Halal Wagyu Gyukatsu & Wagyu Ramen GYUMON IKEBUKURO – ai-chan’s Honest Halal Food Review for Muslim Travelers

ai-chan
4 days ago
4 min read

The Ikebukuro branch is one of the pioneers of halal dining in Japan! From rich ramen and wagyu beef cutlets to sukiyaki and even vegan options, this restaurant offers a wide variety of delicious halal meals to suit every taste. 🌱🍜🥩

🍜 Introduction

　Gyumon – A Pioneer of Halal Ramen in Japan!

Gyumon is one of the trailblazers in Japan’s halal ramen scene.They were among the first to offer ramen and yakiniku restaurants tailored for Muslim diners—and now, they’ve grown into a well-known halal restaurant group with multiple locations.

Their Ikebukuro branch, opened in March 2024, serves a variety of halal dishes including ramen, wagyu beef cutlet, sukiyaki, and crispy karaage.I happened to be in Ikebukuro for a meeting that day, and after it wrapped up, I was starving—so I stopped by for a much-needed meal!

The restaurant is located on the 4th floor of a multi-tenant building, a short walk from Ikebukuro Station’s west exit.

Honestly, if you don’t know it’s there, it’s easy to miss. And I have to admit—the entrance feels a little sketchy, so it takes a bit of courage to go in! 😅

But once you step inside, it’s a completely different world.The space is bright, clean, and surprisingly spacious, with around 30 seats.Japanese lanterns hang from the ceiling, and there's even a painting of Mt. Fuji on the wall—giving it a warm, Japanese vibe.

It was lunchtime when we visited, but maybe our timing was off—there weren’t any other guests in the restaurant.

Despite the lovely setting, the quiet atmosphere made things feel a little awkward, and even the staff seemed a bit tired from the lack of activity.

⭐️ Overall Score: 7.3 / 10

　The food? Absolutely top-notch!You can really tell this restaurant group has years of experience serving halal cuisine—the flavors were spot on.

That said… maybe we came at an off time, but the atmosphere felt a little off. 💦It lacked the usual energy, and the vibe was just a bit too quiet for my taste.

Still, their halal setup is flawless—they even have a prayer room with a wudu area, which is a huge plus.For Muslim travelers looking for authentic Japanese halal food with reliable facilities, I can definitely recommend this place.

🔍 Category Ratings

Category	Score	Comment
🍜 Food	4.5 / 5	The quality of the meat was excellent, and the ramen broth had a creative, original flavor you won’t find elsewhere. When it comes to taste, I have zero complaints—it was delicious!
🙋‍♀️ Service	2.5 / 5	However, perhaps because there were no other customers, the staff seemed a bit too relaxed, and the service didn’t feel very attentive this time.
🏠 Atmosphere	3.0 / 5	The location itself feels a bit sketchy at first, but once inside, the restaurant is bright, clean, and welcoming—that contrast is actually part of its charm. There’s plenty of space, making it a great option for larger groups too.

🥢 Halal Ramen I had

・Wagyu Paitan Ramen – ¥1,600

・Wagyu Paitan Spicy Ramen – ¥1,820

The white soup is the Wagyu Paitan Ramen.

Made from simmered beef bones, the broth is pure white—something you don’t see every day in ramen! It was rich, creamy, and full of deep flavor.

The chewy noodles soaked up the broth beautifully—so satisfying!

My friend went for the bright red Spicy Wagyu Paitan Ramen, and as a spice lover, she was more than happy with her choice. 🌶️🔥

We also ordered the Wagyu Beef Cutlet (¥2,750).

The cutlet comes lightly breaded and deep-fried to perfection—crispy on the outside, while the inside is beautifully rare.

You get to finish cooking it yourself on a small iron grill at your table, which is such a fun and interactive way to enjoy it!Personally, I like it cooked a little more—it brings out the tenderness and full flavor of the meat.

Since Gyumon originally started as a yakiniku restaurant, the meat quality is absolutely top-tier.Their halal A5-grade wagyu truly melts in your mouth—an unforgettable experience for meat lovers! 🥩✨

🕌 Muslim-Friendly Score: 5 / 5

Item	Score
✅ Halal Certification	3 / 3
🕌 Prayer Space	1 / 1
💧 Wudu Facility	1 / 1

📍 Basic Info (as of January 2025)

Name: GYUMON IKEBUKURO
Address: Tokyo, Toshima City, Ikebukuro, 2 Chome−42−1 第３ミネオカビル 4階
Nearest Station: Ikebukuro Station (7-min walk)
Opening Hours: 12:00–15:00 16:30–22:00 (check before visiting)
Halal Status: 100% halal certified
Prayer Room: Available on site
Languages Supported: English available, Muslim staff present

gyumon ikebukuro store page — click :store page

💬 ai-chan’s One-Line Review

“Maybe we just came at the wrong time?The food was really delicious, but the usual energy and lively atmosphere you'd expect from a restaurant just wasn’t there.”

👤This place is highly recommended for those looking for strict halal compliance.

They also offer vegan-friendly options, so there's something for everyone.

Whether you're dining solo or with a big group, you'll feel right at home here!

👤 About the Author

Written by ai-chan:

Editor-in-chief of a Japanese food industry media outlet, visiting over 300 restaurants annually.She is committed to delivering honest, experience-based restaurant reviews—never sponsored, always grounded in reality.

With the rising number of Muslim travelers to Japan and the lack of reliable halal food information, she launched this project to personally verify halal-friendly restaurants and provide trustworthy guidance.Though still learning about halal culture as a beginner, she is determined to explore one restaurant at a time—with humility, respect, and a desire to help Muslim travelers feel safe and welcome in Japan.