Helmed by Chef Teppei Yamashita, the mastermind behind the renowned Teppei brand, Fu-Men Japanese Udon & Donburi is a relatively new halal-certified Japanese restaurant nestled in the basement of Hong Leong Building.

He has been constantly expanding his empire of Japanese restaurants be it in Singapore or overseas and this time, his venture aims to cater to those working in the CBD looking for affordable halal food.

Specialising in authentic Hakata-style udon and donburi bowls—the first of its kind in Singapore, guests can expect Fu-Men Japanese Udon & Donburi Restaurant to deliver in terms of quality and authenticity.

Possibly the most popular item on the menu, their Gobo Udon (S$12+) is a rather unique item you’d rarely find in typical Japanese restaurants and eateries. For the uninitiated, gobo is essentially the root of a burdock plant that has a crunchy texture and natural sweetness.

Topped with a generous helping of Japanese burdock tempura, the Gobo Udon is one that is set to impress. Deep-fried in a light and thin tempura batter, we appreciate how the gobo provides an extra crunchy texture to the dish despite being soaked in the broth.

While the tempura was impressive on its own, what truly sealed the deal for us was the thinner-than-usual, silky smooth udon that is satisfyingly chewy, giving a pleasant bite.

Besides udon, Fu-Men also serves a variety of donburi bowls. We opted for the Ebi Ten Don (S$17+) which sees two pieces of huge prawn tempura nestled on a bed of egg and Japanese rice.

Aptly crisp, the tempura batter that coats the prawn beneath is light and remains crispy even after having been left out for a while. Biting in, you’d find huge prawns that are plump and fresh.

While there really isn’t much to nitpick about this dish, we thought that it was quite pricey considering its portion. Other donburi items on the menu include Oyako (S$13+) and Beef Egg (S$15+).

Fu-Men Japanese Udon & Donburi Restaurant
16 Raffles Quay
Hong Leong Building #B1-17/18
Singapore 048581
Tel: +65 6224 1134
Mon to Fri: 10am – 8pm
Sat: 10am – 2.30pm
(Closed on Sundays and Public Holidays)
Nearest Station: Raffles Place

With the ubiquity of Japanese restaurants and kiosks all around the island, it is pretty easy to suss out a decent spot to get your urgent ramen and sushi fix. Even though Japanese food tends to lean more on the use of seafood as its ingredients, the use of pork is just as prevalent—notably in ramen broths (yes, Tonkotsu ramen being a classic example).

In Singapore, there is a growing number of Japanese eateries that are catering to the expansive Muslim market. Just as delicious, these eateries dole out sushi, sashimi, udon, donburi, ramen and other Japanese gastronomical delights that are halal-certified.

Do not wait until that next trip to the Land of the Rising Sun, nosh to your heart’s content now! Here are 9 Halal-Certified Japanese Eateries In Singapore That Are Simply Oishii.

Photo Credit: Hei Sushi

#1 HEI SUSHI

Hei Sushi is Singapore’s first kaiten sushi restaurant which gives you easy access to the mind-boggling array of sushi choices as they go round and round.

The plates are colour-coded according to price so that you can roughly keep track of the damage done. Some must-try signatures at this full-scale Japanese eatery include Hei Dragon Makimono (S$8.90), Gyu Ramen (S$17.90) and Shake Tobimayo (S$5.40/2 pcs).

Market Square @ Downtown East
E!Avenue, #02-334
1 Pasir Ris Close
Singapore 519599
Tel: +65 6386 7141
Daily: 11.30am – 10pm
Nearest Station: Pasir Ris
*Multiple outlets islandwide

Photo Credit: Inari-ku

#2 INARI-KU

Top-notch Japanese delights from a home-based masterchef? Do not underestimate the quality of Mdm Marhamah’s sushi platters. Having graduated from the esteemed Tokyo Sushi Academy, Mdm Marhamah decided to use her skills and knowledge to open a home business.

Although there is no physical store, her massive loyal following ascertains that all her sushi platters get sold out super quickly. Gyuniku Don, Duo Inari Sushi Platter, Spicy Miso Ramen and Salmon Teriyaki Bento are just some of the main highlights you can look forward to.

Pasir Ris Street 13
Singapore 510155
Tel: +65 9699 9592
Nearest Station: Pasir Ris

Photo Credit: Isuramuya Japanese Restaurant & Marketplace

#3 ISURAMUYA JAPANESE RESTAURANT & MARKETPLACE

Freshness is guaranteed here at Isuramyu as ingredients are flown in directly from Japan. The exhaustive menu features sashimi, nigiri, donburi, ramen, tempura, agemono and yakimono.

Something to take note about this restaurant is its novel on-premise marketplace. If you wish to test your culinary skills at re-creating these mouth-watering sushi or do some grocery shopping, this is the place to do so.

2 Jurong East Central 1 #04-19
JCube Jurong
Singapore 609731
Tel: +65 6262 3008
Daily: 11.30am – 9.30pm
Nearest Station: Jurong East

Photo Credit: Junshin Express

#4 JUNSHIN EXPRESS

Pining for some cheap takeaway sushi to enjoy in the comfort of your home? Jushin Express can easily settle that for you with sushi that is just 50 cents a piece.

There are even healthy mixed sushi platters that feature veggie sushi (Yellow Bell Peppers Sushi) and fruit sushi (Red Apple Salad Sushi) for you to sample. Be sure to try the Aburi Black Pepper Salmon sushi and the Teriyaki Salmon Sushi too.

311 New Upper Changi Rd
Singapore 467360
Tel: +65 6844 9448
Daily: 10am – 10pm
Nearest Station: Bedok

Photo Credit: Lean Bento

#5 LEAN BENTO

For a guilt-free Japanese meal, Lean Bento does it right with healthy and nutritious meals that look absolutely splendid. Choose from their delicious set bentos which you can even have delivered right to your doorstep.

If you are having trouble deciding on what is best from their ‘eat clean’ menu, perhaps you can try the Miso Salmon and Mediterranean Chicken Premium Bento (S$17.95) or the Honey Chicken Bento (S$11.95). Desserts are pretty unique here too as seen from the Matcha Tea Ninja Protein Muffin (S$3.95).

43 Holland Drive, #01-49
Singapore 270043
Tel: +65 6750 4504
Mon to Fri: 10am – 9pm
Sat & Sun: 10am – 6pm
Nearest Station: Buona Vista

#6 MAKI-SAN

Maki-san is a brilliant concept that allows you to DIY your sushi just the way you like them. From traditional Nori wrap to the unique Crepe wrap, you also decide which rice you prefer (brown rice or Japanese white rice).

The customisation then begins. You select the main ingredients, sprinkles and sauces, depending on the sushi roll size (S$7.90 onwards). They also have a fixed menu for those who are unsure of what to get.

8 Grange Road
#01-04 Cathay Cineleisure Orchard
Singapore 239695
Tel: +65 6737 8772
Mon to Thu, Sun: 11.30am – 9.30pm
Fri & Sat: 12pm – 10pm
Nearest Station: Dhoby Ghaut
*Multiple outlets islandwide

Photo Credit: Santaro By Gion

#7 SANTARO BY GION

Helmed by renowned chef Santaro Li, this fine Japanese restaurant is nothing short of outstanding. Delight in special seasonal sets or choose from the extensive a la carte menu. The specialty here is none other than the Omakase dishes, courtesy of Chef Santaro Li’s niche.

The contemporary open-concept dining area is very welcoming indeed. To indulge in a quintessentially Japanese meal, you may even want to consider reserving one out of the three tatami rooms. The impeccable service coupled with the scrumptious food makes this restaurant a big hit amongst many.

Amara Singapore Hotel, #02-26
165 Tanjong Pagar Road
Singapore 088539
Tel: +65 6444 9989
Daily: 11.30pm – 2.30pm, 6pm – 9.30pm
Nearest Station: Tanjong Pagar

Photo Credit: Shin Tokyo Sushi

#8 SHIN TOKYO SUSHI

Another sushi conveyor concept, under the Ramen Ten brand, Shin Tokyo Sushi  is another conveyor belt sushi restaurant in Singapore. The popular choices here are the mixed sushi and sashimi platter which gives you the chance to sample a bit of everything.

If you want to satisfy your palate with something out of the norm, go for the Maguro Avocado Rice Paper Roll.

14 Scotts Road, #01-22
Far East Plaza
Singapore 228213
Tel: +65 6238 7983
Daily: 11.30am – 10pm
Nearest Station: Orchard

Photo Credit: The Ramen Stall

#9 THE RAMEN STALL

The Ramen Stall’s opening hours caters especially to those dying for some late-night munchies. Tucked away at North Bridge Road, ramen options here differ on two ends of the spectrum from soup-based ones to dry ramen. The level of spiciness is also varied according to preference (and pain threshold).

For those who have a predilection for all things fiery, you have to try the Volcano Ramen. The broth is boiled for a whopping 30 hours and most definitely packs a great punch. Game for a challenge?

787 North Bridge Road
Singapore 198755
Tel: +65 6655 0800
Mon to Fri: 5pm – 5am
Sat & Sun: 12pm – 5am
Nearest Station: Bugis

For more recommendations, read our guide on halal cafes in Singapore.