Ken, owner of Halal ramen restaurant "Shinjukutei," wants to welcome Muslim travelers.

While the number of Muslim tourists visiting Japan is increasing every year, there are still very few restaurants where they can enjoy themselves with peace of mind. In this situation, we interviewed Ken, the owner of "SHINJYUKU TEI," which serves halal ramen, a representative dish of Japanese food culture, and has gained support from many Muslims. We will explore what led to the opening of the restaurant and the passion that went into it.

Ken, the owner of "SHINJYUKU TEI"

"There are few places where you can eat safely."

Before opening "SHINJYUKU TEI," Ken learned about the current situation where Muslim tourists were having trouble finding food in Japan. "They've come all the way to Japan, but they feel lonely because there's not much to eat." Every time he heard this, Ken felt heartbroken.

I want Muslims to be able to enjoy Japanese food culture with peace of mind, just like other tourists. With this in mind, I decided to open a Halal ramen shop together with a friend who runs a restaurant.

Obtaining strict Halal certification

"I don't just want to serve ramen that doesn't use pork, I want to serve ramen that is truly safe to eat." This strong desire led Ken to decide to obtain Japan's prestigious Halal certification . To obtain certification, strict rules must be followed, from purchasing ingredients to cooking utensils and hygiene management. It's not just about not using pork or alcohol. The road to obtaining Halal certification in Japan was more difficult than he had imagined, as it also requires ensuring that alcohol isn't included in the manufacturing process of seasonings, and that cooking utensils and tableware are handled in a safe manner.

After overcoming many difficulties, "SHINJYUKU TEI" was finally born as a 100% HALAL certified ramen restaurant.

The Yotsuya branch of "SHINJYUKU TEI" has obtained the Halal certification "NAHA"

The spirit of hospitality is not limited to food

"I want customers to experience not only the food, but also Japanese culture and warm hospitality," says Ken. The restaurant has a prayer room (musalla) so that customers can feel at ease when it's time for prayer. There is also a foot washing area for wudu. These kind of careful considerations give Muslim customers a great sense of security.

Menu for "SHINJYUKU TEI." In addition to the menu shown in the photo, they also offer ramen made with Wagyu beef.

Ken continues to make efforts to make the store better by making updates in the course of his daily business. He hears about Halal and Muslim matters every day from customers of "SHINJYUKU TEI" and the Muslim part-time staff working at the store, and immediately implements anything that can be done at the store.

A prayer room is also available.

The future that "SHINJYUKU TEI" aims for

"We hope that SHINJYUKU TEI will become a part of the best memories of Muslim travelers' trip to Japan."

Ken's words convey that this is not just a business, but a deep affection for Muslims, who he sincerely welcomes and wants them to enjoy Japan. Ken's challenge to understand and respect different cultures while promoting Japanese food culture to the world will continue.

Please enjoy Ken's heartfelt ramen.

Shinjyuku-tei HP

SHINJYUKU TEI Store List

SHINJYUKU TEI has multiple locations in Tokyo and Sapporo. We recommend making a reservation before visiting.

They have multiple locations in Tokyo and Sapporo, so we recommend making a reservation before visiting.

Shinjuku store

Eclat Shinjuku B103, 3-11-6 Shinjuku, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo

Nearest station : 1 minute walk from Shinjuku-sanchome Station, 8 minutes walk from Shinjuku Station

Make a reservation here

Yotsuya store

Ueno Building B1F, 1-23 Yotsuya, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo

Nearest station : About 3 minutes walk from Yotsuya Station

Make a reservation here

Shibuya store

DIX Jinnan Building B1F, 1-17-2 Jinnan, Shibuya-ku, Tokyo

Nearest station : About 5 minutes walk from Shibuya Station

Make a reservation here

Ginza store

1-6-5 Uchisaiwaicho, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo

Nearest station : 10 minutes on foot from Ginza Station, 3 minutes on foot from Uchisaiwaicho Station, 3 minutes on foot from Shimbashi Station

Make a reservation here

Akasaka store

Kawamoto Building 1F, 2-21-1 Akasaka, Minato-ku, Tokyo

Nearest station : 4-minute walk from Tameike-sanno Station, 7-minute walk from Akasaka Station, 1-minute walk from Akasaka-mitsuke Station

Ikebukuro store

Banseido Building B1F, 1-21-13 Nishi-Ikebukuro, Toshima-ku, Tokyo

Nearest station : 1 minute walk from Ikebukuro Station (West Exit)

Make a reservation here

Asakusa store

YN Building 2F, 1-10-2 Asakusa, Taito-ku, Tokyo

Nearest station : 7-minute walk from Asakusa Station, 1-minute walk from Tawaramachi Station

Ueno store

1F Ikenohata Building, 3-45-10 Yushima, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo

Nearest station : 1 minute walk from Yushima Station, 6-7 minutes walk from Ueno Station

Make a reservation here

Sapporo store

Noren Yokocho 2F, 1-6 Minamisanjo Higashi, Chuo-ku, Sapporo, Hokkaido

Nearest station : 11 minutes on foot from Sapporo Station, 4 minutes on foot from Hosui-Susukino Station, 6 minutes on foot from Odori Station

Make a reservation here