100% Halal! Delicious kebab shop with a reverent Muslim owner
“Kebab-cafe Ertugrull,” located within a 3-minute walk from Nakano Station in Tokyo, is a restaurant where you can enjoy Turkish food and
Halal kebabs.
The shop owner Mr. Gerz Muhammet Ali is from Turkey.
Popular menu here is a kebab sandwich (pita bread) and a stick shaped kebab wrap.
Tea service is available at lunch time, for in-store dining.
Sandwich: chicken kebab and cabbage salad in pita bread.
Mr. Ali, owner of the shop
Chicken kebab sandwich
Ertugrul’s wrap, which is also the name of the shop, is full of chicken kebab, cabbage salad, tomato paste, hummus and rice.
Wrap
The special sauce: ranges from sweet to spicy. You can customize your kebab, share different tastes.
Halal-certified kebab shop where you can Wudu and pray
Halal certificate
At the entrance of the shop, there is a Halal logo and a Halal certificate, like many restaurants qualified to serve Halal food.
However, since the Halal Mark does not have a global standard, the judgment standards and guidance content differ for each certification body.
Shop Signboard
The certificate is issued by Japan Halal Foundation when everything in your store is Halal.
In this certification, three stars are the most rigorous level. Kebab-cafe Ertugrul has three stars, so the score is the highest, 100% Halal. (So, there is no pork or alcohol served in the restaurant.)
The Muslim-managed kebab shop already have the image of “Halal,”therefore not all shops have the Halal certification.
But that is the character of Mr.Ali who has sincere and consistent values.
It seems that this store has acquired Halal certification, so that anyone can understand that this store is completely Halal.
Mr. Ali said he has two wishes:
“To provide a place where Muslims can eat in peace without minding.” and “Best kebabs for everyone!”
Praying Room
The compact prayer space for one person, has a sink at a low position to clean your hands, feet, face, mouth, etc. with water before praying.
Wudu
Prioritizing integrity in Islamic teachings over profits
There are times when Mr. Ali’s wife comes to Ertugrul to help. He talked about opening a store this way.
“From a business point of view, some people think that it is better to increase the turnover rate by having two more seats than having a player room in a small shop.
Of course that is more profitable, but I wanted to respect him. ”
Mr. Ali prioritizes honesty in Islamic teachings over profits.
Each of those thoughts is reflected in the atmosphere of the dishes and shops. It is such a rare place in Tokyo, and it is no doubt that many Muslims can feel comfortable.
Mr. Ali and his wife
Supervisor / Recommender
- Halal Supervisor and Foreigner Food Coordinator (Cooking, Consulting, Public Relations)
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Click here for introduction
I currently work as an editor, but my previous job was as a chef, with many years of experience working in hospitals, restaurants, and the food service industry. Looking back, I think my connection to halal may have already been there.
Decades ago, I once worked in a cafeteria at an auction venue. Over 60% of the visitors were foreigners. Many Muslims were present, and the venue had a mosque-like prayer space. I remember being frequently asked questions about whether the meat was halal and what kind of meat it was. At certain times, the cafeteria would become as lively as a festival. The Indian restaurant next door would generously serve free biryani, curry, and sweet drinks to everyone who came. Over 100 people, including people wearing bright red turbans, galabeyas, and traditional attire, gathered in the cafeteria, all sitting around the same table and enjoying a truly enjoyable time. Looking back, it was iftar, the end of fasting, and I understand the significance of sharing, but at the time I was ignorant of halal and Islam, and didn't even consider how to respond. They only ate the curry made by the Indians in the restaurant. As I studied halal, I realized, "I wanted to eat Japanese food, but I couldn't." I regret not doing anything even though there was something I could have done.
If only it didn't contain pork! If only it didn't contain wheat or buckwheat! I could eat it... Food insecurity is different for each person.
That's why I think it's important to learn about the differences in culture, religion, and lifestyle that underlie it, and to create an environment where everyone can enjoy delicious meals in comfort.
The desire for delicious, safe, and secure food is universal. The times are calling for people to live in new ways that transcend borders and religions. I hope that halal can be a gateway to eliminating food insecurity, contributing even in some small way to a society where people can coexist and prosper with more liberal thinking, and to global harmony beyond.
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