VisitShinjuku.com – Shinjuku, one of Tokyo’s most vibrant and diverse districts, is home to a myriad of dining options for all tastes and preferences. With a growing Muslim population and an increasing number of international visitors, finding halal food in Shinjuku has become easier than ever. Whether you’re a local or a traveler, Shinjuku offers a variety of halal restaurants that cater to the dietary needs of Muslim diners, serving everything from traditional Japanese dishes to international cuisines.
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.
Top 5 Best Halal Food Restaurant Places in Shinjuku
1. Kebab Ye
Enjoy Turkish food, one of the three most important cuisines in the world! Kebab Ye do not serve alcoholic beverages. They use only Halal meat and do not use any alcohol or other haram ingredients in their food.
Address: 3-6, Shinjuku, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo, 160-0022, Japan (Google maps)
Social Media: https://www.instagram.com/kebabye.tokyo
Website: https://kebabye-tokyo.com/
2. Bosphorus Hasan Shinjuku
If you’re looking for Turkish food with a fine dining atmosphere, then look no further than Bosphorus Hasan, a Mediterranean restaurant that serves halal food! Something that this eatery is proud of is its healthy dishes which are all made to order upon request. From kebabs to baklava, you can look forward to authentic Turkish cuisine! ? We recommend you order the Pide (A savory bread baked with feta cheese, parsley, mozzarella). The ones here are made with fried beef in olive oil, seasoned with onions, salt, salt, and cumin, and combine with sliced parsley.
Halal Status: Restaurant is not halal-certified and serves alcoholic beverages, but uses all halal ingredients in their cooking. We advise our readers to dine at your own discretion
Address: 1F 2-7-2 Shinjuku , Shinjuku-ku, TOKYO (Google Maps)
Opening hours: Mon-Sat; 11:30AM-3PM, 5PM-11PM | Sun; Closed
Website: https://www.bosphorushasan.com/english.html
3. Nasco Food Court
Nasco Food Court is just as its name suggests – a food court! Enjoy Pakistani and Bangladeshi foods like Mutton Biryani and Chicken Kebabs, among many others. ? Not to mention, the dishes are priced reasonably, so you won’t burn a hole through your wallet trying to enjoy a delicious meal!
Halal Status: Halal-certified
Address: Japan, 169-0073 Tokyo, Shinjuku City, Hyakunincho, 2 Chome−10−8 1F (Google Maps)
Opening hours: Open daily; 12PM-10PM
Website: https://www.nascohalalfood.com/
4. MUGHAL Halal Indian Restaurant
Biryani with its authentic taste is a must-try! Enjoy authentic East Indian cuisine! The owner from Kolkata delivers East Indian cuisine just like the locals. Rice dishes such as pulao and chicken mandi are popular, including the Kolkata biryani! All the menus are halal-friendly, and vegetarians can also be accommodated ◎ There is no alcohol, and a variety of soft drinks such as homemade lassi and spice chai are available! The store where you can enjoy a small trip feeling is recommended for dining with family and friends, gourmet girls’ party, and dates.
Address: 1-16-8 Nishiwaseda Phonix Waseda 2F, Shinjuku 169-0051 Tokyo Prefecture (Google Maps)
Website: https://www.instagram.com/mughal.curry.tokyo/
5. Warteg Monggo Moro
Established since 2019, Warteg Monggo Moro serves side dishes and typical Indonesian menus such as gado-gado, dry tempeh, balado fish, processed chicken menus and others. The concept of this restaurant itself is also exactly like Warteg in general where customers can choose their own side dishes with a price range of 1,000 yen to 1,300 yen per portion (around 130 thousand IDR to 170 thousand IDR). Don’t forget the chili sauce, crackers and fresh vegetables as well as menu choices such as iced tea or coffee are also available here.
Address: 〒160-0022 Tokyo, Shinjuku City, Shinjuku, 2 Chome−7−2 1F 2F (Google Maps)
Website: https://www.instagram.com/monggomoro._pasti._enak/
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:
- Visit their official websites or contact their customer service: Major chain restaurants often have location-specific information, including dietary accommodations, on their websites.
- Use Halal Food Apps: Apps like “Halal Navi,” “Zabihah,” “Muslim Pro,” or “Halal Trip” can help you discover halal restaurants in specific areas.
- 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.
- Ask local community: Local Muslim communities, mosques, or Islamic centres often have information about halal eateries.
- 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:
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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:
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
