In a global city like Ota with the foreigners coming from around 120 countries, the existence of Muslim society cannot be ignored. Even, beyond existed, they are popular in Kamata area, where a mosque called "Kamata Masjid" is located. Following increasing number of people in Islam residing at Ota, halal restaurant is also growing.
Besides benefiting local like me, it also makes easier for tourists who land at Haneda Airport (Ota City's 1/3 part!) and crave for halal foods. Let's check them out? Which one is your favorite?
(1) Chisui Halal Lanzhou Beef Ramen
Their official name is "京穂蘭州牛肉ラーメン（チィスィ ランシュウギュウニクラーメン）", but we often call it as "Omori Halal Ramen" only. In Muslim communities, it became quickly popular since being launched and considered as "Jimbocho Halal Ramen" in Ota. Both restaurants are indeed selling the similar products of lamien or lamian, Northern Chinese-style ramen which has lighter stock and stronger aromas than Japanese ramen.
This restaurant is new, but they progressively improve the menus that we can also enjoy other Chinese side dishes with rice now. It really cuts our travel time to Ikebukuro, Kameido, or Kinsincho for the sake of halal Chinese foods.
Location:
Rating: 4.00 / 103 reviews
Type: Chinese noodle restaurant
(2) Zaika (Pakistani Restaurant, food truck specialist)
If you search for "halal food in Ota" on internet, you likely find this restaurant name coming up. Yes, Zaika is one of halal food pioners of Ota City, Tokyo. In Tokyo itself, Pakistani restaurant is rarely found. Even though the menu looks similar to Indian restaurant, honestly Pakistani foods have different flavor from the rest of South Asian countries' cuisine. We lived two years in USA and were full experience with North India, South India, Pakistan, and also Mediterranian foods, so we are quite sensitive with the taste. And Zaika, is definitely an authentic Pakistani food provider!
Biryani rice, naan and curry, kebab, and their desserts are too good to be missed! Occasionally, they also open food truck in local events, give an option for halal-food hunters.
Location:
Rating: 4.60 / 158 reviews
Type: Pakistani restaurant
(3) Yildiz Turkish Restaurant
Do you know the famous Tokyo Camie Masjid near Yoyogi-uehara station?
It's a super beautiful Muslim prayer-place which is famous nationalwide in Japan as tourist destination.
They provide free food sometimes when the events take place. In Ramadan, they also welcome public everyday to enjoy Turkish foods.
Guess what connection is existing between that masjid and Yildiz!
Surprisingly, Yildiz owner is former chef in Tokyo Camie Masjid. No doubt about the quality of his cooking, right? :)
Location:
Rating: 4.40 / 257 reviews
Type: Turkish restaurant
(4) Kebab Kamata
When you go out from West Exit of Kamata Station, you will find a big Don Quijote shop. Walk more and in the back of that shop, there is small food-booth selling Korean appetizer and ... doner kebab, no. 1 on-the-go halal food in Japan! Among such variety of halal foods in Ota, this kebab is our most purchased. Besides affordable prices, started from 500 yen per portion of kebab, for us the taste is also over the kebab nearby such as Kawasaki, Omori, or Zoshiki.
Location:
Rating: 3.80 / 23 reviews
Type: Korean food stall, doner kebab stand
Some indian curry restaurants
In the past, there were also halal yakiniku and halal yakitori in Kamata, but unfortunately they are permanently closed. One thing you may know already: most Indo kare- (インドカレー) or Indian curry restaurants use halal meat and ingredients, so they are considered as Muslim-friendly too. This option is easy to find, available in almost all areas. Make sure you ask the halal status of the meat and the menus should be free of pork.
Some halal Indian curry restaurants we know so far as follows:
1. Everest (Kamata, east exit)
2. Fulbari (Kamata, west exit)
3. Namaste (Musashi Nitta)
4. Gagan Curry (Yaguchi) --> New Santi near Yaguchi-eki has pork menu
5. Hanuman (Ikegami)
6. Rosani (Ikegami)
7. Himalaya (Unoki) --> Chai near Unoki-eki is not halal
(I will update the list as soon as I remembered or got new information)
Best of those in the list is Everest and it is available on Uber Eats/Demaecan.
Another restaurant to consider is Haji Restaurant near Zoshiki Station. They have the best lamb biryani and unique paprika naan!
Okay, that's all for today! I will update this article for more options in the future. InshaaAllah.