6 Best Halal Restaurants at Akihabara
6 Best Halal Restaurants in Akihabara
Discover the six best halal restaurants in Akihabara, a vibrant district known for its cutting-edge electronics, anime culture, and bustling energy. These dining spots offer a variety of delicious halal options, ensuring that Muslim visitors can enjoy a diverse culinary experience while exploring this iconic Tokyo neighborhood.
Okachimachi
Highlights
Ayam-YA offers a delightful bowl of Spicy Chicken Soba Shoyu Ramen. While not particularly innovative, the broth stands out with its rich depth of flavor and umami. The chicken topping is light and the cilantro adds a mild accent without overpowering the dish. The true marvel lies in the simplicity and balance, allowing diners to naturally enjoy the soup to the last drop.
In a city where many ramen shops boast about their unique noodles, shoyu, or salt, Ayam-YA impresses with a straightforward, unpretentious approach. The fact that the entire bowl, including the broth, can be enjoyed to the end speaks volumes about its quality. Prices are reasonable, with a typical meal costing around ¥1,000 per person, making it an affordable option for a high-quality lunch.
Additionally, the warm and friendly service provided by the international staff enhances the overall dining experience. Ayam-YA is a noteworthy destination for ramen enthusiasts seeking a satisfying and comforting meal.
Asakusa
Highlights
This cozy restaurant, featuring around 10 counter seats, initially began with mixed noodles and Japanese-style curry, but its Sri Lankan curry has quickly gained popularity. During my visit, everyone, including myself, ordered the Sri Lankan curry.
The menu offers four types of Sri Lankan curry: chicken, fish, beef, and mutton. The side dishes change daily; on my visit, they included parippu (lentil curry), pol sambol (coconut relish), and pumpkin.
For my first visit, I chose the chicken curry, which seemed like a staple. The chicken curry had a rich flavor with roasted cumin and other spices. The parippu was comforting with a bean texture and a spicy chili kick, the pol sambol had a blend of coconut followed by chili heat, and the pumpkin provided a savory broth flavor. As I ate, a slow warmth spread through my body, and the spiciness made my nose run.
The generous portion of rice and the flavorful curry made the meal a great value at 1,000 yen. Payment is accepted in cash only, and the overall cost per person ranges from 1,000 to 2,000 yen.
Akihabara
Highlights
Yakiniku Panga is a rare gem in Tokyo, serving Halal-certified meat, which attracts many foreign customers. The restaurant offers a unique experience with announcements in multiple languages, enhancing its international atmosphere. During my visit, I tried several cuts of meat, including premium salted tongue, premium harami (skirt steak), premium loin, chicken tender, and brisket. The chicken tender and premium salted tongue were particularly excellent, while the brisket was interesting, though I felt plain eggs might have complemented it better than the whipped eggs provided. I also enjoyed the hamburger steak with its original curry-flavored demi-glace sauce, which paired well with rice. Yakiniku Panga delivers high-quality yakiniku, making it a great place to enjoy grilled meat. While I thought it could benefit from a bit more originality, the restaurant is perfect for hosting international guests, ensuring they can enjoy Japanese yakiniku with confidence.
Ueno
Highlights
Located just a 3-minute walk from Ueno Hirokoji Station, Halal Wagyu Yakiniku IWASAKI offers a premium dining experience with high-quality Ota beef from Hyogo Prefecture. Open every day and perfect for various occasions, the restaurant features counter seats for dates, table seating for groups, and semi-private rooms.
During my Thursday evening visit with a friend, we enjoyed dishes like thick-cut salted tongue (2,980 yen), thick-cut harami (2,480 yen), premium salted tongue (1,980 yen), marbled yukhoe (1,580 yen), and exquisite raw liver grill (980 yen). The tongue and harami were particularly delightful.
The thick-cut salted tongue was tender despite its thickness, sourced from a rare part of the tongue. The marbled yukhoe, served with gold leaf, was exceptionally fresh and luxurious. The raw liver, seasoned with sesame oil and garlic, was fresh and flavorful.
With a budget of 6,000 to 8,000 yen, this yakiniku spot is highly recommended for those seeking quality meat in the Ueno area.
Kanda
Highlights
Located about a 5-6 minute walk from Jimbocho Station, this restaurant is easy to find along the main street. I visited on a weekday around 7 PM and entered without a wait, finding the place lively and almost full.
The interior is calm, with plenty of counter seats, making it comfortable for solo diners. Many other customers were also dining alone, creating a welcoming atmosphere.
I ordered the Lanzhou beef noodles (1,080 yen) after a quick glance at the menu. The dish’s presentation was impressive, with a wonderful aroma of cilantro. The noodles were incredibly delicious, filling my mouth with flavor. I finished the bowl quickly, thoroughly enjoying every bite.
With a diverse menu, I’m eager to try other dishes on my next visit.
Akihabara
Highlights
Located off Showa Street on a narrow alley, Cinta Jawa Cafe is a popular spot for authentic Indonesian cuisine, frequented mostly by Indonesian patrons. The interior is richly decorated, offering a unique atmosphere, with only table seating available.
During my visit, the place was nearly full. I ordered Nasi Campur Padang (1,350 yen), Young Chicken Satay (500 yen), and Cendol Dawet Ayu (680 yen), totaling 2,530 yen. They do not serve lunch on Saturdays.
The Nasi Campur Padang featured a variety of flavorful ingredients, each complementing the rice. Mixing them together created a delightful new taste. Beware of the extremely spicy green sambal. The beef and coconut milk stir-fry resembled a spicy yellow curry with a strong coconut milk flavor and plenty of beef. It is best enjoyed with rice.
Cinta Jawa Cafe offers a vibrant dining experience with authentic Indonesian flavors, perfect for those seeking a taste of Indonesia in Tokyo.