MIA Communications

Studying Food Culture—Muslim Food

Did you know that Muslims have rules concerning food, and that their religion forbids them from eating certain things? Also, do you know what the words halal and haram mean?

The word halal refers to something that is permissible or legal according to Islamic law, while the word haram means that it is forbidden. In terms of food, most vegetables, fruits and seafood are halal. Pork, however, is an example of a food that is considered haram. In addition to the rules concerning types of food, there are others concerning the method of how food is processed and prepared for consumption.

 

Examples of Haram Foods （These may vary depending on the interpretation of the particular sect or group）

●Pork

Processed pork, soup taken from the bone or meat of pork, and seasonings and ingredients with powdered pork are all forbidden.

●Plants

Plants that are intoxicating, hazardous to your health or poisonous are forbidden.

●Mushrooms

Mushrooms that are intoxicating, hazardous to your health or poisonous are forbidden.

●Items That Are Considered Najis (Unclean)

■ Pigs, dogs and anything derived from pigs and dogs (such as saliva, fur and skin)

■ Halal foods that have been contaminated by foods that are not halal

■ Meats and animals that have not been prepared in a halal manner

■ Other

 

【Restaurants That Serve Muslim Dishes】

1. Green Asia　Roppongi Hills Hillside B1F, 6-10-1 Roppongi, Minato-ku, Tokyo
2. Iranian・Arab Restaurant Aladdin　Roppongi Yasuda Bldg. 2F, 3-2-6 Nishi-Azabu, Minato-ku, Tokyo
3. Nishi-Azabu Nefertiti Tokyo　Dear Nishi-Azabu Bldg. 1 & 2F, 3-1-20 Nishi-Azabu, Minato-ku, Tokyo
4. Indian Cuisine Diya　Roppongi Hills Hillside B1F, 6-10-1 Roppongi, Minato-ku, Tokyo
5. Siddique Palace Azabu-Juban　Building 1-3, 4-3-1 Azabu-Juban, Minato-ku, Tokyo
6. Saray, Akasaka Branch　Akasaka MY Bldg. B1F, 2-13-23 Akasaka, Minato-ku, Tokyo
7. Malay Asian Cuisine　Sanwa Aoyama Bldg. 2F, 2-9-9 Shibuya, Shibuya-ku, Tokyo
8. Deli Shop Uchimura　3-2-11 Kitazawa, Setagaya-ku, Tokyo
9. Marhaba Pakistan Restaurant　Palace Garden Milano 2F, 2-63-6 Ikebukuro, Toshima-ku, Tokyo

Note: Listings are put in no particular order

 

【Shops That Offer Muslim Foods】

1. Nissin World Delicatessen　2-34-2 Higashi-Azabu, Minato-ku, Tokyo
2. Togen Shoji Co., Ltd., Southeast Asian Foods　Jikei Bldg. 1F, 1-19-18 Hyakunincho, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo
3. Rose Family Store　2-10-8-203 Hyakunincho, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo
4. The Jannat Halal Food　2-9-1 Hyakunincho, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo
5. Barahi Food & Spice Center　2-10-9-101 Hyakunincho, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo
6. Al Flah Super Market　Onoya Bldg. 4F, 2-41-2 Ikebukuro, Toshima-ku, Tokyo
7. Fatimah Store　4-1-8 Ueno, Taito-ku, Tokyo
8. Aochu Shoji Co. Ltd., Nozawaya　Ameyoko Center Bldg. B1 & 1F, 4-7-8 Ueno, Taito-ku, Tokyo
9. Spicy Food Network　17 New Akihabara Center 1F, 1-16-10 Soto-Kanda, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo
10. Tokyo International Market　7-201 Kanda-Matsunagacho, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo

Note: Listings are put in no particular order

 

 

【Companies Specializing in Halal Foods】

Ninomiya Co., Ltd.　Ninomiya Bldg. B1F, 18-4 Sakuragaokacho, Shibuya-ku, Tokyo

 

■■■Precautions during Meals■■■

Even ingredients that are certified halal will no longer be considered so if they are prepared with ingredients or seasonings that are not halal. In the same manner, if eating utensils or cooking equipment are used with foods that are not halal, whatever they touch is no longer halal. In other words, just because certified halal ingredients are used does not mean that dishes made with them are halal.

When you dine out, please be sure to confirm the cooking process with the restaurant.

 

【Masjids (Mosques) in Tokyo】

1. Tokyo Camii　1-19 Oyamacho, Shibuya-ku, Tokyo
2. Otsuka Masjid　3-42-7 Minami-Otsuka, Toshima-ku, Tokyo
3. Okachimachi Masjid　4-6-7 Taito, Taito-ku, Tokyo
4. Asakusa Masjid　1-9-12 Higashi-Asakusa, Taito-ku, Tokyo
5. Kamata Masjid　5-1-2 Kamata, Ota-ku, Tokyo
6. Ohanajaya Masjid　5-22-11 Yotsugi, Katsushika-ku, Tokyo

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