Does Benihana Serve Halal Meat?

Official Statement from Benihana

As of now, Benihana does not offer halal-certified meat at any of its USA locations. While the restaurant serves beef, chicken, and seafood, it does not confirm whether its suppliers follow Islamic halal slaughtering standards.

Halal Certification Status

• No official halal certification – None of the meat at Benihana is labeled as halal-certified.
• Meat suppliers are undisclosed – There is no confirmation that Benihana sources halal-zabiha meat.
• No separate halal preparation areas – All food is cooked on shared grills with non-halal ingredients.

Since halal meat is not available, halal-conscious diners may want to avoid meat and poultry dishes at Benihana.

Cross-Contamination Risks at Benihana

1. Shared Cooking Surfaces

At Benihana, all meals are prepared on the same teppanyaki grill, meaning:

• Non-halal beef, chicken, and seafood are cooked together.
• Meat juices may mix with halal-friendly ingredients.
• Utensils and cooking surfaces are not cleaned separately between meals.

2. Alcohol in Cooking

Many dishes at Benihana include Japanese sake, mirin (sweet rice wine), or soy sauce containing alcohol. Even seafood and vegetarian options may be cooked with alcohol-based sauces.

3. Deep-Frying and Oil Usage

Fried menu items, such as tempura or rice, may be cooked in oil that has been used for non-halal meat or pork-based products, increasing the risk of cross-contact.

Halal-Friendly Options at Benihana

While Benihana does not serve halal-certified meat, some dishes may be suitable if prepared separately and without alcohol.

1. Seafood and Vegetarian Dishes

• Grilled shrimp, lobster, and salmon – Request without soy sauce or alcohol-based marinades.
• Vegetable fried rice – Ask for no egg and separate cooking from non-halal items.
• Steamed rice or brown rice – A safe choice without cross-contamination risks.
• Hibachi vegetables – Request no butter (which may contain animal enzymes).
• Edamame – A simple, halal-friendly appetizer.
• Vegetarian sushi rolls – Avoid imitation crab, which contains non-halal ingredients.

2. How to Order for Halal Compliance

• Ask for separate preparation to avoid cross-contamination.
• Request no alcohol-based ingredients like mirin, sake, or wine.
• Ensure soy sauce is alcohol-free (some contain small amounts of alcohol).
• Confirm that utensils and grills are clean before cooking.

Even with these modifications, halal compliance is not guaranteed. If in doubt, consider dining at a fully halal-certified restaurant.

Halal-Friendly Alternatives to Benihana

1. Halal-Certified Japanese and Asian Restaurants

• Kung Fu Umami (New York, NY) – Halal-certified Japanese dishes and sushi.
• Teppanyaki Kyoto (Los Angeles, CA) – Some locations offer halal options.
• Sakura Japan (Chicago, IL) – Halal-friendly hibachi and sushi options.

2. Halal Steakhouse Alternatives

• Texas de Brazil – Some locations serve halal-certified beef and lamb.
• Fogo de Chão – Brazilian steakhouse with halal options upon request.
• Steak 48 – Some branches provide halal steak choices.

For halal-certified meat and grocery options, visit NY Halal Meat.