"I want to create a Halal-compliant menu, but I don't know where to source meat" - This is one of the first hurdles restaurants face when attempting to go Halal. Unlike regular commercial meat, Halal meat requires slaughter, processing, and certification based on Islamic law. This article introduces how to choose commercial Halal meat and the chicken, wagyu, and processed meats available for purchase at HALAL ICHIBA.
What is Halal meat? How is it different from regular meat?
Halal meat refers to meat processed according to Islamic law (Sharia). For meat to be permissible for Muslims to eat, the following conditions must be met:
Main conditions for Halal meat
- Halal slaughter (Dhabihah): The animal must be slaughtered according to Islamic law, by cutting the jugular vein in one swift motion while reciting Allah's name.
- No contact with pork or pork-derived ingredients: No cross-contamination in production lines, equipment, or storage areas.
- No alcohol used: No alcohol used for marinating or during the processing stage.
- Certification by a third-party organization: A Halal certification body must inspect and verify the above.
Why is pork forbidden?
For Muslims, pork is a "Haram" (forbidden) food explicitly prohibited by Islamic law. This applies not only to pork itself but to all pork-derived ingredients.
Pork-derived ingredients to be aware of in restaurants
- Lard: Sometimes used as cooking oil for stir-frying or deep-frying. Also used in Western pastries and pie crusts for a crispy texture.
- Gelatin: Often pork-derived and can be found in desserts, sauces, and jellies.
- Pork bone broth/stock: Widely used as a base for ramen, stews, and hot pot dishes.
- Certain emulsifiers/additives: May be pork-derived and found in processed foods.
- Use of the same cooking utensils/oil: Cooking other ingredients in pots or fryers that have been used to cook pork is also considered cross-contamination and should be avoided.
In addition to switching to Halal meat, it is also crucial to separate cooking utensils, cooking oil, and storage areas from anything pork-derived. By providing honest disclosure and taking these precautions, you can gain the trust of Muslim travelers.
Sourcing Domestic Halal Chicken
Chicken is a fundamental ingredient for Halal-compliant menus. It can be used in a wide range of dishes such as karaage, curries, teriyaki, stir-fries, and soups, and its relatively low cost makes it an attractive option for restaurants.
HALAL ICHIBA offers domestic Halal chicken from Minamisatsu Shokucho Co., Ltd. (MHC certified). They use breeder chickens raised for 450 days, which gives the meat a richer flavor than standard young chickens.
Other Domestic Halal Chicken (Minamisatsu Shokucho - 450-day long-term rearing)
- Breeder Chicken Breast 1kg ¥750 For karaage, teriyaki, curries, and stews. Umami and appropriate elasticity unique to breeder chicken.
- Breeder Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breast 1kg ¥875 Umami and appropriate elasticity from 450 days of rearing. For chicken salad, steamed chicken, and healthy dishes.
- Breeder Chicken Tenderloin 500g ¥625 Umami unique to breeder chicken nurtured through 450 days of long-term rearing. For tempura, fried chicken, salads, and aemono (dressed dishes).
Sourcing Domestic Halal Wagyu
Halal-certified Japanese Wagyu beef is immensely popular with Muslim travelers as a "special food experience only available in Japan." It can be a strong differentiating factor, especially for restaurants and hotels considering high-priced inbound menus.
HALAL ICHIBA carries two brands: Omi Beef and Iga Beef.
🥩 Halal Omi Beef (Frontier Powers)
This is Halal-certified Omi Beef, one of Japan's three major Wagyu brands. Certified by Japan Halal Development Trust(Pvt)LTD. Ingredients are beef (domestic) only, with no additives. It is easy to handle for commercial use, with frozen storage and a shelf life of 18 months.
Other Halal Omi Beef Lineup
- Loin for Yakiniku 0.20kg ¥3,380 Perfect balance of marbling and lean meat. The sweetness of the fat is enhanced when grilled over charcoal or on a griddle. For BBQ and Teppanyaki.
- Uchihira 0.20kg ¥1,650 Strong lean meat with an elegant flavor. Versatile for roast beef, tataki, sukiyaki, and shabu-shabu.
- Minced Meat (Fine, Medium, Coarse) 0.34kg~ ¥1,676~ For all minced meat dishes such as hamburgers, bolognese sauce, keema curry, and meatballs.
- Ribeye Tendon 0.70kg ¥2,711 Becomes melt-in-your-mouth tender when simmered slowly. For beef stew, oden, curry, and doteni.
- Scraps 0.12kg ¥879 Still retains the deliciousness of Omi Beef. A convenient item for everyday use in gyudon, nikujaga, stir-fries, and soups.
🥩 Halal Iga Beef (Okuda Holdings)
Halal-certified Kuroge Wagyu beef raised in the rich natural environment of the Iga region of Mie Prefecture. Certified by JHF. Iga beef, carefully fattened in the unique climate with large temperature differences of the Iga Basin, is processed according to Islamic law. It is characterized by its rich aroma, deep flavor, and well-balanced ratio of lean meat and fat.
- Iga Beef Minced 1kg ¥5,125 (JHF Certified) For a wide range of dishes such as hamburgers, bolognese sauce, keema curry, and gyoza. Ingredients: Beef (domestic) only. Shelf life: 18 months.
Easily Useable Halal Processed Meat
If preparing raw meat is challenging, or if you want to start small, introducing processed meat is a smart choice. Since it's already Halal-processed and prepared, it can be thawed and used immediately.
Other Halal Processed Meats (Minamisatsu Shokucho - MHC Certified - Domestic)
- Chicken Hamburger 80g × 5 ¥938 Juicy hamburger made with 100% domestic chicken. For bento and dinner.
- Chicken Ham 300g ¥938 All-chicken ham that retains the original taste of chicken. For sandwiches, salads, and snacks.
- Chicken Sausage 1kg ¥2,750 Commercial all-chicken sausage emphasizing meaty texture and umami. For bento and cooking ingredients.
- Beef & Chicken Sausage 1kg ¥3,250 Commercial sausage where you can enjoy the double deliciousness of domestic chicken and domestic beef.
Available in Small Lots and Case Units
HALAL ICHIBA supports purchases ranging from small lots for those who want to try it out first, to case units (made-to-order) for those aiming for stable procurement.
| Purchase Style | Best For | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Small lot purchase | Experimental introduction, menu development in progress | Breeder Chicken Thigh 2kg / Omi Beef 0.21kg~ |
| Case unit (made-to-order) | Stable supply, cost reduction, full-scale implementation | Chicken Ham 30 pcs/case / Chicken Breast 15 pcs/case |
Halal Certified Meat can be sourced at HALAL ICHIBA
From domestic chicken, Omi beef, Iga beef to processed meats, available from small lots.
Feel free to contact us for consultations on bulk procurement or custom sizes.
* Halal judgment criteria may vary depending on individual faith, country of origin, and sect. We recommend disclosing certification information to customers before serving and allowing them to make their own judgment.
* Product stock status and prices may vary. Please check the HALAL ICHIBA product page for the latest information.
