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Food Is More
Than Recipes.

A GLOSSARY FOR TRAVELLERS

Know the ingredients.
Ask clearly.

Seven terms to recognise when reading menus and labels, and asking a venue about its food.

Open glossary

WHAT · CONCERN · CHECK

  1. 01Mirin
  2. 02Cooking sake
  3. 03Lard
  4. 04Gelatin
  5. 05Dashi
  6. 06Soy sauce
  7. 07Emulsifiers

Read the label. Ask the source.

An ingredient name alone does not establish halal status.

01 / READ THE INGREDIENTS

Seven terms.
Three things to check.

Know the ingredient, understand the concern, then check the source.

01

Mirin

みりん

Contains alcohol

Sweet rice seasoning. Hon-mirin contains alcohol; formulations vary by product.

Check: Read the label and confirm the exact product. Do not assume all aji-mirin is alcohol-free.

02

Cooking sake

料理酒

Contains alcohol

Rice wine used for flavour, including in soups, marinades and sauces.

Check: Ask whether the dish contains sake or cooking wine.

03

Lard

ラード

Lard / pork fat

Usually avoid

Lard is pork fat. It may be used for frying or as a broth ingredient.

Check: Ask about the oil, broth base and whether the fryer is shared.

04

Gelatin

ゼラチン

Check source

A gelling agent. Its source can vary by product.

Check: Confirm the gelatin source. Agar is a separate alternative, not plant gelatin.

05

Dashi

出汁

Depends on product

Japanese soup stock. Ingredients and instant formulations can vary.

Check: Confirm the stock ingredients, including added seasonings and fats.

06

Soy sauce

醤油

Depends on product

Soy sauce is fermented. Alcohol may form during fermentation or be added, depending on the product.

Check: Read the label and product information. Follow halal guidance you trust.

07

Emulsifiers

乳化剤

Check source

Additives that help ingredients mix. Their sources can vary.

Check: Ask the maker or venue about the source and product verification.

02 / ASK CLEARLY

Three questions
before you choose.

  1. Which sauces and seasonings are used?

    Ask about mirin, sake or cooking wine in sauces, soups and marinades.

  2. What are the oil and broth made from?

    Check the fats, stock and whether pans or fryers are shared.

  3. Can I check the label or ingredient source?

    Ask about gelatin, emulsifiers and the products used. An ingredient name alone is not enough.

JNTO Muslim travellers guide
Ingredient sources: MUIS and manufacturers

Ingredients and evidence,
read together.