Halal Wagyu Yakiniku PANGA

※ While PANGA is open for lunch, it only takes dinner reservations. Lunchtime diners must walk in. Noticing a distinct lack of dining options for Muslim diners in Tokyo, this long-running restaurant in Ueno took the initiative to get Halal certification so they could accommodate for Muslim residents, and visitors to the city. To do this, the owner collaborated with the imam of Tokyo’s As-Salaam Mosque. Together they devised a plan — the restaurant would source premium wagyu cattle from a farmer in Iwate, transport the cattle to Tokyo, then have it processed in a fully Halal fashion. That’s just what they did! This beautiful fatty Iwate meat looks like slabs of pink marble, and sizzles beautifully when placed on the yakiniku grills. These barbecue pits are built into the table, so you can enjoy arranging delicious strips of premium meat and vegetables yourself. Everything from sirloin to A5 grade wagyu chateaubriand — the rarest, most tender cut of the beef — is available! The restaurant has 80 seats, but they’re among some of the highest in-demand spots at any yakiniku shop in town. Be sure to place your reservation well ahead of time to secure your spot.