Delicious chicken katsu rice set, we also took away wrap to enjoy at hotel and it was still tasty when cold. Friendly and welcoming service too. Highly recommended!

Went yesterday to eat. We all love the rice plov and kebab. The taste was so nice. Reorder the kebab mix as we can’t enough of it.

We stumbled upon Halal Sakura after finishing our visit to the Tokyo National Museum on the afternoon of 31 July 2025. A quick check on Google Maps showed it was within walking distance, so my friend and I made our way there, arriving at about 5.30 pm for an early dinner. The streets around Uguisudani were quiet at that hour, and when we stepped inside the restaurant, it was almost empty, giving us the feeling of having the whole place to ourselves. The owners, originally from Samarkand in Uzbekistan, welcomed us warmly. Their friendliness immediately made the place feel homely rather than just another restaurant in central Tokyo. The décor had touches of Central Asia, with patterned fabrics on the booths and a low table with cushions by the window, but what really mattered was the food—and it turned out to be the best part of the evening. We decided to start with a hearty spread, and the first dish that came to our table was the kebab set. It was an impressive sight: eight skewers lined neatly on a wooden board, with each stick offering something different. There were lamb kebabs, beef, chicken, and minced meat, all charred just enough to lock in the juices, with alternating pieces of tomato, onion, and green pepper. The smoky aroma rose as soon as the platter landed on the table, and each bite lived up to that promise—tender, flavorful, and satisfying. The kebabs were served with a side of fries, a simple coleslaw salad, and a tangy tomato sauce that gave a nice kick. It was generous enough that two people could comfortably share, though we happily tried every skewer. Next came the plov, or osh as it’s also called—the national dish of Uzbekistan. This was pure comfort food. A large plate of rice, fragrant and slightly oily in the best way, was topped with chunks of tender lamb, soft chickpeas, and strips of sweet carrot. The addition of boiled quail eggs made it even more traditional. The flavor was rich but not heavy, the kind of dish that feels like it could easily be a full meal on its own. Eating it in Tokyo, just a short walk away from the museum and the city buzz, felt like we had been transported to another part of the world. We also had a bowl of lamb soup, which was light but warming. The broth was golden and clear, with pieces of lamb, carrots, and red peppers floating in it. It was seasoned gently, not overpowering, which made it a perfect balance to the stronger flavors of the kebabs and plov. It reminded me of the kind of soup that would be served at the beginning of a family meal—comforting and simple, something that prepared the stomach for the bigger dishes. To wash it all down, we each had a cup of ayran, the salted yogurt drink that’s so common across Central Asia. Cold and slightly tangy, it was exactly what we needed with the grilled meats, cutting through the richness and refreshing the palate. By the end of the meal, we both agreed that without ayran, the kebabs wouldn’t have felt quite as complete. When the bill arrived, it came to ¥7,200 for two people. Slightly on the higher side for a casual dinner, but given the quality of the food, the portion sizes, and the fact that we were in central Tokyo eating authentic Uzbek halal cuisine, it felt fair. Halal Sakura isn’t just about eating—it’s about experiencing something different in the heart of Tokyo. The food was excellent, each dish prepared with care, and the owners’ warmth made the evening even better. Walking back, full and content, I thought about how unexpected it was to find a little slice of Uzbekistan hidden away in a Tokyo neighborhood. For us, it was a perfect dinner after a long day of sightseeing, and it’s a place I’d happily return to.

+3

As someone who’s had kebabs across the Middle East, Europe and beyond, I can confidently say Halal Sakura in Tokyo offers something refreshingly unique. The kebab here has its own signature flavour—succulent, well-spiced, and served with a side of surprise: chopsticks! First time eating kebab this way, and it actually made the whole experience even more memorable. The Central Asian twist adds depth to the usual kebab fare, and it works brilliantly. Bonus points for the clean and accessible prayer space upstairs, which is such a thoughtful touch for Muslim travellers. If you’re in Tokyo and craving halal comfort food with a twist, this spot is a must.

+1

The good things: 1. The place was convenient for more than 5 people. They have two floors of restaurant. It is good for a big family. 2. The food is good. Ya good, not excellent. 3. The price is affordable. For Halal food is a good price. 4. The place is Uzbekistan style, with lots of Uzbekistan pieces. Made it more authentic. 5. The place is easy to reach out to. Just 5 minutes walking from the nearby station. 6. They have a spacious praying room. You could pray for 2-3 people. 7. Their services respond fast. And English was understandable. The bad thing: 1. The wudhu place is not that good. If you want to have wudhu, you should go to the bathroom. Is not that good. Overall 8.5/10.

+3