Enjoy Roppongi with Halal Yakiniku in “Sumiyakiya”

Written by Sk. Nishat Abdullah-san

Roppongi is a famous place in Tokyo for foreign visitors. I am not sure how much attractive Roppongi is for Muslim visitors in Tokyo, but I am going to mention the name of a place in Tokyo which can be considered as a reasonable purpose to visit for a Muslim in Roppongi. It is a restaurant named “Sumiyakiya”. Basically it is a yakiniku restaurant.
Yakiniku is one of the famous dishes in Japan. Though some people say that, yakiniku is originally a Korean cuisine, it became the most favorite dish to me in Japan. So, if any Muslim Tourist wants to taste Japanese yakiniku, he or she can go to Sumiyakia. It will give him two advantages together. One, the food is completely halal. Two, it may give him a chance to to have some glimpse of busy and lively, though not much Muslim friendly Roppongi. Actually, before talking about Sumiyakiya, I must mention a very important remark that “Sumiyakiya” is not a Halal Restaurant as a whole. Their every menu has Halal and Non Halal preparation. When I entered the restaurant, they gave me a menu card. Reading that menu card, I asked whether they were Halal or not. Immediately they changed the menu card and gave another menu card containing same menus but with different price and off course a little expensive than non Halal menu.
The spaces within the restaurant were a little narrow and therefore not suitable for big party. Yet the decoration is done artistically possibly following Japanese themes. The interior of most of the yakiniku are almost similar in themes.
Another service they provide for tourists which I considered very helpful. This is the free Wifi which may help tourists to make their important communications with their country.
Actually Sumiyakiya not only prepare Yakiniku but also there are Sri Lankan curry, Korean Chige stew, Chuck top diced steak, sweet and spicy grilled beef etc. So, a lot of options are also open to choose for the Muslims to eat in Sumiyakiya other than Yakiniku.
Actually what a Muslim wants in a restaurant in Tokyo is the assurance for their favorite dishes to be Halal and a peaceful environment so that their religious principles are easily maintained. This brings them the peace of mind and thus the satisfaction. Though alcohol is served in this restaurant, I think it did not hamper those requirements.