Halal yakiniku is becoming easier and easier to find in Japan as restaurants like Osaka Panga serve up premium A5 Wagyu beef in Shinsaibashi.
A short walk from Osaka’s famous Dotonbori River in the Shinsaibashi district, Osaka Panga has a potent presence that stands out from the crowd of people and shops. The words “halal” that are printed on every poster, lantern, and billboard are a beautiful sight for the hungry Muslims of Osaka.
Pricey, but Quality
Osaka Panga offers a large selection of meats from sirloins to tenderloins, steaks, and thin-cut strips.
Prices are a little high, but for the quality of A5 premium-grade beef, it’s absolutely worth it!
If you just want to try A5 Wagyu without forking out 30,000 yen for an all-you-can-eat experience like Rokkasen yakiniku in Tokyo.
Solid Marbling
Before the meat is even cooked, you can tell the quality is on another level.
White marbling is prominent throughout each cut of meat and is marinated with a savory flavor and garnished with spring onion.
The friendly staff are fluent in English and Japanese and they help you cook the goods in a semi-teppanyaki style fashion.
Succulent Results
As someone who has tried the highest level of A5 Wagyu at Rokkasen, I can attest that Osaka Panga can match it in quality.
Of course, the portions won’t be enough to make you full (especially if you have a big appetite), but for an affordable way of trying A5 beef, it’s a winner!
The juices ooze out of the beef brilliantly and the surface sparkles a shiny reflection from all the fats melding with the crisp outer texture.
In other words, it’s mouth-wateringly good!
Bonus Dishes
As I said, it’s difficult to get full on small and expensive cuts of A5 Wagyu beef, so I suggest getting some cheaper bonus dishes.
For instance, this delicious bowl of Korean-style bibimbap for less than 1,000 yen really scratches that hunger pain.
A stone hot bowl of rice, assorted vegetables, minced beef, and egg make for a great stomach-filler to go with your halal A5 beef experience!
Of course, if you are planning to visit Japan, you’ll need a way to get around the country as efficiently and affordably as possible. Japan Rail provides an abundance of travel passes to suit your travel needs. So whether you are traveling individually or as a group, the JR Pass is every traveler’s go-to for getting around and making the most of your time in Japan!