Popular Sushi Chain in Malaysia Gets Halal Certification

In a significant step towards catering to Malaysia’s diverse culinary landscape, Genki Sushi, a popular sushi chain from Japan, has proudly announced that all its outlets in Malaysia have obtained halal certification from the Islamic Development Department of Malaysia (JAKIM). The halal status enables Genki Sushi to reach a broader audience in a market where halal certification is essential to many consumers. As halal Japanese cuisine becomes more in demand, this certification positions Genki Sushi as a frontrunner in Malaysia’s Japanese halal dining segment.

Genki Sushi chain celebrated this achievement with a mix of traditional Japanese elements and a focus on modern dining at a ceremony held at its flagship outlet in Sunway Velocity Mall, Kuala Lumpur. This event saw the presence of high-ranking officials from Genki Sushi, including Jun Uchida, Genki Sushi SEA’s Head of Business Development and Support, and Law Hwee Ching, Country Head of Genki Sushi Malaysia. The event also introduced a series of new menu items that are halal-certified, showcasing Genki Sushi’s commitment to respecting the cultural and dietary needs of its Malaysian audience.

Halal Certification for Genki Sushi

Malaysia is home to one of the world’s largest Muslim populations, with halal food being an essential part of its culinary culture. Halal certification involves rigorous processes and is a mark of assurance to consumers that the food complies with Islamic dietary laws. For Genki Sushi, achieving this certification represents a serious commitment to inclusivity and cultural respect, aligning with the values of the Malaysian market.

JAKIM’s halal certification is highly regarded globally and is among the most stringent in the world. For a sushi chain, this means carefully controlling every aspect of the preparation and sourcing of ingredients to comply with Islamic dietary laws. Securing this certification involved a comprehensive review of Genki Sushi’s ingredients, handling procedures, and preparation techniques to ensure there was no cross-contamination and that all food items met halal standards. This level of compliance reaffirms Genki Sushi’s reputation for quality and reinforces its commitment to providing authentic, halal-certified Japanese dining options.

Malaysia’s Appetite for Halal Japanese Cuisine

The demand for halal-certified Japanese cuisine is steadily rising in Malaysia, driven by a young, adventurous demographic that is open to exploring international cuisines while still adhering to halal requirements. Japanese cuisine, in particular, has become incredibly popular in Malaysia. From ramen and sushi to tempura and donburi, Japanese food appeals to Malaysian consumers for its unique flavors, fresh ingredients, and healthy options.

The halal Japanese food market has seen significant growth in recent years, with analysts predicting that Malaysia’s Japanese food sector will grow by over 20% in the next five years. For Genki Sushi, this means greater opportunities to expand its customer base. The sushi chain’s halal certification makes it an attractive choice for Muslim diners, allowing them to enjoy the sushi experience without any concerns over ingredients or preparation methods.

New Menu Launches at Genki Sushi Chain

To commemorate the halal certification milestone, Genki Sushi also launched a range of new menu items that reflect the diversity and richness of Japanese flavors, adapted for the halal market. The new items were introduced at the celebratory event, where guests were invited to taste a variety of freshly made dishes. Some of the highlights of the expanded halal-certified menu include:

1. Sashimi Moriawase: A premium assortment of fresh sashimi, featuring salmon, tuna, and other seasonal selections, known for its delicate presentation and fresh taste.

2. Spicy Salmon Maki: This fusion roll combines spicy marinated salmon with rice and nori, offering a flavorful twist on traditional maki that’s both halal and delicious.

3. Unatama Tempura Maki: A unique sushi roll that pairs tender eel with crisp tempura, delivering a delightful combination of textures and flavors.

4. Trio Salmon Sushi: Perfect for salmon enthusiasts, this dish presents salmon sushi in three unique preparations, highlighting the versatility of the fish.

5. Tempura Moriawase: A mix of tempura-battered shrimp and vegetables, this classic Japanese dish is loved for its crispy, light batter and fresh ingredients.

6. Yakiniku Roll: This roll features grilled beef slices seasoned in a savory yakiniku sauce, bringing a hearty, smoky flavor to the sushi lineup.

7. Agedashi Tofu: A popular appetizer, this dish includes crispy fried tofu served in a warm, savory broth with garnishes, offering a comforting start to the meal.

These menu items have been carefully curated to appeal to both traditionalists and those looking for something new and exciting. The focus on fresh, high-quality ingredients and thoughtful preparation methods underscores Genki Sushi’s dedication to maintaining the integrity of Japanese cuisine while adapting it to meet halal standards.

Malaysia’s Role

Malaysia has positioned itself as a global leader in the halal industry, with ambitions to become an international halal hub by setting rigorous halal standards and attracting businesses worldwide. The country’s halal certification process, overseen by JAKIM, is highly respected and recognized internationally, and its certification carries considerable weight in the global market.

The halal industry in Malaysia is worth billions of dollars, and food is a central part of this market. Malaysia’s Ministry of International Trade and Industry (MITI) reported that the halal industry could reach a market value of $113 billion by 2030. This growth is driven by domestic demand and the country’s export potential, with many companies viewing Malaysia as a launchpad for halal-certified products destined for global markets.

Genki Sushi’s certification aligns with Malaysia’s ambitions, setting an example for other international brands considering halal certification. The halal certification of a globally popular sushi chain like Genki Sushi shows how halal standards are being adopted and applied beyond traditional food categories.

Halal Certification Process

Achieving halal certification is an intricate process, particularly for a sushi chain that sources ingredients like seafood, sauces, and seasonings from different parts of the world. The certification involves meeting stringent criteria that cover every aspect of food preparation and handling. In Genki Sushi’s case, the process included:

• Halal-Compliant Ingredients: All ingredients must be sourced from certified suppliers, with special attention to critical items like sauces, seasonings, and seafood.

• Halal and Non-Halal Items: Genki Sushi had to ensure complete segregation of halal items from non-halal items in the kitchen and during food preparation, avoiding cross-contamination.

• Hygienic Practices: JAKIM requires strict hygiene standards in food preparation and handling, ensuring that all kitchenware, surfaces, and utensils are clean and free of non-halal substances.

• Training Staff: Staff members were trained on halal requirements, from ingredient sourcing to handling and cooking methods, to ensure full compliance with halal guidelines.

By meeting these rigorous standards, Genki Sushi has reinforced its commitment to quality, transparency, and respect for cultural values.

Related: Is Sushi Halal?

Trust with Malaysian Consumers

For Malaysian consumers, halal certification is more than a religious requirement; it’s a sign of trust. A JAKIM certification signifies that a restaurant or food brand has gone above and beyond to meet high standards for hygiene, quality, and ethical sourcing. This added level of assurance is crucial in today’s food industry, where consumers are increasingly discerning about what they eat and how it is prepared.

Genki Sushi’s halal certification allows the brand to build a deeper connection with the Malaysian Muslim community, who can now enjoy Japanese cuisine with the peace of mind that it aligns with their dietary requirements. This trust is a powerful driver for customer loyalty and brand growth, helping Genki Sushi attract not only local customers but also tourists who prioritize halal dining options.

Halal Japanese Cuisine

While halal-certified Japanese cuisine was once a niche market, it has rapidly expanded in recent years as more brands and countries embrace the concept. The global halal food market is expected to surpass $2 trillion in value by 2030, driven by a growing Muslim population and increasing awareness of halal standards among non-Muslim consumers.

Japan itself has recognized the potential of halal food, particularly with the rise of inbound Muslim tourism. In cities like Tokyo and Osaka, halal-certified Japanese restaurants are becoming more common, catering to international visitors and establishing Japan as a Muslim-friendly travel destination. Genki Sushi’s success in Malaysia highlights how Japanese food brands can benefit from adopting halal standards, allowing them to cater to a global audience.

Genki Sushi’s Expansion Plans

With halal certification now secured, Genki Sushi plans to expand its presence across Malaysia, with new outlets slated to open in several cities. The brand’s strategy includes enhancing accessibility for Malaysian customers while emphasizing high-quality, halal-compliant ingredients. This expansion aligns with Genki Sushi’s vision of becoming Malaysia’s leading halal Japanese dining chain, appealing to both local patrons and tourists.

Genki Sushi is also exploring potential expansion in other Muslim-majority countries across Southeast Asia, including Indonesia and Brunei, where halal-certified dining options are in high demand. By establishing a halal-certified model in Malaysia, Genki Sushi has set the foundation for broader regional growth and strengthened its brand as a leader in halal Japanese dining.

Malaysian Consumers Reaction

Malaysian consumers have responded positively to Genki Sushi’s halal certification, particularly through social media, where praise and excitement over the brand’s new halal offerings have been widespread. Many customers appreciate having more choices for halal-certified Japanese cuisine and feel that Genki Sushi’s certification is a reflection of its respect for Malaysia’s diverse culinary culture.

This positive reception is expected to fuel further demand for halal Japanese cuisine in Malaysia, with Genki Sushi’s new menu items gaining popularity among local food enthusiasts and the broader Muslim community.

Quality Standards

Halal certification is not solely about religious compliance; it also often implies higher quality and cleanliness standards. Many consumers perceive halal-certified food as healthier and more hygienic due to the detailed regulations surrounding food sourcing and preparation. Genki Sushi’s commitment to halal standards, therefore, has the dual benefit of appealing to health-conscious consumers, reinforcing its image as a clean, high-quality dining option.

Halal Japanese Cuisine

The success of Genki Sushi’s halal certification in Malaysia could pave the way for other Japanese brands to enter the halal market, transforming the landscape of Japanese dining in Southeast Asia. With an increasing number of brands embracing halal standards, Southeast Asia is becoming a hub for halal-certified Japanese cuisine, attracting tourists and locals alike.

For Genki Sushi, the journey doesn’t end with certification. By continuously innovating its menu, maintaining high standards, and expanding its reach, the sushi chain is well-positioned to capitalize on the growing demand for halal dining options in the region.

Genki Sushi Commitment

Genki Sushi’s halal certification is more than a business move; it’s a symbol of the brand’s commitment to inclusivity, quality, and respect for the cultural diversity of Malaysia. By aligning with Malaysia’s halal standards and expanding its menu to cater to halal dietary preferences, Genki Sushi is setting a new benchmark in the Japanese dining experience, showing how international brands can integrate local values into their operations.

As Genki Sushi continues to grow in Malaysia and potentially across other Muslim-majority countries, it serves as an inspiring example for other global brands. This achievement demonstrates that adapting to local markets and prioritizing cultural sensitivity can not only build stronger customer relationships but also drive substantial business growth. With its new halal status, Genki Sushi is poised to lead the way in halal-certified Japanese dining, bringing an authentic taste of Japan to a diverse and appreciative audience.