Kobe had always been on my dream-list — not just for its elegant port town charm, but for something far more legendary: Kobe beef. As a Muslim traveler, I never imagined I would one day enjoy authentic halal-certified Kobe beef in Japan.
But that changed the moment I stepped into Kobe Beef Steak SAKURA.

Located just a short walk from Sannomiya Station in the heart of Kobe city, Kobe Beef Steak SAKURA feels both refined and welcoming. The soft lighting, the polished teppan grill, the gentle greetings from the staff — everything signaled that I was about to have a special dining experience. As I settled into a counter seat, watching the chef prepare every dish teppan-style, I felt the kind of excitement that only a long-awaited indulgence on a journey can bring.

A Warm Welcome in a Japanese Atmosphere — with the Comfort of Halal Food

The moment you step inside, you’re greeted by a soft golden glow, with cherry blossoms and a majestic dragon painted across the walls. Middle-Eastern–style lamps add a gentle warmth to the space, creating a beautiful blend of cultures that instantly puts you at ease.

All seats face the teppan grill, arranged in three intimate sections so every guest can enjoy the cooking performance up close.

In the corner, you’ll notice the Kobe Beef authenticity trophy — a distinction granted only to restaurants that truly serve certified halal Kobe Beef. Alongside it are other displays that proudly confirm the authenticity and quality of the beef used here.

The first thing the staff explained was the restaurant’s commitment to halal. The halal course is prepared on a Teflon sheet placed over the teppan, using halal-dedicated utensils, tableware, and seasonings. Don't miss the star; halal-certified A5 Kobe beef and kuroge wagyu beef.

This level of care instantly put me at ease. Traveling often means double-checking ingredients and asking endless questions — but here, everything was already prepared with Muslim diners in mind.

The Art of Teppanyaki; Dining Moment That Stays With You

Upon arrival, you first choose your preferred cut for the halal Kobe Beef steak course — fillet, sirloin, or ribeye — each promising its own unique expression of flavor and tenderness.
My dinner began with a beautifully arranged seasonal appetizer, almost like a gentle introduction to the story of Japanese cuisine. The flavors were fresh and subtle. Then came the salad and grilled vegetables — simple ingredients elevated by the magic of the teppan, their aroma blooming the moment they touched the grill.

The halal course then continues with the restaurant’s signature yaki-shabu, featuring thinly sliced halal Kuroge (Japanese Black) beef enjoyed with either a halal-friendly sukiyaki sauce or rich Awajishima sea salt. The tenderness of the rolled beef and the balanced sweet-savory flavors make it an elegant bridge to the main highlight.

And then… the moment I had been waiting for.
The chef placed a glistening block of A5 Kobe beef onto the hot iron plate, and the soft, satisfying sizzle still echoes in my memory. The marbling slowly melted, releasing an aroma so rich and buttery it felt unreal.

Watching the chef slice, grill, and plate the beef with such precision genuinely gave me goosebumps. It wasn’t just cooking — it was craftsmanship.

My first bite?
Unbelievably tender. Naturally sweet. Juicy in a way I had never experienced before. So soft that it almost melted gradually with every bite.

In that moment, I finally understood why Kobe beef is celebrated worldwide — and having it halal, prepared with such care and respect for tradition and diversity, felt profoundly special.

The Kobe Beef Steak can be enjoyed with a hot earthen pot of glossy white rice that harmonizes the richness of the beef, followed by a deep-flavored miso soup that warms you from within.

If you’re lucky, the chef will even perform a playful teppan tool performance — tapping, spinning, and rhythmically dancing the utensils across the grill. It adds a warm, joyful touch that makes the experience even more unforgettable.
Dessert then arrives with a Japanese flourish — matcha tea and matcha baumkuchen — closing the meal with a gentle, traditional finish.

Because everything is served in course style, each dish arrives one by one, perfectly paced. Your chef is truly a master of hospitality, carefully watching your timing and serving each dish at the exact moment you’re ready. It gives you that unmistakable feeling of enjoying a once-in-a-lifetime meal.
I remember leaning back afterward, completely warm, satisfied, and grateful.
The entire experience felt like a celebration of Hyogo’s ingredients, Japanese craftsmanship, and a genuine commitment to welcoming travelers from around the world.

My Personal Verdict — A Must Visit in Kobe

If you’re coming to Hyogo and want a food experience that stays with you long after the trip ends, in addition to enjoying the local delicacies that Japan is proud of, Kobe Beef Steak SAKURA is unforgettable.
It’s not only about tasting premium halal Kobe beef — though that alone is unforgettable. It’s about the warmth, the careful preparation, the spectacle of teppanyaki, and the joy of finally enjoying a world-famous dish without any worry.
I walked out of SAKURA completely full, deeply happy, and already thinking: “I want to come back here again.”
For Muslim travelers — or anyone who loves exceptional food — this place is a gift from Kobe.

▪️Details about Kobe Beef Steak SAKURA
Address: Lion Bldg 2F, 2−17−10, Shimoyamatedori, Chuo-ku, Kobe City, Hyogo Prefecture 〒650-0011
Opening Hour: 11:30-14:00
17:00-21:00
TEL: 078-3358-885
Website: https://www.saidining.com/sakura/
Instagram: @halalkobebeef_sakura
Reservation (English): https://booking.resty.jp/webrsv/vacant/s014018401/18808?isfixshop=true&language=en