Halal and Muslim-Friendly Guide to Odaiba, Tokyo, Japan! - Sojibo Halal Restaurant, Diver City Tokyo Plaza, Odaiba

Originally, my husband intended to go to Japan for a business trip, on which me, our daughter, my mom and little brother tagged along with. My mom had never been to Japan, and it was an opportune time for all of us to go.

He had a brief meeting at Odaiba City, so we tagged along to see Odaiba Bay. Post-meeting, we ended up at Sojibo Restaurant, a Halal-certified restaurant located at Odaiba City!

I love their restaurant food displays, it looks so real! Upon entering the restaurant, we knew it would be a good meal as we saw many locals dining in.

One of the menu options, which my husband and brother ended up taking. 1,649 Yen is approximately RM 54++

Menu illustration vs acual food, looks pretty accurate!

Imaan loved the green tea!

She was also obsessed with the edamame.

I opted for a simple prawn tempura udon. Unfortunately for presentation sake, when my tempura prawns arrived, the bottom half that was soaked in the broth ended up with a soggy batter. The one untouched by the broth had a promising glimmer of a golden and crispy batter. The broth itself was intense and rich, as it should be due to the simplicity of this dish.

My mom opted for a duck ramen. The duck was incredibly tender, with a hint of smokiness. The leeks added a subtle sweetness to the dish, lifted by the broth. When this dish arrived, the aroma from the broth made your mouth water.

Imaan stole one of my prawn tempura.

Obligatory family shot! 

My mom and Rayan in front of the restaurant.

We actually had trouble spotting the restaurant, obviously as none of us can read Kanji; we only spotted it because of the Halal certificate. This was taken post-meal; you can see there are locals queueing waiting for dinner. 

Generally, Japanese restaurants are very attentive and careful when it comes to Halal concept; if they serve alcohol at the premise, they do mention it, and any alcohol, as well as the glasses used, are stored and prepared in a separate area from the kitchen, such as the note on the bottom right. It's a simple note, but this thoughtful gesture meant a lot to us. It seemed to me they went their extra length to ensure the Halal preparation was very thorough; many restaurants even prepared separate utensils to be used specifically only for Halal meals. 

Rating:

• Variety: 4/5

A lot of options, from rice to noodles to suit all taste. 

• Taste: 4/5

Really clean tastes that let the main ingredients to shine through. 

• Value for Money: 5/5

I do believe that Halal food is generally more expensive in Japan especially during dinner time, so expect a meal to be between RM 40 - RM 80. Some no-frills meals were as low as 800 Yen.

• Cleanliness: 5/5

Most Japanese restaurants that we dined in was generally spotless.

• Service 4/5

We were seated all the way at the back, so it was hard to get the waiter's attention. However, they were very sweet to Imaan. 

• Ambiance: 4/5

Cozy with dimmed lights, packed with diners but not overly noisy.

• Overall: 4/5
A convenient and cosy spot for Muslims! You can definitely dine-in without was-was. Based on all the other restaurants, this was the only place that had a queue when we left, a positively good sign!

Sojibo, Diver City Tokyo Plaza Halal Restaurant
1-1-10 Aomi | 6f, Koto 135-0064, Tokyo Prefecture
+81 3-5520-1310

Halal-Friendly and Family-Friendly guide to Tsukiji Fish Market!

As a sashimi lover, one of the places I always wanted to visit was Tsukiji Fish Market. After seeing it in Jiro Dreams of Sushi, I always knew one day I would make my way there. I was really blown away when my dream turned into reality during our trip to Japan.

We did quite a bit of research prior to our visit, as we knew the market would be closed on some day. As much as I would have loved to attend the famous tuna auction, with a two year old toddler, waking up as early at 3 AM to be there by 4 AM would have been impossible. The public transportation would not be functioning too early in the wee hours, so we would have had to spend extra money to stay overnight near the area. In the end, we woke up and left our AirBNB around 8 AM.

Most morning walks consisted of walking past this quiet and sleepy area. 

Most of the time we used Google Maps to guide us to the nearest public transport. Hyperdia app didn't really work well on our phones.

Imaan chilling on her stroller.

It's not too hard to spot Tsukiji Market. Just follow the throng of people heading towards the same direction, and soon you'll start seeing fresh sashimi on display and seafood restaurants.

Imaan with a tuna head thrice her size.

We saw many "specialists" shop, where they focused selling various types of one specific food, example this shop focused mainly on tamago!

We tried the tamago, which tasted like normal tamago that we would get here in Malaysia.

Along the way, we would see free sample offerings from vendors to entice new purchases.

Fish eggs! My mom bought a spicy pack.

I can't remember what this store was selling.

This store was selling various types of pickles.

Many commercial restaurants had attractive set-ups to attract tourists.

 

One of the restaurant displayed shark, crab and eels.

My mom bought squid jerky for my dad.

Along the way to the Tsukiji Wholesale Market (which is a bit of a walk from Tsukiji Commercial Market), we saw protesters who were against the move of the fish market to a newer area. The reason behind this was Tsukiji was taking up valuable real estate closer to the city center, and there was a proposal to move the fish market to Toyosu. As it's considered a cultural icon, and the move many affect many businesses, it's not surprising that there have been many protests against the move.

The pathway leading to Tsukiji Wholesale Market. As you walk, there are local guides who will push you in the right direction. Upon entering, we saw the endless stalls with their display.

As we arrived around 9 AM, most of the stores had already began to clear down. There were many tourists who did not purchase anything, and they tended to block the road.

I didn't take much photos, as the Wholesale Market was very busy - there were men driving mini trucks around, and Imaan refused to stay in her Ergobaby, so we spent most of our time carrying her or chasing after her.

Fish was so fresh. We spent around 1 hour in the market and purchased some sashimi that we thought were value-for-money, or rare back at home. Most of it was prepacked for takeaway. Around 10 AM most of the stores were already closed. 

We were quite hungry after our expedition to the Tsukiji Wholesale Market, so afterwards we browsed the restaurants nearby and this one caught our eye. Just bear in mind, 1000 yen was around RM 33 at that time. 

The chefs prepping the items. To be honest, we knew it was going to be a costly dining experience as it seemed a quite touristy place, but nothing beats fresh, quality sashimi.

Rayan and mom posing impatiently as the food awaits them.

At first someone was asleep.

She woke up when her miso soup arrived. Do bear in mind that miso paste produces ethanol alcohol naturally during the fermentation process. Based on our understanding, as it was produced naturally and consuming it does not cause intoxication, it is permissible to consume. In addition, the alcohol content evaporates upon reaching 70°C. However, I do believe there are others who may be more strict when it comes to miso consumption, so to each their own. As I felt Imaan is still quite young to eat raw seafood (which we could opt for), I do believe that it was reasonable for her to consume miso soup.

My mom ordered this beautiful plate of raw sashimi to share. I'm not entirely sure what was what, but the scallop was buttery and soft, and the shrimp was so sweet (my first time eating raw shrimp). Everything was so delicious and fresh; it was literally like having an ocean party in your mouth! To my surprise, the squid and octopus was very tender and melt-in-your-mouth.

I opted for this ocean treasure, I think it was around 2000 Yen (RM 66). Everything was utterly divine. I got the ocean brininess from the salmon roe, and the minced tuna was absolutely divine; it tasted a bit bland, but in a good way. I really loved the shrimp, it's sweet without being overpowering.

The greeter/ host didn't mind posing with Imaan!

Restaurant: Tsukiji Sushi Sen

Address: 1-9-6 Tsukiji, Tsukiji, Chuo, Tokyo Prefecture

Website: http://www.sakanaya-group.com/01sushisen/01sohonten/02info.html?utm_source=tripadvisor&utm_medium=referral

Tel: +81 3-6226-5910

TripAdvisor Link: https://www.tripadvisor.com.my/Restaurant_Review-g14129610-d3779173-Reviews-Tsukiji_Sushi_Sen_Main_Shop-Tsukiji_Chuo_Tokyo_Tokyo_Prefecture_Kanto.html

Please note that this is not a Halal-certified Restaurant; there are alcoholic beverages available. We opted mainly for sashimi menu.

After our lovely lunch, we walked a bit more and bought some sweets and desserts. My mom spoiled Imaan with ice cream that was milky and creamy, whereas I opted for something more fresh. 

Fresh fruit sorbet on a stick.

My mom and me. 

Tokyo was unexpectedly cold, I had to borrow my mom's cardigan. Lucky that I had packed two jackets. vest and sweater for Imaan.

On the way back, we stopped by a supermarket (my mom wanted to get soya sauce hahaa) and these two cool-looking dogs were left outside by their human.

Coincidentally, Imaan matched their outfit.

Our loot from the market. The uni had a custard-like texture, tasted creamy and briny. It's good to eat on it's own. The oyster was gigantic, creamy, briny and juicy - no doubt, the freshest oysters we have ever eaten. The tuna had a pleasant, meaty taste with a mild flavor, it was gone within the day. Over the course of the next few days, we enjoyed the roes and the pollock eggs raw with rice, or fried in rice. 2 days later my brother and husband already had enough of the sashimi.

TOP 5 TIPS FOR TRAVELLING TO TSUKIJI FISH MARKET WITH A TODDLER

1. Bring only a baby carrier. Easier to handle your child safely.
2. If you must bring a stroller (as we did), bring a foldable and lightweight stroller (we used Mothercare XS).
3. Have lots of wet wipes handy, as your child may be inquisitive to touch raw seafood.
4. Be respectful of the vendors; make sure to watch your child diligently as it is a very busy market, do stay out of their way, especially those on motorized vehicles who may not be able to react as fast.
5. If your child can already walk, make sure he/ she is wearing proper walking shoes that have a strong grip, as the market floor can be slippery.

Muslim Traveller - Accomodation in Asakusa, Tokyo, Japan! Family-Friendly

Our very first trip to the land of the Rising Sun! Follow my blog for tips on travelling in Japan for Muslims!

We landed at Narita after 6 hours on Malaysia Airlines (my preferred airlines). As we purchased the Japan Railway Pass online prior to our visit, we had to exchange our Order Pass at the JR Office at the airport.

As we were using the JR Pass, we decided to take the Narita Expres (NEX) train from Narita Airport, - Tokyo, as the NEX was inclusive on the JR Pass, to head to our accomodation near Asakusa.

Waiting for the 7.30 PM train at Narita. Imaan loved to see the trains.

Imaan's tiny stroller fit in between the seats.

Little did we know that there were TWO Asakusa Stations; we took the one via Tokyo Metro Line, which was further away, compared to another Asakusa Station via Toei Subway Lines, which was closer to our accomodation. We had quite a walk ahead of us...

See that brown bag my mom is pushing? That's the ~secret~ Asian mom bag full of food... to be discussed later hahaha.

It was quite late at this time, and there were drunk locals walking around post work, but they were harmless and quite friendly. They waved to Imaan in her stroller and said, kawaiii~~. It was such a warm welcome to Japan!

For those wondering, we stayed 5D4N at Tao's place via AirBNB:
LINK: https://www.airbnb.com/rooms/21871050?s=51

SIGN UP FOR AIRBNB NOW TO GET RM 120 CREDIT FREE FOR YOUR FIRST BOOKING!

The dining-table-cum-tv-cum-kitchen area.

Everything was organized, clean and tidy as we arrived. 

The TV location was in a slightly odd corner. Out of five houses that we stayed at during Japan, this was the only house with an iron.

Rather rare to find - two rooms with two Western beds in Tokyo - most had only one Western-style bed and tatamis.

Do remove your shoes and wear these indoor slippers provided by the host! The brown door at the end leads to the toilet.

Washing area with the washing machine. The host provided us a hanging rack to dry our items. The brown door leads to the bathroom.

If I can, I would bring back this magical toilet. I LOVEEEEE Japan toilet with its warm toilet bowl and automatic bidet buttons.

The bathing area. Shampoo, conditioner and shower gel was provided by our host.

If you are using the JR Pass you need to transfer at least once, as the only lines accessible to Asakusa Station is accessible via Tsukuba Express or JR Yamanote to Akhibara Station, transfer to Tokyo Metro line to Asakusa Station. If you have luggage with you, it may be a bit of a walk.

• Location: 4/5 - quite a bit of walk from any train stations, but we enjoyed the walk amongst the quaint neighborhood. They played calm music every morning in the neighborhood. Plenty of local marts to shop around for fresh fruits and vegetables.
• Communication - 5/5 - Tao was a very gracious host. He provided us with a guidebook on how to use what.
• Cleanliness - 5/5 - Sparkling clean!
• Check-In - 5/5 - Smooth and easy via self check-in with instructions provided prior to visit.
• Value - 5/5 - Reasonable for the number of beds given. 

Sambal Che Nor (available at major petrol stations), with sambal belimbing and sambal ikan bilis from Malaysia - whch was in my mom's secret brown bag - which we ate with precooked rice and pickled cucumbers that we bought from one of the convenience stores.  The Sambal Che Nor became quite a staple during our meals at our AirBNB homes.

Imaan and GM (grandma) chilling on this tiny sofa that was slightly too big for one adult but not big enough for two adults. 

Other Notes

• Muslim Travellers - there are a few Halal restaurants around Asakusa neighborhood, so I would recommend to stay here. Tao's place also has a rice cooker, and you can use the stove for some lightcooking, so I would recommend this place for other Muslim travellers!
• Stairs, no lift -Lucky my mom is quite fit, and my brother came a long for the trip to help us haul luggage, the stroller and Imaan up and down the stairs (there are no lifts at this apartment - there are 3 flights of stairs).

For those wondering, we stayed 5D4N at Tao's place via AirBNB:
LINK: https://www.airbnb.com/rooms/21871050?s=51

SIGN UP FOR AIRBNB NOW TO GET RM 120 CREDIT FREE FOR YOUR FIRST BOOKING!