Guide to Avoid Non-Halal Food in Japan
Traveling to Japan as a Muslim is a delightful experience, but finding Halal food can be tricky without some preparation. To help you enjoy your culinary adventures while avoiding non-Halal ingredients, here’s a comprehensive guide to key Japanese words and phrases.
These will assist you in reading menus, asking questions, and making informed choices about what you eat.
1. General Phrases to Ask About Halal Food
“Kore wa Halāl desu ka?”
これはハラールですか？
Is this Halal?
“Muslim no tabemono wa arimasu ka?”
ムスリムの食べ物はありますか？
Do you have food for Muslims?
“Zenbu no zairyō o oshiete kudasai.”
全部の材料を教えてください。
Can you tell me all the ingredients?
“Kore wa nani de tsukutteimasu ka?”
これは何で作っていますか？
What is this made from?
2. Words for Non-Halal Ingredients
Understanding specific ingredients is critical to avoid non-Halal food.
Pork and Pork Products
“Butaniku”
豚肉
Pork
“Buta abura”
豚油
Pork fat or lard
“Chāshū”
チャーシュー
Braised pork, often used in ramen
“Tonkotsu”
豚骨
Pork bone broth
“Ham”
ハム
Ham
“Bacon”
ベーコン
Bacon
“Sausage”
ソーセージ
Sausage
Alcohol and Alcohol-Based Ingredients
“Osake”
お酒
Alcohol
“Nihonshu”
日本酒
Japanese sake
“Mirin”
みりん
Sweet rice wine used in cooking
“Shōchū”
焼酎
Distilled alcohol
“Aru-kōru”
アルコール
Alcohol (general term)
Other Non-Halal Ingredients
“Gelatin”
ゼラチン
May be derived from pork or beef
“Dashi”
だし
Broth, often made with fish or pork
“Katsuobushi”
鰹節
Bonito (fish) flakes, common in soups
“Shōyu”
醤油
Soy sauce, which can be brewed with alcohol
“Kāre rū”
カレールー
Curry roux, often contains pork or lard
3. Key Terms for Verifying Ingredients
Meat and Poultry
“Toriniku”
鶏肉
Chicken
“Gyūniku”
牛肉
Beef
“Lamb”
ラム
Lamb
“Shokubutsu-sei”
植物性
Plant-based
Seafood
“Ebi”
エビ
Shrimp
“Kani”
カニ
Crab
“Sakana”
魚
Fish
“Tako”
たこ
Octopus
“Ika”
いか
Squid
Vegetarian and Vegan
“Saishoku-shugi”
菜食主義
Vegetarian
“Vīgan”
ヴィーガン
Vegan
“Yasai dake”
野菜だけ
Vegetables only
“Shokubutsu-sei no shokuhin”
植物性の食品
Plant-based food
4. Phrases to Customize Your Order
When ordering food in Japan, it's important to communicate your dietary needs clearly. Here are some useful phrases to customize your order:
“Buta nashi de onegaishimasu.”
豚なしでお願いします。
Please make it without pork.
“Osake wa irenaide kudasai.”
お酒は入れないでください。
Please don’t add alcohol.
“Dashi wa sakana dake ni shite kudasai.”
だしは魚だけにしてください。)
Please make the broth with only fish.
“Shokubutsu no zairyō dake tsukaimasu ka?”
植物の材料だけ使いますか？
Do you only use plant-based ingredients?
5. Words to Look for on Food Labels
When shopping in Japanese supermarkets, these terms can help you identify Halal-friendly products:
“Shokubutsu-yu”
植物油
Vegetable oil
“Buta yunyū”
豚由来
Derived from pork
“Toriniku yunyū”
鶏肉由来
Derived from chicken
“Kōsui”
香水
Alcohol-based flavoring
Check for labels with “ハラール” (Halāl) or “ムスリムフレンドリー” (Muslim-friendly), often in English as well.
6. Questions to Confirm Halal Status
If you’re unsure about a dish or product, these questions can help:
“Nani no dashi o tsukatteimasu ka?”
何のだしを使っていますか？
What type of broth do you use?
“Butaniku to osake wa haitteimasu ka?”
豚肉とお酒は入っていますか？
Does this contain pork or alcohol?
“Konnyaku o tsukatteimasu ka?”
こんにゃくを使っていますか？
Do you use konjac? (a common vegetarian alternative)
7. General Tips for Finding Halal Food in Japan
- Use translation tools to scan menus and food labels.
- Look for Halal certifications in Japanese (ハラール) or English.
- Ask locals or visit mosques for recommendations.
- Research Halal-friendly spots before your trip.
- Opt for vegetarian or seafood dishes but confirm ingredients.
- Clearly communicate your dietary needs in Japanese.
- Utilize Halal-focused apps to find nearby restaurants and stores.
Conclusion
Learning these essential Japanese words and phrases will help you navigate food options and avoid non-Halal ingredients in Japan. While Halal options are expanding, knowing how to inquire and read menus empowers you to enjoy Japan’s culinary scene with confidence.
