There is no doubt that Japan is the Land of Ramen. What better way to experience that, other than enjoying the ramen yourself? Especially when they are halal! (Or at least, Muslim-friendly!) :) We've saved you the trouble of compiling all the different stores you have to visit and wrote an ultimate list of all the Muslim-friendly/halal ramen places in the whole of Japan! (And if you need more help planning that trip to Tokyo, check out our 5D4N itinerary - halal ramen included :P)
Credit: Giphy
Tokyo
Ahh, what's a trip to Japan without visiting Tokyo? And if it's your first time to Tokyo, don't forget to check out some of the things that you absolutely have to do (other than trying halal ramen of course)!
P.S. Don't forget to download the HHWT Travel Planner app, available on Google Play for Android and iTunes Store for iOS, to make your trip to Tokyo even easier! You can find attractions as well as halal food and prayer spaces near these attractions, so no worries on not being able to find halal food anymore!
1. Shinjuku Gyoen Ramen Ouka
This one has got to be my favourite ramen place in Tokyo! Not only is the serving huge (you can also upsize your ramen to large), it also comes with grilled chicken AND yakitori as part of the set. The unique thing about this ramen is that it also comes with a bowl of rice, which you have to eat with the remaining broth of your ramen. The combination of the flavorful broth and plain white rice was beyond amazing! You definitely have to try it for yourself.
Opening Hours: Monday to Thursday - 2pm to 10pm, Friday - 6pm to 10pm
Saturday, Sunday and Public Holiday – 1pm to 10pm
Halal Status: Halal Certified (by Japan Islamic Trust)
How to get here:
[Also Read: 12 Free Things To Do In Tokyo!]
2. Naritaya (Asakusa)
http://instagram.com/p/-OqnwIm-4g
Here’s another ramen place in Asakusa that’s worth a visit! The broth for the ramen is chicken-based and the noodles are made fresh at their own factory. The unique thing about this shop is that… you get to order your ramen through a vending machine located just outside the entrance. Talk about getting an authentic experience! :D And if you are a fan of spicy food, just add the chilli paste provided into your ramen!
Credit: @yunayuni on Instagram
#HHWT Tip: A prayer room is available here – just let the staff know!
Opening hours: Monday to Saturday - 11am to 10pm
Sunday - 11am to 9pm
Halal Status: Halal Certified (by Japan Islamic Trust)
How to get here:
3. Menya Kaijin
Want a change from the chicken/miso broth? Try the seafood ramen at Menya Kaijin! The broth is clear & really light but still really yummy. Plus it's also located in the heart of Tokyo, Shinjuku!
http://instagram.com/p/-DkqC-m-_V
Opening hours: Monday to Saturday - 11am to 3pm (lunch), 4pm to 11.30pm (dinner)
Sunday - 11am to 11pm
Halal Status: Seafood options available
*Note: Since this is not a halal-certified restaurant, we advise our readers to dine at your own discretion. Also, do let the waiter know in advance that you do not want chicken to be added!
How to get here:
4. Ippin Asakusa Unfortunately, Ippin has closed down :(
If you're in the area, the ramen here is definitely worth a try. The milky broth is different from the others I've tried and the chilli paste placed on top of it is just tantalising. Just looking at it makes me want to have it again right now! Heh.
Bonus: The fried karaage is a great accompaniment to the ramen – crispy and yummy!
There are two storeys of seating, so you don’t have to worry about getting a seat here! A prayer space and a sejadah is provided on the second floor for you to do your solat. Just bring a telekong for the ladies!
Opening Hours: 1130 to 2230, daily
Halal Status: Halal Certified
How to get there:
BONUS: Homemade Udon Noodles KINEYAMUGIMARU
Okay, technically udon is NOT ramen. But… they’re still part of the same family, right? HEHE. And the udon here is too good to not share about it! Especially if you’re flying in to Tokyo via the Narita Airport and have some time to kill or a stomach to fill.
#HHWT Tip: It is a Japanese tradition that you should slurp your noodles if they are yummy! We tried – but failed miserably. Haha.
I had the beef udon and it was the most delicious one ever! Nothing beats the original right? Hehe. Love it that the noodles were very springy and the broth was just right – not too salty for my liking. My cravings for udon were finally satiated when I had this!
To place an order, decide on the toppings for the udon as well as the size. You will then be served with a bowl of udon with toppings sans broth. Then, pick your own onigiri and tempura (self-service). Make payment and then proceed to the broth station and dispense as much (or little) broth you like!
#HHWT Tip: A multi-faith prayer space is also available on the same floor! Do bring your own sejadah and telekung.
Opening Hours: 7.30am to 9pm (Last order at 8.30pm)
Halal Status: Halal Certified (by Malaysia Halal Constitution & Training Agency)
How to get there: 5th Floor of Narita Airport Terminal 1
Kyoto
Now, let’s move on the city I fell in love with at first sight! Hehe. Love it that the place is modern but traditional at the same time. I could go on but let’s focus on the ramen here!
[Also Read: 10 Things To Do In Kyoto That Are Absolutely FREE]
5. Gion Naritaya
I had my first taste of authentic ramen here and it was really love at first sight. Hehe. It was really good – think spicy and piping hot ramen after a long walk in the cold winter wind! :) Don't forget to get the chicken karaage and dumpling to go with the ramen. Just the smell of these dishes is enough to make you go crazy!
#HHWT Tip: A small and comfortable prayer space is provided here – even telekong and sejadah.
Opening Hours: 11am to 10pm daily
Halal Status: Halal Certified (by JAKIM, Malaysia)
How to get there:
6. Ayam-Ya
This was my last meal in Kyoto and just look at this heavenly bowl of ramen! The runny yolk of the egg is just super yummy. The spiciness level was just right for me too! Yummy is definitely an understatement for this one. Can I please teleport back there again to have this?!
#HHWT Tip: A prayer room is available here – with a wall separating the male and female prayer space. Telekung, sejadah and a place for abulation are also provided! Love it here J
Opening Hours: Monday to Sunday - 11.30am to 2.30pm and 6pm to 9.30pm
Halal Status: Halal Certified (by Malaysia Halal Corporation)
How to get there:
7. Shin-Yokohama
Well, if you are in the area, why not drop by this Ramen Museum? Since you probably won’t be able to find another ramen museum anywhere else in the world and this one has Muslim-friendly options! So, put on your adventure hat and go explore! :)
#HHWT Tip: You can ask for a separate pamphlet where information on ramen that are Muslim-friendly are stated. A prayer room is also provided here. Just ask the staff! :) So, what are you waiting for?
Opening Hours: Monday to Friday - 11am to 9.30pm
Saturday - 11am to 10pm
Sunday - 10.30am to 9.30pm
Halal Status: Vegetarian food available
*Note: Since this is not a halal-certified restaurant, we advise our readers to dine at your own discretion.
How to get here:
From Tokyo Station
Take the JR Tokaido Line to Yokohama Station. From there, change to the Yokohama City Subway and take it to Shinyokohama Station. Exit from Exit 8 and walk to the Ramen Museum
From Shibuya Station
Take the Tokyu Toyoko Line to Kikuna Station. From there, change to the JR Yokohama Line and take it to Shinyokohama Station. Exit from Exit 8 and walk to the Ramen Museum
Hokkaido
If you are planning to go to Hokkaido, fret not as there's a Muslim-friendly ramen shop which you can try out. By the way, soupy ramen is especially delicious in colder weather!
8. Houryu
Credit: Houryu
Credit: Houryu
Check out our article on muslim-friendly eateries in Hokkaido for more information!
Opening Hours:
Monday to Saturday - 10.30am to 3am
Sunday and PH - 10.30am to 2am
Halal Status: Halal meat available, Utensils kept separately
*Note: Since this is not a halal-certified restaurant, we advise our readers to dine at your own discretion.
How to get there:
[Check Out: 7 Exciting Things You Have To Try In Japan In The Winter]
Tochigi
If you are into cricket (the sport, not the insect!), you would have definitely heard about Sano City – where many of the international matches are played and a number of the players are Muslims. And if you happen to be in the area, why not drop by Nikkoken and give their ramen a try?
9. Nikkoken
Opening Hours: 11am to 2.30pm and 5.30pm to 8pm
Closes on every Thursday and every third Monday of the month
Halal Status: Halal meat available
*Note: Since this is not a halal-certified restaurant, we advise our readers to dine at your own discretion.
How to get here: It’s just a few minutes’ walk from Sano station!
Gifu
I’m pretty sure we’ve all heard of Sega when we were growing up and so, you might want to check out Sega World Takayama! Nearby this attraction, there’s a Muslim-friendly ramen place. So, no worries about feeling hungry!
10. Hidatakayama-ramen Tenma
Credit: Muslim Friendly Project in Hida Takayama on Facebook
Opening Hours: Monday to Sunday - 11.30am to 9pm
Halal Status: Halal meat available
*Note: Since this is not a halal-certified restaurant, we advise our readers to dine at your own discretion.
How to get there:
Oita
11. Ittoryu
Credit: @juicy_mareeya on Instagram
This Muslim-friendly ramen place is situated in Beppu, where it is famous for its onsen and it is also home to a large international Muslim student body. Here, you can choose between the black or white ramen, where the latter has no garlic in it. You will also be given a different set of chopsticks when you dine here to ensure that you don’t get the utensils that are not meant for the Muslims :)
P.S. The soup stock is made of dashi and soy milk!
Opening Hour: 11am to 3.30pm and 5.30pm to 10pm, daily
Halal Status: Halal meal available
*Note: Since this is not a halal-certified restaurant, we advise our readers to dine at your own discretion.
How to get here: About a 20 mins walk from Beppu station
So, there you have it – the ultimate guide of ramen which you need to try when you are in Japan! Trust me, you’ll certainly fall in love with the authenticity of these bowls of ramen! :D
P.S. Don’t forget to download the HHWT Travel Planner app, available on Google Play for Android and iTunes Store for iOS, to make your trip to Tokyo even easier! You can find attractions as well as halal food and prayer spaces near these attractions, so no worries about not being able to find halal food anymore!