?

Shinjuku, located in Tokyo, Japan, is a vibrant and diverse district known for its bustling shopping areas, entertainment venues, and a variety of dining options. While Japan’s Muslim population is relatively small, Tokyo, including Shinjuku, does have an increasing Muslim community, attributed to international students, residents, and tourists.

However, there isn’t specific data readily available about the exact number of Muslims in Shinjuku. Tokyo, in general, has made a concerted effort to accommodate Muslims, with an increasing number of halal food options and prayer facilities, especially in districts like Shinjuku.

Is Shinjuku halal friendly?

Yes, Shinjuku in Tokyo, Japan, is quite Halal-friendly. Although Japan is not a predominantly Muslim country, the need for Halal food has been recognized in many parts of the country due to the increasing number of Muslim tourists.

You can find several Halal restaurants in Shinjuku offering a variety of cuisines including Japanese, Turkish, Indian, Indonesian, and more. There are also Halal grocery stores in the area. However, be aware that not all restaurants in Shinjuku are Halal, so it’s always a good idea to check beforehand.

How to check whether McDonald’s or KFC is halal in Shinjuku?

Generally, to check if a restaurant like McDonald’s or KFC is Halal in a specific location such as Shinjuku, you can follow these steps:

1. Visit their official websites or contact their customer service: Major chain restaurants often have location-specific information, including dietary accommodations, on their websites.
2. Use Halal Food Apps: Apps like “Halal Navi,” “Zabihah,” “Muslim Pro,” or “Halal Trip” can help you discover halal restaurants in specific areas.
3. Visit local halal food directories: There are several online directories and websites that list halal restaurants in various parts of the world, including Japan. Websites like “Have Halal Will Travel” and “Halal Media Japan” are very useful.
4. Ask local community: Local Muslim communities, mosques, or Islamic centres often have information about halal eateries.
5. Look for Halal Certifications: Halal restaurants often display their certification from a recognized authority. In Japan, the most recognized certification bodies are the Japan Muslim Association and Japan Halal Foundation.

Remember, the definition of ‘halal’ can vary among different individuals and cultures. It’s always best to ask about specific practices if you are unsure.

As of now, the common branches of KFC and McDonald’s in Japan, including in Shinjuku, are not halal-certified. However, you might be able to find other restaurants in Shinjuku that do offer halal options.

What to do if I cannot find halal food in Shinjuku?

If you cannot find Halal food in Shinjuku, Tokyo, you have several options:

1. Try Vegetarian or Vegan Food: These will not contain any meat or animal products, making them suitable for Muslims. However, be aware of alcohol used in some dishes or desserts.
2. Look for Seafood or Fish Dishes: Japan, being an island nation, has many dishes that are made from seafood. Sushi, sashimi, and other fish dishes should generally be halal, but be cautious about any sauces or seasonings.
3. Prepare Your Own Food: If you have access to a kitchen, you could buy ingredients from a supermarket and cook your own meals. This gives you full control over what goes into your food.
4. Use an Online Halal Food Locator: Websites and applications like Halal Gourmet Japan, Halal Navi, or Zabihah can provide locations and reviews for halal restaurants.
5. Travel to Other Areas: While Shinjuku might not have many Halal options, other parts of Tokyo do. Asakusa, for example, has several Halal-friendly restaurants.
6. Ask for Help: Lastly, you can always ask locals, your hotel staff, or use online forums to find the best halal food in the area.

Remember, it’s always better to double-check with the restaurant or the food provider to ensure that the food is indeed Halal compliant.

Why I should be strict in my halal food diet in Shinjuku?

Maintaining a strict halal food diet in Shinjuku, as in any part of the world, is important if you want to adhere to the dietary laws of Islam. Here are some reasons why:

1. Religious Obligation: If you’re a Muslim, following a halal diet is a core part of your faith. It is a religious obligation and is part of practicing your faith meticulously.
2. Health Reasons: Halal food is considered to be clean and healthy. It requires that animals are treated and killed humanely, and all blood is drained from their veins. Following a halal diet can mean that you’re eating food that is healthier and cleaner.
3. Ethical Reasons: The halal dietary laws are designed to respect the rights of animals. They should not be mistreated or caused unnecessary suffering. If these issues are important to you, maintaining a halal diet can be a way to ensure you’re eating ethically-sourced food.
4. Assurance of Purity: Halal certification also ensures that food products are free from any elements forbidden in Islam, like pork or alcohol. This can give you peace of mind about the food you consume.
5. Cultural or Community Practice: Maintaining dietary practices from one’s culture or community can be a way to stay connected to one’s identity and heritage.

In Shinjuku or any place, it may be a bit challenging to find diverse halal food options as compared with non-halal food, but today many restaurants and food outlets provide halal options, and there are also various apps and websites that can guide you to halal food places. Maintaining your halal diet would need a bit of planning and awareness but is completely doable.