10 Halal Anime Food Guide for Muslim Travellers in Japan

Japan is a dream destination for anime fans and food lovers alike, but for Muslim travellers, finding halal-friendly versions of famous Japanese cartoon foods can sometimes be a challenge. Luckily, Japan has been making great strides in catering to halal dietary needs, allowing visitors to experience authentic anime-inspired cuisine without compromise.

From steaming bowls of ramen to adorable fish-shaped taiyaki, here’s a guide to where Muslim travellers can enjoy halal-certified or Muslim-friendly versions of popular anime dishes across Japan.

Also read: 10 Real-Life Anime Locations Every Muslim Otaku Fan Must Visit

1. Onigiri (おにぎり) – The classic rice ball

Image credit: @onigirimatsui | Instagram

As seen in: Pokemon, Spirited Away, Fruits Basket

One of the most iconic Japanese snacks, onigiri is a staple in anime. These rice balls are often wrapped in seaweed and filled with various ingredients. While some fillings like tuna mayo or teriyaki chicken might not always be halal, options like salted salmon and umeboshi (pickled plum) are completely safe.

Image credit: Ika Rahma | Canva Pro

📍 Where to try?

Available at Natural Lawson and other halal-friendly convenience stores in Tokyo and Osaka.

2. Tamago Sando (たまごサンド) – The fluffy egg sandwich

Image credit: Itadakimasu Anime! | Official Website

As seen in: Your Name (Kimi no Na wa)

A fluffy, creamy egg sandwich may seem simple, but Japan has mastered the art of making it unbelievably delicious. This anime-favorite snack is typically made with a rich egg filling and soft, milky bread. As long as the mayonnaise doesn’t contain non-halal ingredients, it’s a perfect grab-and-go treat for Muslim travellers.

Image credit (L-R): Sri Wadyowati; ONI Production from Studio Japan | Canva Pro

📍 Where to try?

Sekai Cafe Asakusa (Tokyo) – A halal-certified café offering sandwiches and pastries.

3. Mochi (もち) – The chewy delight

Image credit: IDN Times | Official Website

As seen in: Doraemon, Cardcaptor Sakura, Kotaro Lives Alone

Mochi, a chewy rice cake often filled with red bean paste or custard, is a sweet treat loved by many anime characters. Most mochi are naturally halal as they’re made with glutinous rice, sugar, and halal-friendly fillings. However, it’s always good to check if additional flavourings contain alcohol.

Image credit: Oleksandr Prokopenko | Canva Pro

📍 Where to try?

Matsuri Japanese Restaurant (Osaka) – Offers halal mochi and other traditional desserts.

4. Takoyaki (たこ焼き) – Osaka’s famous octopus balls

Image credit: @mishianh | Reddit

As seen in: My Hero Academia, Gintama

Takoyaki, the crispy-on-the-outside, gooey-on-the-inside octopus balls, are a must-try for anyone visiting Japan. Traditional takoyaki sauce often contains alcohol, but halal versions replace this with soy-based alternatives.

Image credit: chikaphotograph | Canva Pro

📍 Where to try?

Matsuri Japanese Restaurant (Osaka) – Serves halal takoyaki with a flavourful, non-alcoholic sauce.

5. Taiyaki (たい焼き) – The fish-shaped pastry

Image credit: Japanese Culture in Anime | Youtube

As seen in: Kantai Collection, Anohana

This adorable, fish-shaped cake filled with sweet fillings like custard or red bean paste is an anime snack favourite. It’s generally halal as long as no alcohol-based flavouring is used.

Image credit: Yusuke Ide | Canva Pro

📍 Where to try?

Sekai Cafe Asakusa (Tokyo) – Offers halal-certified desserts, including taiyaki.

6. Yakiimo (焼き芋) – Roasted sweet potato

Image credit: MyAnimeList | Official Website

As seen in: Doraemon, Detective Conan

A completely halal and nutritious street snack, yakiimo (roasted sweet potato) is especially popular in winter. It’s often sold by street vendors or supermarkets and makes for a comforting treat on chilly days.

Image credit: kuppa_rock | Canva Pro

📍 Where to try?

Available at various supermarkets and street vendors across Japan.

7. Kare Raisu (カレーライス) – Japanese curry rice

Image credit: @Kyotofoods | X

As seen in: Detective Conan, Crayon Shin-Chan

Japanese curry is rich, thick, and slightly sweet, but many versions contain non-halal ingredients like pork-based broth or mirin (sweet rice wine). Fortunately, halal-certified Japanese curry can be found in select restaurants.

Image credit: ALLEKO | Canva Pro

📍 Where to try?

CoCo Ichibanya Akihabara (Tokyo) – Offers halal-certified Japanese curry with various spice levels.

8. Ramen (ラーメン) – The ultimate comfort food

Image credit: Anime Food | Tumblr

As seen in: Naruto, Tokyo Ghoul

Anime protagonists love their ramen, and so do travellers in Japan! Regular ramen contains pork-based broth, but halal versions use chicken, seafood, or miso-based broths.

Image credit: Kohei Shinohara | Canva Pro

📍 Where to try?

Honolu Ramen Ebisu (Tokyo) – Specialises in halal-certified ramen.

Naritaya Halal Ramen (Kyoto) – Another great option for halal ramen lovers.

9. Yakitori (焼き鳥) – Japanese grilled chicken skewers

Image credit: Itadakimasu Anime! | Official Website

As seen in: K-On!, Barakamon

Yakitori, or grilled chicken skewers, is a popular street food in Japan. The challenge for Muslim travellers is that traditional yakitori sauce often contains mirin, but halal-certified yakitori spots exist.

Image credit: ben-bryant | Canva Pro

📍 Where to try?

Halal Wagyu Yakiniku PANGA (Tokyo) – Offers halal yakiniku and yakitori-style dishes.

10. Parfait (パフェ) – The Instagram-worthy dessert

Image credit: @BlueArchive | Reddit

As seen in: Sailor Moon, Clannad

Japan’s take on parfait includes layers of fruit, ice cream, and toppings in a tall glass, making it as pretty as it is delicious. As long as the ice cream and syrups are alcohol-free, it’s a must-try.

Image credit: Serhii Tychynskyi | Canva pro

Also read: A Muslim-friendly Guide to Cafe Ocean Blue in Okinawa’s Churaumi Aquarium

📍 Where to try?

Sekai Cafe Asakusa (Tokyo) – Offers halal-certified parfaits and other desserts.

Enjoying Anime-inspired food in Japan

Finding halal-friendly versions of anime-famous foods is easier than ever in Japan. With increasing halal-certified restaurants and Muslim-friendly options, Muslim travellers can fully indulge in the culinary world of their favourite anime while exploring this beautiful country.