Are There Halal Japanese Ramen?
Ramen (ラーメン), a quintessential Japanese dish, is one of the foods I most wanted to try when traveling to Japan. This time, Indonesian travel blog catperku.com will recommend several halal ramen spots in Tokyo, Osaka, and other cities in Japan.
Comprehensive List of Halal Ramen Spots in Japan for 2024
I’ve been influenced to try ramen due to Japanese comics like Ranma, Doraemon, and Naruto—sounds a bit absurd, right? Nevertheless, I’ve been very curious about this noodle-based dish.
Unfortunately, most ramen ingredients include pork, which is not consumable for Muslims.
My desire to try this famous ramen seemed crushed, even though I had a ticket to Japan. Perhaps I’d have to be content with just seeing it, unless there were halal ramen options.
Halal Ramen Spots in Tokyo for 2024
Tokyo, Japan, is known for its numerous restaurants and food stalls famous worldwide. One of the most popular dishes in Tokyo for Indonesian tourists is ramen.
Ramen is Japanese instant noodles typically served with a savory broth and various toppings like meat, vegetables, and eggs. However, finding halal eateries in Tokyo can be a challenge for Muslim travelers.
Here are some recommended halal ramen spots in Tokyo:
1. Ramen Honolu Ebisu
Located in the Ebisu area, Ramen Honolu Ebisu offers halal ramen made with halal ingredients, steamed rather than fried. They offer a variety of broths like Shoyu and Shio. They also serve halal side dishes such as chicken karaage and gyudon.
2. Ayam-YA Okachimachi Tokyo
This halal ramen restaurant, which previously had locations in Kyoto and Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, now has a branch in Tokyo. Here, you can enjoy halal ramen with a rich, white chicken broth, free from harmful additives. Located just 2 minutes walk from Ueno Okachimachi Mosque at Japan, 〒111-0041 Tokyo, Taito City, Motoasakusa, 3 Chome−10−3 シャトー元浅草.
3. Halal Ramen Ouka
Situated in Shibuya, Halal Ramen Ouka uses natural ingredients and avoids MSG. They offer various ramen flavors like Shoyu, Shio, and Tsukemen. They also have other halal dishes such as gyoza and chicken karaage. Unfortunately, this place has recently closed.
4. Naritaya Halal Ramen
Near Asakusa Station, Naritaya Halal Ramen is popular among Muslim travelers for its delicious halal food. They offer a range of ramen options like Shio, Shoyu, and Miso, all made with halal ingredients. They also serve other Japanese dishes like curry and donburi.
Halal Ramen Spots in Osaka for 2024
Osaka, Japan’s second-largest city, is renowned for its delicious food. Ramen, an instant noodle dish often served with a savory broth and various toppings, is a favorite in Osaka as well.
Finding halal ramen in Osaka can be challenging for Muslim travelers. Here are a few recommended halal ramen spots in Osaka:
1. Ramen Honolu Osaka
Located in central Osaka, Ramen Honolu Osaka offers halal ramen made with halal ingredients and steamed rather than fried. They offer various broths like Shoyu and Shio, along with halal side dishes like chicken karaage and gyudon. The restaurant employs Muslim staff and provides a prayer space.
2. Halal Restaurant Naritaya Osaka Minami
This halal restaurant in Osaka serves ramen, wagyu, and other dishes. They also offer a prayer space. For more information, visit their Instagram: [Naritaya Osaka](https://www.instagram.com/naritaya_osaka/). The address is Japan, 〒542-0083 Osaka, Chuo Ward, Higashishinsaibashi, 1 Chome−7−23 T’zビル 3F.
My First Experience Trying Halal Ramen at “Kaijin” in Tokyo
Everything changed when I accidentally read a book about unique aspects of life in Japan. The book, *Shocking Japan* by Junanto Herdiawan, mentioned some places selling halal ramen!
Ramen, halal no less! This meant I could actually try and eat it, not just see it!
The book mentioned places selling ramen without pork—vegetarian ramen, chicken-based ramen, and seafood ramen. Among these, seafood ramen seemed most likely for me to try, given my preference for seafood and the practicality of finding it.
Finding Kaijin Ramen: Easy Location Near Shinjuku Station
The seafood ramen spot, Kaijin, is located in Shinjuku, not far from the South East Exit. The restaurant’s name means “Sea God.”
Despite not being a travel guide, the book gave me some clues. Finding Kaijin ramen in the bustling area of Shinjuku was a bit of a challenge, but I managed with a friend who spoke a bit of Japanese. The restaurant is hidden a few meters from the South East Exit, and its sign is in Kanji.
Menu in Japanese: Prepare Google Translate
The challenge continued when I saw the menu entirely in Kanji. Thankfully, my friend helped by speaking Japanese to the staff, who then provided a menu with pictures. This revealed two types of ramen at Kaijin: spicy and non-spicy seafood ramen.
Trying Spicy Seafood Halal Ramen
Loving spicy food, I chose the spicy seafood ramen while my friend opted for the non-spicy version. After a short wait, my bowl of spicy seafood ramen arrived with a side of rice (onigiri) topped with something like sambal.
There’s no written rule on how to eat it, but I finished the ramen first and then mixed the rice into the remaining broth.
This was the most delicious seafood ramen I’ve ever tried! Although it’s far from where I live now, this experience was memorable. If I get the chance to visit Japan again, I’ll definitely return to try this halal ramen once more.