In Kyoto, the cultural and historical epicenter of Japan, a culinary scene awaits travelers in search of halal-friendly options. Kyoto has embraced the concept of halal dining, offering an array of Muslim-friendly eateries that combine traditional Japanese flavors with adherence to halal standards. Join us as we unveil tantalizing flavors and hidden gems in this Kyoto halal guide.
First, let’s explore some of the terminology you might encounter in your search for halal food in Japan. Restaurants and coffee houses that are labeled as "100% halal" exclusively serve halal food. If alcohol is served, only the food menus remain halal-certified, and there is a strict separation between the food and alcoholic beverage offerings.
In the case of "pork-free" establishments, no pork or pork-related items are served, but there might be the use of alcoholic flavorings. Some halal restaurants provide prayer and ablution rooms, halal storage, kitchen and tableware. "Muslim-friendly" is a catch-all term and can be used to refer to any one or more of these practices.
Check out our essential guide to halal food in Japan for more info!
How To Find Halal Food in Kyoto
We recommend that you use online platforms such as Halal Gourmet Japan or Halal Navi for updated listings and reviews of halal-certified restaurants in Kyoto. When dining out, feel free to ask for confirmation about any dishes that you may be unsure about. Some tourist information centers also provide guide brochures that contain information specific to Muslim travelers.
For those interested in preparing their own meals, there are a few places that offer halal cooking classes — like this bento-making class in Kyoto. Learn how to make a show-stopping bento and save a few yen at the same time!
10 Halal Restaurants in Kyoto
Many of these halal and halal-friendly Kyoto restaurants are located in easily accessible locations and near tourist spots like Fushimi, Arashiyama, and Gion.
- Arash’s Kitchen
- Mabrur Halal Dining
- Honke Tankuma Honten (Michelin dining)
- Yoshiya Arashiyama Kyoto
- Sushi Time
- Istanbul Saray
- Kanga-an
- Café Restaurant Le Temps
- Nanzan
- Ayam-ya Karasuma
1. Arash’s Kitchen (Sakyo)
Conveniently located near popular tourist spots, this Indian and Persian eatery not only satisfies any cravings for aromatic kebabs and flavorful curries but also provides a cultural experience with belly dancing shows on Fridays and Saturdays. When travelers talk about halal food in Kyoto, Arash's Kitchen comes to mind. More details.
2. Mabrur Halal Dining (Nakagyo)
Experience the flavors of fusion Desi cuisine at Mabrur Halal Dining in Kyoto. This restaurant brings together the culinary delights of India, Pakistan, and Bangladesh, offering a diverse range of dishes.
The restaurant provides free Wi-Fi and charging stations, giving you everything you need to Instagram your every bite. Try their highly recommended biryani, a rice dish that perfectly captures the essence of their culinary fusion. More details.
3. Honke Tankuma Honten (Shimogyo)
Indulge in an exquisite dining experience at Honke Tankuma Honten, a renowned Michelin-starred restaurant in Kyoto. Honke Tankuma Honten specializes in serving authentic Kyoto cuisine, known as kyo-ryo, prepared with meticulous attention to detail.
The restaurant also offers halal kaiseki, a traditional multi-course fine dining experience that meets halal standards. Recognized and certified by the Kyoto Halal Council, Honke Tankuma Honten guarantees a halal dining experience of the highest quality. More details.
4. Yoshiya Arashiyama Kyoto (Ukyo)
This Arashiyama-based restaurant offers affordable halal-certified washoku, allowing you to savor Japanese cuisine without compromising your dietary preferences. Yoshiya Kyoto goes the extra mile by offering halal wagyu beef, probably the top item on most foodies' Japan bucket lists.
To cater to the needs of Muslim guests, the restaurant also provides a prayer room in traditional Japanese style, creating a serene and welcoming environment. More details.
5. Sushi Time (Fushimi)
Sushi Time offers donut-shaped halal sushi, a creative twist on traditional sushi rolls that will delight both your eyes and your taste buds.
In addition to their signature sushi creations, Sushi Time offers sushi cakes, perfect for special occasions and celebrations. Stop by and indulge in the artistry of Sushi Time as you explore the charming streets of Fushimi in Kyoto. More details.
6. Istanbul Saray (Nakagyo)
Istanbul Saray is considered to be Kyoto's one and only specialty Turkish restaurant. This family-run business offers 100% halal dishes that stay true to Turkish traditions. Alcoholic beverages are available for those who drink.
If the online reviews don't reassure you about the authenticity of the place, then the high percentage of Middle Eastern customers definitely should! More details.
7. Kanga-an (Shingoryoguchicho)
At Kanga-an, every dish is thoughtfully prepared without meat and alcohol, aligning with the principles of a vegetarian lifestyle.
Although located somewhat off the beaten path, this restaurant showcases the richness of plant-based ingredients with feature dishes like their sesame tofu, stir-fried vegetables, and vegetable stew. The beautiful Zen garden views don't hurt either. More details.
8. Le Temps (Shimogyo)
If you're traveling with your family and looking for a delightful culinary experience, Café Restaurant Le Temps is a great option.
Attached to Hotel Granvia Kyoto and located atop Kyoto Station, you can have bed and breakfast in one convenient location. Patrons who aren’t hotel guests are also welcome, so bring your friends along for the buffet with clearly marked halal dishes. More details.
9. Nanzan (Sakyo)
Nanzan specializes in yakiniku (grilled meat), offering two enticing halal yakiniku courses for you to indulge in. Choose between the standard and premium Kyo Tankuro wagyu beef courses, both certified by the Kyoto Council for Sharia and Halal Affairs.
Nanzan offers mid-range pricing, making it accessible for various budgets. If you prefer to explore the menu individually, a selection of enticing menu items is also available for your enjoyment. More details.
10. Ayam-ya Karasuma (Nakagyo)
Ayam-ya’s flavorful bowls of ramen are an indulgent showcase of a quintessential Japanese culinary tradition. They also offer tsukemen or dipping noodles, providing a different and equally delicious ramen experience.
Ayam-ya Karasuma also offers frozen ramen options through their online store for those who want to enjoy their ramen at home. More details.
Halal Kyoto: Special Mentions
Here are some lesser-known Kyoto halal food options:
- Don't miss the opportunity to sample the delights of Mezopotamia Kebab House as you explore Nishiki Food Market. This street food stall is a haven for kebab lovers, serving up doner kebabs that will transport you to the streets of Turkey.
- Don’t forget to stop by Premarché Gelateria, located on the first floor of the Kyoto Sanjo Shopping Street, for innovative gelato flavors. What sets this gelateria apart is its commitment to catering to various dietary needs. They offer gluten, halal, and dairy-free options for those with specific dietary restrictions.
- Can’t get enough sweets? A traditional Japanese sweets or wagashi-making class is the solution to that problem. These adorable confections are made to match seasonal items, so let your creativity go wild. Even if it doesn’t turn out to be a visual masterpiece, the taste will wipe away any regrets you had about your short-lived artistic career.
FAQ: Is Halal Food Available in Kyoto?
Yes, halal food is available in Kyoto. While Kyoto may not have as many halal restaurants as larger cities like Tokyo, several establishments still cater to halal dietary requirements. A range of cuisines is available too, providing options from traditional Japanese to Middle Eastern and European.
Check out our list of Kyoto halal food experiences for more things to do (and eat) in Kyoto. We highly recommend the Kyoto Tea Ceremony and Sweets Experience for a chance to wear a kimono and experience traditional Japanese culture all in one go. Kudos to Kyoto for warmly embracing the diverse culinary needs of its visitors by offering a range of halal dining options. Now, go eat!
