Halal Hanwoo – World’s First & Only Korean Beef – Hanwoo (2024)

FAQs

Is there halal Hanwoo? ›

World's First & only Halal Hanwoo

Hanwoo cattle are known for their high marbling, beefy flavour and slightly sweet aftertaste.

There are a few reasons we don't see more of it. Beginning in 2000, a series of cases of foot and mouth disease (FMD) were reported in South Korea, barring it from exportation to other countries; only FMD-free nations can export raw meat, according to the World Organization for Animal Health [OIE].

Why is hanwoo so expensive in the first place? Mainly for the quality, which puts it in the same league as wagyu, and also demand, which far outstrips supply. Unlike Japan, there is less land in South Korea available for rearing indigenous cattle, which are also smaller than their famous counterparts.

“Wagyu feels like it melts in your mouth due to this high fat ratio, but one can also say that as a result it tastes relatively bland,” Hwang says. “Hanwoo is more balanced. It has a stronger flavour of beef and some more texture to chew on rather than just melting in your mouth.”

Halal is an Arabic word that means “permissible.” In terms of food, it means food that is permissible according to Islamic law. In fact, it is the only type of meat observant Muslims are permitted to eat.

Hanwoo beef is considered the most luxurious of its offerings, but although renowned in South Korea it is less known outside the country as so little of it is sold abroad. Following an outbreak of foot and mouth a decade ago, it has been forbidden to export meat from South Korea except to Hong Kong.

Grading System Of Korean Beef

It's the only local sales point where you can find 1++ grade Korean beef at any time. the beef into the grades of A, B and C. In other words, 1++ hanwoo is the equivalent of A5 wagyu at the top of the pecking order. 1++A beef is the best of the best.

For domestic Hanwoo and Wagyu A2 loin of equivalent quality wholesale prices were US $26.05 per kg and US $23.83 per kg. In large supermarket chains, Seoulconsumers are paying on average of US $31 per pound for sliced chuck roll while Japanese shoppers can buy equivalent product for $21 per pound.

The alcohol is thought to help the beef maintain a juicy texture. Although both Wagyu and Hanwoo rely on a grain diet, the former consumes more corn whereas the latter consumes more oats. Hanwoo is rarely exported due to demand at home, only recently did Hong Kong receive the approval to serve Hanwoo.

Wagyu beef, originating from Japan, is renowned for its extraordinary marbling, which results in unmatched tenderness and a rich buttery flavour. The key differences between Wagyu and other beef types lie in the genetics, breeding methods, and feed. Japanese breeders know the breeding history of all their Wagyu cattle.

Is Hanwoo worth it? ›

What really stood out was the quality of their meats and the selection of cuts. The beef taste in hanwoo beef is stronger than other expensive beefs like wagyu or kobe beef.

For Muslims actually living in South Korea, halal products can be difficult to find. While there are restaurants offering halal food, they are primarily clustered in Seoul and other large cities with substantial Muslim communities.

The halal status of Wagyu beef depends on specific conditions. If the cattle are not given alcohol before slaughter, Wagyu is considered halal. However, if alcohol is given to the cattle, it is deemed haram. The Wagyu beef sold by us is 100% certified halal, ensuring that Muslims can eat it without any concerns.

*Muslims should only eat bulgogi that is sold at certified Halal restaurants. TIP: It is a great delicacy to wrap bulgogi in Perilla leaves.

Sanda Meat Corp., under halal guidelines and certification, are responsible for all slaughtering of our Tajima cow, which becomes what the world knows as Kobe Beef. At the present time, Sanda Meat Corp. is the only slaughterhouse in Hyogo pref. to have halal certification.