In July 2024, Honolu Grande Shinsaibashi opened in the heart of Osaka’s lively Shinsaibashi district. As a new branch of the well-regarded Honolu brand—best known for its wagyu ramen—the restaurant offers much more than noodles. Guests can indulge in a wide variety of dishes that highlight the richness of wagyu, including gyu-katsu, steak, sukiyaki, and shabu-shabu, all prepared with A5-grade Halal Kobe beef and Kurohana-gyu from Kumamoto.
The origins of Honolu trace back seven years, when founder Mr. Shimai learned from a Muslim acquaintance that “there are very few places in Japan where we can eat with peace of mind.” In response, he set out to create a place where Japan’s rich culinary traditions could be enjoyed by everyone, regardless of religion, with both comfort and confidence. From that vision, Honolu was born, and it continues to welcome guests from around the world with inclusive and thoughtful hospitality.
The kitchen is led by Chef Morimoto, a culinary expert with deep knowledge of both washoku and Halal practices. Drawing on Osaka’s proud dashi culture, he crafts refined dishes that appeal to all five senses, rooted in traditional Japanese techniques yet presented with remarkable delicacy.
Starting in September 2025, the restaurant introduced sukiyaki and shabu-shabu prepared with Kurohana-gyu, an exceptional wagyu classified as A12 grade—the highest quality level. Normally exported to countries such as Saudi Arabia and Dubai, this rare beef offers an unparalleled experience with its rich sweetness and profound umami, creating a luxurious flavor found in very few places.

The sukiyaki is prepared Kansai-style. Large slices of Kurohana-gyu, cut just 1 millimeter thick, are lightly grilled until they turn a soft cherry blossom pink. At that precise moment, the chef pours in a house-made dashi, creating a first bite that perfectly blends the savory richness of the beef with the gentle sweetness of the sauce. As the wagyu’s fat begins to melt, seasonal vegetables are added to the pot, absorbing the deep umami. When dipped into fresh egg, the result is a smooth and richly flavored sukiyaki that leaves a lasting impression.

For shabu-shabu, guests are offered two types of broth: kombu dashi and beef bone dashi. The experience begins with the guidance of the staff, who demonstrate how to cook the first slice together with care. Afterwards, guests are free to continue at their own pace, savoring the depth of Japanese food culture. Once vegetables are added, the flavors can be enjoyed with house-made Halal-certified ponzu and sesame sauce. Every condiment is carefully prepared in-house to ensure full Halal compliance, allowing guests to dine with complete peace of mind.

Beyond the premium wagyu dishes, Kansai’s beloved soul foods such as takoyaki and okonomiyaki are also featured on the menu. The sauces, mayonnaise, and other seasonings used are all Halal-certified, so Muslim guests can enjoy these Osaka specialties just as locals do.

Adding to the experience, the restaurant also offers a selection of souvenirs, including Halal-certified instant ramen and langue de chat cookies, allowing visitors to bring home a taste of Japan as a delicious memory of their trip.
Honolu also goes above and beyond to accommodate the needs of Muslim guests through its facilities. The restaurant is equipped with a prayer space and a wudu (ablution) area, so guests never have to worry about finding a place to pray. Muslim staff members are also part of the team, and the staff as a whole is knowledgeable and respectful of cultural and religious backgrounds.English is spoken, and the environment is welcoming even for first-time visitors to Japan.