In Ebisu, there’s a restaurant called “Halal ramen & dining Honolu Ebisu” (referred to hereafter as “Honolu”) that offers something still quite rare in Japan – halal ramen.
Honolu provides ramen that is free from pork and alcohol, making it suitable for Muslims.
The halal-certified “Special Rich Chicken Ramen” is a gorgeous bowl of noodles
The ramen at Honolu features a chicken-based broth that is slowly simmered to create a rich and milky chicken white broth.
They use a soup base made from halal-certified chicken, mixing in ingredients like kombu, niboshi (dried sardines), dried bonito, and shellfish for a seafood-based flavor.
In contrast to many chicken white broth ramens that often have a thick and creamy soup, Honolu stands out with its refreshing and smooth texture.
At Honolu, they use a soup that enhances the umami of chicken, providing a clean and refreshing taste without any overpowering flavors. The sauce adds a punch of saltiness.
The noodles they use are medium-thin with a pleasant chewiness, offering excellent firmness and seamless integration with the soup.
Despite the restrictions on ingredients and seasonings, the taste of Honolu’s chicken salt ramen is no different from a regular ramen shop. It’s a testament to their dedication and experimentation to bring out deep flavors with limited ingredients.
Furthermore, if you order the “Special Rich Chicken Ramen,” it’s also recommended to enjoy it along with the store’s popular toppings.
“特製鶏白湯麺,” “Special Rich Chicken Ramen” 1,690 JPY (tax included)
The bowl is filled with seven toppings: seasoned egg, fried chicken, minced chicken, menma (bamboo shoots), green onions, and kamaboko (fish cake). It also contains chāshū, a popular ramen topping made with braised meat. Although it’s often pork, this ramen features chicken chashu. Along with seasoned eggs and minced chicken, it’s a classic topping for salt chicken ramen.
This bowl offers a taste experience that captures the essence of Japanese ramen.
Chicken chashu
The hot “Spicy Fried Chicken Ramen” is a popular dish at Honolu
The most popular menu at “Honolu” is the hot “Spicy Fried Chicken Ramen,” featuring karaage (Japanese fried chicken), seasoned meat miso, and a finishing touch of chili oil.
The key to the dish is the meat miso seasoned with Sambal Terasi, an Indonesian condiment.
“スパイシーから揚げラーメン,” Spicy Fried Chicken Ramen 1,990 JPY (tax included)
Sambal Terasi is a major seasoning in Indonesia, known for its strong shrimp flavor and distinct South-East Asian spiciness.
The unique taste, different from Japanese spices such as shichimi tōgarashi, is a distinctive feature of Honolu, which offers halal ramen.
The taste is familiar to many Muslims, yet fresh to those accustomed to Japanese ramen.
Miso seasoned meat
The karaage is marinated in soy sauce, providing a crispy texture, and each piece is large, offering a satisfying bite!
It’s highly recommended to enjoy it dipped in the soup with chili oil for a mellow chicken flavor.
Karaage
Even the popular gyoza, which has been gaining acclaim among foreign tourists, is halal-friendly at Honolu.
The Halal Gyoza at Honolu has a crispy surface and a texture similar to pan-fried dumplings. When visiting the restaurant, it’s a good idea to order some gyoza along with your ramen.
The filling consists of minced chicken and vegetables, offering a refreshing taste.
“ハラル餃子,” Halal Gyoza 700 JPY (tax included)
Honolu was born out of the desire to have people around the world enjoy the ramen that Japan takes pride in. The restaurant’s presence has now been spreading through social media and word of mouth.
Currently, it has become a popular spot featured on TV programs in Muslim-populated countries such as Indonesia, Dubai, Malaysia, etc. It’s easy to see why it’s gaining popularity, being one of the few places in Japan offering halal-certified ramen.
Moreover, there are reasons for its allure that even non-Muslims find captivating, contributing to the daily lines that form outside the restaurant.
Why not experience the taste that draws crowds by visiting the restaurant yourself?
Honolu’s exterior
Information
| Store name | 麺屋 帆のる 恵比寿店 Halal ramen & dining Honolu Ebisu |
|---|---|
| Address | ABC Ameribashi Bldg. 1F, 1-23-1 Ebisu-Minami, Shibuya-ku, Tokyo, Japan
|
| Access |
Ebisu Station 6-minute walk from Ebisu Station West Exit
Ebisu Station 6-minute walk from Exit 1
|
| Phone number | 03-5734-1667 |
| Reservations | Not accepted |
| Payment |
|
| Service charge/Table charge | None |
| Hours | 11:30-15:00（last order 14:30） 17:00-21:30（last order 21:00） |
| Closed | No fixed holidays Unscheduled holidays |
| Seating | 19 seats 5 counter seats, 14 table seats |
| Smoking | All seats are non-smoking |
| Official website | http://halalramen-honolu.net/ |
| Other information |
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※Menu contents, prices, store information, etc. are current as of January 2024.
