Restaurant search site for food minorities

Supervisor / Recommender

Takako Doki

General Incorporated Association Japan Halal Business Association Secretariat Public Relations / Director

Click here for introduction

I am currently working as an editor. However, I experienced working as a cook in restrunts, hospitals, and catering industry. Looking back now, I was connected to the Idea of Hala, since then.
At one point, few decades ago, I worked in a cafeteria at an auction site. More than 60% of the visitors to the venue were foreigners, including many Muslims (There were mosque in the venue as well). I remember many people asked me about the food we serve, the types of meat and whether they are Hala qualified.
At a certain time, the cafeteria becomes lively like a festival. Because the Indian restaurant next door to the venue served food for free. Indian dish, such as biryani, curry and sweet drinks were served to the visitors. Over 100 foreigners dressed in red turbans, garabayas and folk costumes gathered in the cafeteria, and everyone had a great time surrounding the same table. Now I learned about Muslim culture, it was a fast-starting Iftar.
Also, I remember that many participants were only eating curry from the Indian restrunt, eventhough there were choices of other food. As I study about Halal, I learned that they did not chose to eat curry, but they did not have a choise. I personally think that they wanted to try some of the Japanese food, if they had a chose. I still regret that moment, when I could not do anything because of the lack of information. “Inconvenience” of food is quite different based on their cultural background, and therefore, I understand now, that it is crucial to create an environment where all people can enjoy delicious meal, regardless of their backgrounds.

In Japan, Halal food is still a minority. Many people from Muslim background visit Japan, but they fell enconvininet about it. Japan Halal Business Association advocates in the halal business: HAVO (Halal, Organic, Vegetarian, Allergy).
The idea is to aim to create products and services that many people can eat and use, regardless of their religion and various backgrounds.
Seeking for delicious, safe and secure meal is commonly shared through the nations. The time demand us to find new ways of living that transcend borders and religions. We hope that Halal will help eliminate food inconvenience and contribute to the harmony of the world where you can respect, coexist, and co-prosper with a more liberal idea to eating and enjoying food.

Reasonable lunchtime menu, fascinating belly dance show on weekend nights

Koenji is a unique town, with 14 large and small shopping streets. There are many restaurants in those streets, and competition is very hot in the area. It is also the sacred place of Sab-culture. The atmosphere of Koenji is unusual and popular in Tokyo.
In such an area, there is a restaurant that offers Halal cuisine, which is now in its 16th year.

Bolbol is a Persian (Iranian) restaurant located a 3-minute walk from Koenji Station. Look for the Persian sign that appears on the second floor.

Bolbol

2F: store entrance

At lunchtime, you can enjoy Kebab, Iranian home cooking, and authentic Indian curry cooked by Indian chefs for less than 1,000 yen.
Kebabs made from beef and lamb mince are very soft and juicy.

Kebab ¥1,000

A store recommendation is to put rice, kebab, pickles and baked tomatoes on top of freshly baked naan. Then, squeeze lemon for additional taste.

All are great combination with naan

Iranian home cooking uses a lot of lamb, wheat and herbs. This greenish “Gormesabzy” is a dish of stewed lamb and red beans. Lunch includes tomato soup with barley and basmati rice.

Gormesabzy ¥800

Barley and tomato soup

The lamb stewed with 6 kinds of herbs. It is very soft, and the stew and soup are supported by local Japanese people.
All the menus are healthy and delicious.

There are many ways to enjoy Bolbol. They have Hookah (Gariyun), Middle Eastern beer/wine, and a belly dance show on weekend nights.

Persian restaurant with exotic Iranian antique collection

The owner of Bolbol, is a Muslim from Tehran, Iran. The owner first came to Japan during his 20s. After earning money by working at an Italian restaurant, he decided to open the restaurant in 2004, because there was no place to eat Iranian food. He has lived around Koenji just after moving into Japan. From the owner’s perspective, Koenji seems to match the image of Iran’s national character, who likes to sing and dance cheerfully with the bandman and many people.

He also had a desire to introduce Iranian culture to many people through cooking.

Owner of Bolbol

This commitment is also reflected to exotic interiors that enhance delicious food. All the decorations in the shop are Iranian antiques.

Counter

Tile art

Inside the store

A teapot and a sugar bowl with Naser al-Din Shah Qajar, the fourth king of the Gharjard dynasty, are also nice. Chai with Bolbol spices are very fragrant and very delicious. Excellent compatibility with dates covered w/ coconut.

Persian chai

The name of the store, Bolbol, means “warbler.” There is no warbler, but there are many parakeets in the shop.

The owner is a very shy guy, but is very dandy and charming. If you talk persistently, he will tell you an interesting story and trivia of Iran.
Come and enjoy delicious food in an exotic space while reminiscent of Persian history.

「 Bolbol」Basic information

Store name	Bolbol
Tel	03-3223-3277
Address	3-2-15-2F, Koenji Kita, Suginami-ku
Business hours	Lunch 11: 30-15: 00 Dinner 17: 00-23: 00 (L.O.22: 30)
Holiday	Wednesday
Budget	Lunch￥800～￥1,000 Dinner ￥2,000～￥3,500
Payment method	Cash/Credit Card
Parking Lot	N/A
Language
Advance reservation	Reservation Available
Cooking description	A Persian restaurant a 2-minute walk from Koenji Station North Exit. Alcohol is served, but the food menu is all Halal.
Note	35 Seats
Store HP