Promoting Japanese Halal Cuisine: AUTHENTIC CULTURAL DINING Kicks Off in Jakarta

On November 13, 2025, the Japan Food Product Overseas Promotion Center (JFOODO) held an exciting event titled AUTHENTIC CULTURAL DINING in Jakarta, Indonesia. This event was designed to promote the allure of Japanese food ingredients that can be enjoyed with confidence by Muslim communities.

As the global Muslim population is projected to reach approximately 2.2 billion by 2030, accounting for one in every four individuals worldwide, the halal market continues to grow. The Japanese government has recognized this trend as an opportunity for expansion, targeting halal food exports alongside traditional markets.

The term halal refers to what is permissible or lawful in Islam, particularly concerning food that must not contain ingredients like pork or alcohol and must be prepared in a prescribed manner. Despite a growing interest in Japanese cuisine within Indonesia, awareness about high-quality halal Japanese ingredients remains surprisingly low. Even products that have halal certification often struggle with local market distribution and communication.

To bridge this gap, JFOODO organized the AUTHENTIC CULTURAL DINING event to showcase a variety of halal-compliant Japanese food items alongside their exceptional quality and craftsmanship. Among the highlights of the event was the participation of Chef Junichi Kurisu from Honke Tan Kuma, a Michelin-rated restaurant known for its Muslim-friendly menu, alongside Corporate Executive Chef Reiyan Trisandra from Hutan Kota by Plataran, who prepared special dishes featuring premium Japanese Wagyu beef.

The event attracted over 50 attendees, including local media, influencers, and chefs. Participants raved about the juiciness and melt-in-the-mouth texture of the Japanese Wagyu, experiencing firsthand the charm of Japanese food ingredients.

Moreover, in light of tourism trends, with around 517,000 Indonesians expected to visit Japan in 2024, the event partnered with HALAL NAVI, a platform that helps Muslims select restaurants suitable for their dietary needs. This initiative represents a promising step towards easing dining uncertainties for Muslim travelers considering trips to Japan.

JFOODO's center chief, Eizo Kobayashi, emphasized their mission to ensure global audiences can appreciate the wonderful qualities of Japanese ingredients. He stated, "This event was inspired by the 500,000 Indonesian visitors who relished Japanese food last year, yet concerns over halal compliance linger on."

In his speech, the temporary Japanese Ambassador to Indonesia, Mitsuru Meiji, expressed his desire to share the beauty and accessibility of halal Japanese cuisine with more people. He mentioned that Japanese cuisine, officially recognized by UNESCO as an intangible cultural heritage in 2013, includes varied dishes like sushi, sashimi, and tempura that are both healthy and delicious. In Indonesia, the popularity of Japanese cuisine is evident, with over 4,000 Japanese restaurants thriving across the country.

After the tasting, a lively talk session featuring former JKT48 member Melody and renowned celebrity chef Aiko Sarwosri discussed the evolution of halal-compliant Japanese cuisine. Melody praised the quality and flavor of Japanese dishes, particularly the Wagyu, while Aiko noted how easy it has become to find halal-friendly options thanks to platforms like HALAL NAVI.

Overall, the AUTHENTIC CULTURAL DINING event in Jakarta served as a vital conduit for cultural exchange and culinary appreciation between Japan and Indonesia. It marked a significant step in aligning traditional Japanese culinary heritage with the needs of a growing global Muslim audience, combining both exquisite taste and ethical dining. This promising endeavor stands to pave the way for a more inclusive future in the culinary world.

Event Highlights:

- Date: November 13, 2025
- Location: Hutan Kota by Plataran – Melati Glass House
- Featured Chefs: Junichi Kurisu, Reiyan Trisandra, Melody Nurramdhani Laksani, Aiko Sarwosri

About JFOODO:

Established on April 1, 2017, JFOODO is dedicated to branding Japanese agricultural and food products internationally, enhancing awareness and demand for Japan’s exceptional offerings in foreign markets.
Find out more at JFOODO.