Experience the timeless charm and spell-binding beauty of the alluring country of Japan which begs to be explored. It is a magical place with a harmonious blend of ancient traditions and modern life celebrating the past and the present in a display of architecture, nature and culture. The beauty of Japan is revealed in the tapestry of its ever-changing landscapes and sceneries from the cherry blossom-filled gardens, the slender volcanic archipelago, the majestic mountains and fields carpeted with wildflowers. At night, the city comes alive in a burst of activity and bright city lights inviting travelers to experience the pulsating energy of the vibrant night scene. Around every corner, there is an adventure to be had and a restaurant to visit, boasting the diverse flavors of Japanese cuisine. Many of the dishes served at these restaurants and street vendors source the freshest, local ingredients and is packed with taste. Japan welcomes all and caters to the varying dietary requirements of its travelers and locals. The snacks listed below are Halal certified and do not contain alcohol or gelatin. However, if it does contain gelatin, Halal gelatin is used which is from the hides and bones of Halal slaughtered cattle. Take your taste buds on a tantalizing adventure through the streets and cities of Japan and read on to find out your guide to Halal snacks in Japan.
1. Higashi
Higashi is a mixture of art and flavor and is an integral part of the Japanese culture and traditions of the tea ceremony. These sweet treats are served with tea and come in an assortment of colors and shapes. Higashi is made out of rice flour and has been individually tinted for your enjoyments. Each of these treats is exquisitely and intricately handcrafted to represent different elements of nature and culture, including birds, flowers, turtle, trees, mountains and much more. The tea ceremony is a tradition that dates back to the 15th century, enjoyed by the imperial family and the upper class and is now celebrated and commemorated by locals and tourists alike. Each bite is an introduction to the culture and traditions of this beautiful country. These sweet treats are Halal certified.
Kimura Ningyōyaki
Address: 2 Chome-2-5 Asakusa, Taitō, Tokyo 111-0032, Japan
2. Ningyo-yaki
Looking for the perfect souvenir or gift? Be sure to get your hands on these baked goods. Ningyo-yaki is a popular sweet treat enjoyed by the locals in Tokyo Asakusa. Meander through the streets, and you will stumble across stores which sell Ningyo-yaki. These snacks come in different shapes and forms, from birds, Hello Kitty, turtles, faces, temples and so much more. Ningyo-yaki is basically small cakes which are filled with a sweet anko bean paste which are molded and baked for your enjoyment. Did we mention that it’s Muslim-friendly?
Kimura Ningyōyaki
Address: 2 Chome-2-5 Asakusa, Taitō, Tokyo 111-0032, Japan
3. Sata Andagi
Sink your teeth into the deep-fried goodness of Sata Andagi, which is Japan’s take on a doughnut. These snacks are one of the sweetest treats Japan has to offer and they are crispy on the outside and soft on the inside. Many of the locals enjoy Sata Andagi with a cup of tea. Sata Andagi is directly translated to “deep fried sugar” in Okinawan. The ingredients used in the preparation are Halal certified.
Sata Andagi
Address: 1-20 Shurikubagawacho, Naha 903-0807, Okinawa Prefecture
You might be interested in these Airbnbs!
4. Okaki
Okaki is a simple Japanese rice cracker made out of salt and rice and is adored by the locals and enjoyed by tourists. There are, however, many flavors which you can use to season the rice cakes according to your liking like soy sauce, granule sugar, nori seaweed and much more. Okaki is prepared by having the mochi rice dried, cut and then toasted to give it that crunchy texture. The ingredients used are plant-based.
Japanese Green Tea Hibiki-an
Address: Japan, 〒610-0221 Kyoto Prefecture, Tsuzuki District, Ujitawara, Yuyadani, Shimonoto−36
5. Kibi-dango
There is a tale to be told about Kibi-Dango that makes this snack a must buy. It’s a Japanese folk tale of Momotaro who came to earth in a giant peach and was found as a baby by a woman and her husband. The young man leaves his home to fight the evil Oni, but his mum packs Kibi-Dango before he left to keep him sustained on his journey. Kibi-Dango is a tantalizing treat which is made from sugar, sticky rice flour and millet flour. A newer version of this treat includes grape preservatives or peach syrup within the dough. This snack is gelatin-free.
Koeidou Confectionery Company
Address: 1-54 Ya, Udani, Kaga, Ishikawa, 922-0312, Japan
Website: Koeidou Confectionery Company
6. Yatsuhashi
Yatsuhashi is a Japanese dessert enjoyed in Japan and is a great souvenir idea. Yatsuhashi is a mochi-like dessert which can be enjoyed raw or baked. For a hard, crispy texture, opt for the baked version or choose the raw version which is wrapped as a dumpling and filled with anko. Yatsuhashi comes in flavors like cinnamon, green tea and black sesame. Be sure to check for the Halal-certified option as the gelatin used in these snacks is Halal certified.
The Cube
Address: 901 Higashishiokouji-cho Shiokojikudaru Karasumadori Shimogyo-ku Kyoto-shi Kyoto-fu
Website: The Cube
7. Soba-boro Cookies
Soba-boro Cookies is the ideal souvenir to purchase on your visit to Japan and is predominantly found in the city of Kyoto. These cookies are relatively affordable and can stay crisp and dry for a long period of time. In Japan, these snacks are offered to guests during afternoon tea. It has the texture of a biscotti, and these traditional cookies are made from soba (buckwheat) flour and eggs. They are light in weight and easily transportable. Plant-based ingredients are used.
Kawamichiya
Address: Japan, 〒604-8085 Kyoto Prefecture, Kyoto, Nakagyo Ward, 麩屋町通三条上る
Website: Kawamichiya
8. Warabimochi
You know its summer time in Japan when you see Warabimochi in the stores and supermarkets. Warabimochi is round shaped, sticky, transparent balls which are then dipped in “kinako” which is a slightly sweet, toasted soybean flour. Actual Warabimochi is made from the starch of the warabi plant which is a plant-based ingredient with all the other ingredients being Halal certified. These snacks come in various colors.
Kamakuru
Website: Kamakuru
9. Yaki Kani
During winter, many of the restaurants and stores tend to serve more crab dishes as they are mostly caught during these times. The Japanese sea is teeming with life and a wide variety of species of crab including snow crab, red-king crab and much more. One of these dishes you should try is the Yaki Kani where various parts of the crab are grilled with its shell intact. Locals tend to squeeze some lemon on this dish before savoring the tantalizing flavors. This dish is alcohol-free.
Hamayakitaro Abiko Branch
Address: 1F, 3-5-20, Kokorozashi Bldg., Abiko, Sumiyoshi-ku, Osaka-shi, Osaka
10. Meiji Pudding
Close your eyes and enjoy the melting moments as you savor the taste of Meiji Pudding. This dessert is one of Japan’s sought-after treats, popular with both adults and children alike. The soft texture of the custard magically melts in your mouth and is a tantalizing experience with every mouthful. Plant-based ingredients are used in the preparation of this pudding.
Kinokuniya Supermarket
Address: Japan, 〒107-0061 Tokyo, Minato, Kitaaoyama, 3−11-7 AOビル
Unlock the flavors of Japan
Embark on a gastronomic journey by trying out these best halal snacks in Japan.
History
Get Trip101 in your inbox
Unsubscribe in one click. See our Privacy Policy for more information on how we use your data
Create an account to