Where to Find Halal Food in Kumamoto

Feb 28, 2024

Where to Find Halal Food in Kumamoto

One of the top destinations in Japan for Muslims is Kumamoto, due to the large number of Muslims who are already living in the city. In addition to a mosque and a prayer room for Muslims at the Kumamoto City International Center, there are plenty of options for halal food.

Taj

For delectable Pakistani and Indian food, head to Taj. The dishes are all traditional, rather than adapted to suit Japanese tastes. You can also pick up halal meat, basmati rice, and spices in the store within the restaurant to prepare food at home.

Where: 5-13 Kitasendanbatamachi, Chuo Ward (map)

Open Hours: 11:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. and 5:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. Tuesday to Sunday (Wednesday until 10:30 p.m.)

Kumamoto Halal Food

At Kumamoto Halal Food, the menu changes every day. Most dishes are Indonesian, although some are Malaysian, Indian, and Pakistani. There is also a store where you can pick up raw halal meat. As the restaurant is located close to Kumamoto Islamic Center, it is especially busy on Friday nights.

Where: 5-5-10 Kurokami, Chuo Ward (map)

Open Hours: 11:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. on Monday, Tuesday, and Thursday; 1:30 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. on Friday; 11:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. on Saturday; 12:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. on Sunday; closed Wednesday

Indian Diner

For vegetarian and vegan options, a top place to go is Indian Diner. The small restaurant serves a rotating menu of classic Indian cuisine for dine-in and takeaway. Although the owners are Japanese, the dishes are authentic. Particularly popular is the homemade coconut ice cream.

Where: 5-11-12 Oe, Chuo Ward (map)
Open Hours: 11:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. and 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. Thursday to Tuesday

Chinese Cafe Anding

The best thing about Chinese Cafe Anding is the wide variety of Chinese teas on offer, which you can also purchase to prepare at home. In terms of the food, all the dishes are based on the concepts of Chinese medicine — and you’ll see additional health benefits when you pair them with a tea. Since the portions are small, this is a good option for lunch or a light meal in the evening. Be aware that if you want a vegetarian dish or a meal without eggs, garlic, or onions, you’ll need to make a reservation in advance.

Where: Hori Building, 2F, 5-57 Jotomachi, Chuo Ward (map)
Open Hours: 11:30 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. Tuesday to Sunday; 11:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. on Monday

Futorineko

Although it’s only a small café, Futorineko serves a variety of dishes, ranging from curry to noodles. The highlight, though, is the specialty coffee — patrons choose the beans they want and decide if they want them dark or light roasted.

Where: Hori Building, 2F, 5-57 Jotomachi, Chuo Ward (map)

Open Hours: 11:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Monday to Friday; 11:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. on Saturday; closed Sunday

The above are just a few places where you’ll find halal food. You can identify other restaurants by looking out for the “Muslim-Friendly Kumamoto” sticker.

Dick Thomas Johnson, CC BY 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons