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THE opening of Origami Asakusa will make halal dining in Tokyo easier for Muslim travelers.
Asakusa is the center of Tokyo’s “low city” where tales of its past can be seen on every street.
The area is wildly popular with tourists for it’s spectacular and ancient temples, nostalgic theme park and a divine selection of food along Nakamise Dori.
So, there’s no better place to open Origami Asakusa than in the center of all the fun.
Nakamise Dori. Source: Shutterstock
According to the Japan National Tourism Organization (JNTO), the number of Muslim visitors to Japan has been rising in recent years.
This was most likely triggered by the move in 2013 to relax visa restrictions for Malaysians; meaning more Muslim travelers are venturing to Japan, a predominantly Buddhist nation.
In 2017, the number of Malaysian and Indonesian visitors reached a peak increase of 30 percent from the previous year.
However, in a survey conducted before arriving in Japan, many Muslim travelers expressed interest in sampling authentic Japanese cuisine but had difficulty finding halal outlets.
While halal fish isn’t too difficult to come across in Japan, things such as seasonings need extra attention. Also, there is a higher risk of cross comtamination with haram foods such as pork.
Chefs prepare sushi in a kitchen. Source: Shutterstock
But attitudes towards Muslim-friendly eateries in Japan are changing, as Origami Asakusa illustrates.
“We are thrilled to meet the needs of Muslim tourists,” Fujita Kanko President and CEO Akira Segawa said in a statement.
“We are excited that Japanese food has gained global popularity, and as a leading hospitality company, we want to make sure that all international visitors fully enjoy Japan and savor authentic Japanese foods,” he added.
All the dishes at Origami Asakusa will be prepared with halal ingredients including Japan’s famous wagyu beef, and each specially trained chef has mastered halal cooking techniques through various certified courses.
The restaurant also has onsite prayer and wudu (washing) facilities.
It’s also just a two-minute walk from Asakusa subway station, so Muslim tourists in the area are guaranteed a delicious lunch or dinner after exploring.
Discover the menu on the website, and remember, you don’t have to be Muslim to enjoy Origami Asakusa’s delicious dishes.
- Address: Hanakawado 1-2-8 Taito-Ku, Tokyo.
- Capacity: 46 seats.
- Opening Hours: Lunch 11:30am – 3pm and dinner 5:30pm – 9pm.
- Opening: July 25, 2018 (Wednesday) at 5:30pm.
The post Discover Tokyo’s newest halal restaurant appeared first on Travel Wire Asia.
Source: travelwireasia.com