Osaka
~Halal ramen Naniwaya (formerly Naritaya)
The first day I arrived, we had a try at an halal restaurant in the Dotonbori area. The place was slightly hidden but you should be able to follow Google Maps for direction. The restaurant offers prayer room for Muslims.
Although the vegetarian option was rather limited, I had a vegetarian ramen which I found just fine. This place is particularly known for its authentic Japanese dishes such as wagyu- ramen and rice bowl, chicken curry rice but also gyoza’s (Japanese dumpling). So all meat related, but halal.
Price:$
Suitable: more halal options rather than vegetarian/ vegan (but they are present)
Address/ more info: https://maps.app.goo.gl/BfiK6VjgfAc86LoD9?g_st=ipc
~OKO – FUN Okonomiyaki Bar
Another place in the Dotonbori neighbourhood, is OKO, a vegetarian/vegan spot. OKO is known for its Okonomiyaki. This dish can be best described as a thick pancake that consist of e.g., flour, egg, cabbage. There are also some other dishes like Yakisoba (stir-fried noodle) and gyoza’s. I have tried it all and they are all delicious.
This place is runned by a woman who is doing it all by her self. She works so hard but has still the time to talk with her customers. If you consider visiting this place, then be prepared for possible waiting time since not many people can be seated. Although it was worth the wait for me.
Price:$
Suitable: vegetarian/vegan, thus also halal
Address/ more info: https://maps.app.goo.gl/A7Gyq9Mop8gixCJi6?g_st=ipc
~Creo-Ru Takoyaki & Okonomiyaki
A well known streetfood originated from Osaka, is the Takoyaki. The dish is round shaped and has parts of octopus inside. ‘Tako’ literally means octopus and ‘yaki’ means grilled/fried. Unfortunately this dish is not suitable for vegetarians. Takoyaki can be layered with some Takoyaki sauce, mayonaise and bonito (tuna) flakes. The sauce contains animal-origin ingredient/alcohol, hence this does not make it halal.
Nevertheless in Dotonbori area I found at least one place where you can find the halal variant which makes use of bbq sauce instead. Mind you that you have to order the dish with the outside vendor, because there they sell the halal ones.
Price:$
Suitable:Halal
Address/ more info: https://maps.app.goo.gl/C4eCWSQd5epbfzZr7?g_st=ipc
