The biggest disaster has hit Tohoku region in 2011, which has taken nearly 20,000 lives away, although the region is one of the least populated areas of Japan. This catastrophic experience has rocked the whole world and has changed the people’s mindset towards natural disaster.
Main street of Sendai, called Aoba Street.
Sendai, the capital of Miyagi, is the biggest city of the region. When people are traveling to Tohoku, they will definitely make a transit in this city, but did you know that there are so many attractive sites? Here are some tips on how Muslims enjoy their journey in “the city of trees” built by a legendary Samurai, with great Halal gourmet!
Check this article for Halal and Muslim-friendly restaurants in Miyagi.
History of Sendai.
The city is located where two important main roads crossed, so several important sites and temples were built. Ever since a legendary Samurai, Masamune Date (伊達政宗), has set Sendai as his base in 16th century, the city got developed and became what it is now in modern Japan.
But why is this man a legendary? This is because he said to have lost vision in one of his eyes because of smallpox when he was only 5 years old but has succeeded in uniting all Tohoku region together. If you are walking around the city of Sendai, you will find his statues.
Also, why is Sendai called as “a city of trees”? Mori (杜) in Japanese means “trees that are grown around the sacred temples or shrines”, which you may find when you take a walk in the city. Although it is a city with more than a million population, it is possible to refresh and relax in the great nature.
Zuioden (瑞鳳殿) worships Masamune Date.
Is Sendai’s specialty Kikufuku (喜久福) halal?
When people visit Sendai, they never miss to eat Kikufuku. Kikufuku is an ice cream with cream filling, coated with soft Mochi, with flavors like Matcha, roasted tea or fruits. They are the No.1 famous and popular sweet, and you can find them almost anywhere in the city.
Credit: https://kikusuian.jp/kikufuku/
Many of Muslims would think that is Halal to eat, however, checking on their ingredients we have found Zunda and Cream flavor contain liquor and all of them have emulsifier.
So far, Matcha and roasted tea do not contain liquor. Their emulsifier is made from plant according to the answer from the manufacturer, so when going to Kikufuku, choose Matcha and roasted tea.
They introduce some new flavors time to time, but please do not forget to check on their ingredients before consuming.
What Halal gourmet are available in Sendai?
Sendai is famous for thick-grilled beef tongue, but so far Gyutan Yamajo is the only restaurant that serves Halal beef tongue.
Murakamiya Mochiten (村上屋餅店)
Zunda Mochi (ずんだ餅) is a specialty from Sendai, and this shop is where this amazing sweet was born more than 140 years ago. Zunda Mochi is a soft and sweet Mochi served with sweetened mashed Edamame beans.
This shop is quite famous as it was introduced in the TV for so many times. If you want to eat inside the shop, you will have to queue for nearly an hour, but it is worth visiting.
The owner of the shop is over 70 years old, and when he retires the shop will be permanently closed. Our recommendation is 3-color Mochi, with Edamame, walnut and black sesame flavor. The shop is not using any food additives, which is the reason why it can be suggested for Muslims.
Tai Kichi is located 5 minutes’ walk away from Sendai station. Their main product is Taiyaki, a seabream shape pancake with red bean paste.
What makes their Taiyaki special is that they have Zunda paste with Mochi. It takes some time to get the sweet, because they grill the fresh one after the order is made to ensure the quality. But please be careful, that the Zunda flavor is only available on weekends! If you are visiting during weekdays, take white or red bean paste.
Sasa Kamaboko is another Sendai’s specialty, however, there is no product which is not using alcoholic seasoning. Also, famous Hasekura Yaki contains shortening from pork, so never buy one.
Tamazawa (玉澤)
Opened in 17th century, Tamazawa has been a sweet shop whose products were dedicated to Emperors.
Kokonoe is a very unusual sweet, but it is what represents the shop. It is a small rice cracker coated with sugar with flavors of green tea, grape and Yuzu citrus. You can eat them as it is, but it is actually made into a drink by adding some water, soda or even with alcohol. After adding liquid, the color changes and the rice cracker goes up to the surface.
It is the largest city of Tohoku region, so you may have an opportunity to pay a visit to this city. The city is a gateway to many other touristic spots in Tohoku region, but Sendai itself has so many things that you have to try.
There are so many Halal restaurants in the city, too. Please enjoy your day in Sendai.
Products that we have introduced to you are not made as Halal or Muslim-friendly, so there is a small risk of contamination, which we cannot be responsible of. Please use your own discretion to determine if the food is Halal or not.
