What is a trip to the Land Of The Rising Sun without slurping on a sensational bowl of ramen? Those with dietary restrictions may find it a tad tricky to enjoy ramen due to the complexity of this dish—from its hearty broth, numerous ingredients to the types of meat used which more often than not involves the addition of pork.

Muslim travellers would be pleased to know that there is a steady increase in the number of eateries offering halal ramen to cater to the growing Muslim tourist population. This implies that either the ramen shop-owner is a Muslim or the restaurant strictly uses only halal meat for its dishes and seafood stock for its broth.

Take your pick from this specially-curated list and indulge in a heartwarming bowl of oishii ramen with your loved ones. While you are at it, do not forget to add some chilli paste for that extra punch! Here are 6 Best Halal Ramen Eateries In Tokyo For A Taste Of Japan.

Photo Credit: Halal Ramen & Dining Honolu Ebisu

#1 HALAL RAMEN & DINING HONOLU EBISU

A seven-minute walk from Ebisu station will take you to this Muslim-friendly ramen joint, where you can indulge in flavoursome bowls of this highly popular Japanese noodle dish. Highlights of their diverse menu include the Rich Chicken Soy Sauce Ramen, Spicy Ramen, Fried Chicken Ramen, and Rich Chicken Flavour Ramen.

Opt to pair your tantalising ramen with their crisp Nikkoken (chicken and tofu) gyoza. Dip these pan-fried dumpling-like treats into your thick ramen broth and savour the mouth-watering goodness.

ABC Americabashi Bldg. 1F, 1-23-1 Ebisuminami, Sibuya-ku
Tokyo 105-0022
Tel: +81 035 734 1667
Daily: 11.30am – 2.30pm, 5pm – 10pm

Photo Credit: Halal Ramen Honolu Nihonbashi

#2 HALAL RAMEN HONOLU NIHONBASHI

Halal Ramen Honolu has two outlets in Tokyo and their second outlet is in the area of Nihonbashi. You can enjoy similar dishes here and if you have a penchant for spicy food, go for the Spicy Fried Chicken Ramen.

Complement your ramen with a portion of Karaage. The crispy chicken is fried to perfection, with a distinct crunch in every bite. Be rest assured that prices here will not leave your wallet with a massive dent.

4-9 Kobuna-cho, Nihonbashi, Chuo-ku
Tokyo 103-0024
Tel: +81 036 661 7724
Daily: 11.30am – 2.30pm, 5pm – 9.30pm

Photo Credit: Royal Indonesia Travel

#3 MENYA KAIJIN 

Located just outside Shinjuku station, this particular ramen joint specialises in seafood-based ramen broth. They take pride in their signature Shio Ramen which is essentially a light-based soup—usually either chicken or fish-flavoured. The clear broth is really aromatic and offers something different to the palate.

Even though this place is not halal-certified, they do offer Muslim-friendly options for Muslim travellers. Since they open until late daily, you can even have this for supper as its piping hot light broth is perfect for satisfying those midnight hunger pangs.

2F, 3-35-7, Shinjuku, Shinjuku-ku
Tokyo 160-0022
Tel: +81 033 356 5658
Daily: 11am – 3pm, 4.30pm – 11.30pm

Photo Credit: Naritaya Asakusa

#4 NARITAYA ASAKUSA

Found along one of the less bustling shopping arcades, you can expect a simple but comforting menu from Halal-certified Naritaya Asakusa which features several ramen options. Aromatic broiled chicken is used as a substitute for the usual pork fillet in ramen broth and the ramen stall uses only halal ingredients.

Since Naritaya is operated by a noodle factory, you will be glad to know that the handmade springy noodles here offer just the right texture to complement your ramen.

2-7-13, Asakusa, Taito-ku
Tokyo 111-0032
Tel: +81 034 285 9806
Mon to Sat: 11am – 10pm
Sun: 11am – 9pm

Photo Credit: Shinjuku Gyoen Ramen Ouka

#5 SHINJUKU GYOEN RAMEN OUKA

This halal-certified eatery’s ramen is the most unique among the lot. Their sea bream-based broth offers a hint of tanginess courtesy of a special secret ingredient: tomatoes. The broth tastes heavenly and truly whets your appetite.

There are also vegan options here to cater to the dietary needs of vegetarians. An interesting point to note is that this eatery is a typical tachigui shop—a traditional standing-room-only restaurant.

1-11-7 Shinjuku, Shinjuku-ku
Tokyo 160-0022
Tel: +81 035 925 8426
Mon to Thu: 2pm – 10pm
Fri: 5pm – 10pm
Sat & Sun: 12.30pm – 10pm

Photo Credit: T’s Tantan

#6 T’S TANTAN

Boasting a terrific mash-up of flavours and textures, the nutritious ramen dishes here are made without any ingredients of animal origin. This is a perfect ramen restaurant for vegan visitors and poses as a Muslim-friendly alternative for those seeking halal options.

The popular choices here include the Soy Sauce Ramen and the White Tantan. If you want something more filling, get the Mini Rice Bowl Set and delight in a mini rice bowl along with your noodles. The dishes here are carefully prepared to ensure that these nourishing bowls offer great quality.

1-9-1 Yaesu South Exit, 1F, Keiyo Street, Marunouchi, Chiyoda-ku
Tokyo 100-0005
Tel: +81 033 218 8040
Daily: 7am – 11pm

For more recommendations, read our guide on the best places to discover in Tokyo.

Ask a local where to go for a casual yakitori meal in Tokyo and they would probably point you to Torikizoku. It is arguably one of the biggest yakitori chain in Japan and there are outlets everywhere.

It is almost impossible to not locate a Torikizoku in Central Tokyo; just in Shinjuku alone, there are more than 5 outlets. That they see queues every single night at every outlet speaks of their massive popularity and there is every reason to love Torikizoku.

It is undisputedly the best name to trust when you want a casual, fuss-free, authentic local izakaya experience in Tokyo. And the best part? You won’t have to break the bank for a meal at Torikizoku; everything on the menu—including alcohol—is priced at only ¥298 each. Most of the branches open till 5am daily; you know where to go when you are feeling hungry at night!

Every item on the menu at Torikizoku is priced at an amazingly affordable ¥298. Yes, regardless of which skewer you order, side dishes or drinks, everything is ¥298 each.

Its affordability is probably its primary reason for success. The outlets may be big—each outlet sits averagely 150 to 200 people—but be prepared to wait for a table. Queues are common and you would realise the bulk of its patrons are actually locals—students, young executives and whatnot, all merry-making over yakitori and beer.

The vibrant atmosphere of the izakaya-style restaurant still gives you privacy; the seating area is partitioned into individual “booths” of sorts and big groups are definitely welcome.

On its skewers menu, you have a good range of meats. From chicken meatballs to pork belly and beef slices, the skewers come in an assortment of flavours and marination. Some of our favourites are the chicken meatballs with cheese, pork belly with leek, marinated beef and chicken skin.

Side dishes include seasoned eggs, udon, vegetables and the in-betweens.

You know what’s awesome, too? Alcohol is also priced at ¥298! Delicious yakitori and cheap beer; what more can you ask in life?

Now you know the reason why we visit Torikizoku every single trip to Tokyo?

Torikizoku
1 Chome-17-12 Kabukicho
Tel: +81 3-3200-9332
Daily: 5pm – 5am

Tokyo generally experiences early sunsets all year round. During the summer, daylight lasts until about 7pm in the evening. But during the colder months such as November and December, the country will already be blanketed in darkness once it hits 4pm. This definitely makes the days in Tokyo much shorter, especially when shops would close earlier too.

Step out of your hotel at 8pm, and you will probably have a hard time finding restaurants or stores that are still open. Shinjuku, however, never sleeps.

If you are one for a good late-night drink or if you just need a late night snack, here are 7 Food Places in Shinjuku (Tokyo) that open till late.

#1 ICHIRAN RAMEN

Ichiran Ramen. It is the name you have seen floating all around the internet, and for very good reasons. Their ramen always leaves customers from all over the world very satisfied—rich flavourful broth, well-cooked noodles, fragrant chilli oil… you can customise your own bowl of Ichiran Ramen!

If you ever find yourself craving for a bowl of hot ramen, head down to the outlet at Shinjuku East that is open 24 hours! Giving in to your cravings (especially during the wee hours) has never been easier.

Ichiran Ramen Shinjuku
3 Chome-34-11 Shinjuku
160-0022, Japan
Tel: +81 3-3225-5518
Daily: 24 hours
Nearest Station: Shinjuku

#2 SUSHI-ZANMAI HIGASHI

Sushi-Zanmai is a sushi chain in Tokyo that is known for their fresh sushi and reasonable price tags. We don’t know about you but sushi for supper sounds damn legit to us.The variety of sushi will keep your tummies satisfied late into the night. The restaurant could get pretty crowded, so we suggest making a reservation in advance.

The variety of sushi platters will make supper worth the while. The restaurant could get pretty crowded, so we suggest making a reservation in advance.

Sushi-Zanmai Higashi
1-1-13 Okubo, Tokyo
169-0072, Japan
Tel: +81 3-5155-6655
Daily: 24 hours
Nearest Station: Seibu Shinjuku

Photo Credit: TimeOut

#3 EDINBURGH

Pulling an all-nighter, or perhaps just more of a nocturnal person? Get your much-needed cup of joe at Edinburgh (also known as Coffee Kizoku), a quiet little coffee shop in the heart of Shinjuku.

The coffee prices might be a little bit on the high side, starting from ¥800 and going up to ¥3,000, but the free Wi-Fi and cosy seats will make up for it.

Edinburgh
2F, Shinjuku M&E Square Building
3-2-4, Shinjuku
160-0021, Japan
Tel: +81 3-5379-2822
Daily: 24 hours
Nearest Station: Shinjuku-sanchome

#4 ROKKASEN

If you have got a hankering for some yakiniku at 2am in the morning, then Rokkasen is the place you should go to. The restaurant closes in the day, and opens at night, so you can pop by once the sun has set for some good grilled meat.

The restaurant is best known for its fatty beef, so be sure to try that!

Rokkasen
6F to 7F, Sunflower Building
1-3-1 Nishishinjuku
160-0023, Japan
Tel: +81 3-3348-8676
Daily: 11am – 5am
Nearest Station: Shinjuku

Photo Credit: A Life Worth Eating

#5 NEW YORK BAR

You will see the streets of Shinjuku come alive after dark, thanks to the pubs and clubs around the area. The New York Bar is one that is not to be missed; have your drinks complemented with an amazing view too!

The New York Bar was in a scene from the movie ‘Lost In Translation’, and sits on the 52nd floor of Park Hyatt, Tokyo. A jazz band plays every night, and you can choose from a selection of cocktails, brandies, and American wines.

New York Bar
52F, Park Hyatt Tokyo
3-7-1-2 Nishi Shinjuku, Shinjuku-Ku
163-1055, Japan
Tel: +81 3-5322-1234
Sun to Wed: 5pm – 12am
Thu to Sat: 5pm – 1am
Nearest Station: Shinsen-Shinjuku

Photo Credit: Miner8

#6 SHINJUKU GOLDEN GAI

Golden Gai is the one-stop destination for an authentic Shinjuku bar experience. The tiny street is crammed with over 200 bars, pubs and eateries.

With that said, you will be able to experience different vibes at different bars—whether you prefer classy cocktails or hard rock, there will be something for you.

Shinjuku Golden Gai
1 Chome Kabukicho
160-0021, Japan
Tel: +81 195-75-1319
Mon – Sat: 5.30pm – 5am
Sun: 8pm – 12am
Nearest Station: Seibu-Shinjuku

#7 SHINJUKU KAKEKOMI GYOZA

Up for some midnight gyozas? Kakekomi Gyoza Restaurant is one of the better names to look for when it comes to gyozas; some might even say it is the best in Tokyo.

The restaurant is known for cooking their gyozas four different ways—pan-frying, deep-frying, cooked in Chinese broth, and with seafood broth. Plus, the eatery also offers free Wi-Fi!

Shinjuku Kakekomi Gyoza
1-2F 58th Tokyo Building
1-12-2 Kabukicho
160-0021, Japan
Tel: +81 3-6233-7099
Daily: 24 hours
Nearest Station: Seibu-Shinjuku

Read: 4D3N Tokyo Itinerary – 24 tips on what to see and what to eat.

Japanese food in Tokyo is one-of-a-kind experience and is a leisure on a whole different level. Sushi and sashimi are so fresh that you will never see Japanese food in the same light ever again. And the authenticity is one that you do not get as with eating local food at any other country. For one, it is beyond atmospheric that, once again, eating Japanese food in Japan will change your life altogether – in every good way, of course.

People always speak of how expensive Japanese food is and how the price tags deter them from feasting when in Japan. It is not true. We have sussed out 4 Affordable Sushi Restaurants in Tokyo that you can try without breaking the bank.

Midori Sushi

Having heard raved reviews about Midori Sushi, I was looking forward to dine there to find out why it is so popular. One of the reason why there is a long queue at Midori Sushi every day is because of the reasonable prices. The cheapest sushi set is only ¥840. However, we were not blown away by it – the sushi was decent, but nothing special – especially since we had to queue more than half an hour for it. Nonetheless, this is a place to dine at if you are looking for an affordable sushi restaurant in Tokyo, and if you do not mind queuing.

Dogenzaka 1-12-3
Mark City East 4F
Open 11am-10pm daily
Tel: +81 03 5458 0002
Nearest Station: Shibuya

Nemuro Hanamaru

Don’t be deceived by the conveyer belt sushi restaurant at Kitte Shopping Mall, which is a few minutes walk from Tokyo Station. Nemuro hHnamaru serves fresh sushi at great value. Most of the sushi plates are priced between ¥136 to ¥336. One of our favourites was the Seared Salmon (¥262). From the side menu, the Crab Soup (¥336) – with huge chunks of crab meat – and the Chawanmushi (¥262) are also excellent choices.

Tokyo KITTE 5F
2-7-2 Marunouchi, Chiyoda-ku
Tel: +81 03 6269 9026
Mon to Sat: 11am – 11pm
Nearest Station: Tokyo

Ryu Sushi

A trip to Tokyo will not be complete without having sushi breakfast at the world famous Tsukiji Market. Sushi Dai and Sushi Daiwa are the most popular sushi restaurants at the fish market. However, people wait in line from as early as 6am, and the queue is easily three hours long. Honestly, I feel that the other sushi bars in Tsukiji Market are just as good.

One place that you can try is Ryu Sushi. It has a extremely good and fresh sashimi and sushi at very decent prices. The Kiku Sushi Set (¥2,100) comes with 7 pieces of sushi, and 6 pieces of sushi rolls, and a beautiful Chirashi (¥3,100). We were blown away by the quality and freshness of the food.

Read: Five reasons to visit Tsukiji Market

5-2-1, Building 1. Chuo-ku
Tsukiji Market, Tokyo
Tel: +81 03 3541 9517
Nearest Station: Tsukiji/Tsukijishijo

Uoriki Kaisen Sushi

Uoriki Kaisen Sushi is a place where I will return to again and again whenever I am in Tokyo. It does not have any Michelin stars, nor is it extremely popular. But it serves super good quality sushi and sashimi at ridiculously cheap prices.

The basic Sushi Set (¥990), with ten pieces of sushi, is very value-for-money. Our favourite dish is the Chirashi-don (¥1,390) which comes with huge slices of sashimi. Uoriki Kaisen Sushi is a hidden gem and one of the most affordable sushi restaurants in Tokyo. I wholeheartedly recommend this place.

B1 Tokyu Department Store
2-24-1 Shibuya
Tel: +81 03 5428 3813
Daily: 10am – 9pm
Nearest Station: Shibuya

Tokyo has one of the highest number of Michelin Starred restaurants, and while we ate at several of the well-known establishments in the city, our favourite meal was, however, at Uoriki Kaisen Sushi, a humble and small sushi bar within the supermarket at the basement of Tokyu’s department store in Shibuya.

Uoriki Kaisen Sushi does not have any Michelin stars, nor is it extremely popular. But it serves exceptionally fresh sushi and sashimi at ridiculously cheap prices. It is a hidden gem in Tokyo, and I wholeheartedly recommend this place when you are looking for a place to eat in Shibuya.

The main reason why Uoriki Kaisen Sushi is able to offer good quality sushi and sashimi at affordable prices is because its core business is seafood retailing – they supply supermarkets and department stores with fresh seafood directly from Tsukiji Fish Market.

The basic Sushi Set (¥990), with ten pieces of sushi, is very value-for-money. And if you are a fan of tuna, you should try their Tuna Sushi Set (¥1,290) which comes with maguro nigiri, maguro gunkan and otoro nigiri.

Our favourite dish – something that we will order every time when we are dining at Uoriki Kaisen Sushi – is the Chirashi-don (¥1,390). We were in disbelief when the waiter served the dish. It came with huge slices of cuttle fish, salmon, tuna, mackerel, sea bream, sweet shrimp, uni, sea urchin and salmon fish roe – for the price, it is a steal.

Uoriki Kaisen Sushi is a place where I will return to again and again whenever I am in Tokyo. The funny thing is, Uoriki is still a relatively well-kept secret. We ate there twice for dinner and it was rather quiet. I believe that they deserve more recognition – the prices are unbeatable, and the sushi extremely fresh. If you are going to Tokyo for holiday, you must dine here. Get the chirashi-don. Trust me, you will love it.

Uoriki Kaisen Sushi
B1 Tokyu Department Store
2-24-1 Shibuya
Tel: +81 03 5428 3813
Daily: 10am – 9pm
Nearest Station: Shibuya