Finding Vegetarian Food in Tokyo: A Guide

Tokyo boasts great food from ramen to sushi and many more mouth-watering dishes. To a vegetarian, finding vegetarian food in Tokyo amidst this food culture that is so heavy on meat may be an intimidating task. Rest assured, many vegetarian eateries and cafes serving almost every taste and inclination are springing up in the city very fast.

This guide will help you make your way through Tokyo’s best vegetarian food, ranging from traditional Japanese to international.

Understanding Tokyo’s Vegetarian Scene

It is less common to dine out as a vegetarian in Japan when compared to other places. Most traditional Japanese foods have main courses made of fish, meat, or animal-based broths. Knowing a few key phrases and some idea of where to go can make your journey around Tokyo in search of vegetarian food way easier.

Key Phrases for Vegetarian Diners

To tell people about your diet in Japanese, here are a few words that are helpful to know before consulting the restaurant recommendations:

• “Watashi wa bejitarian desu” (私はベジタリアンです) – I am a vegetarian.
• “Niku to sakana wa tabemasen” (肉と魚は食べません) – I don’t eat meat or fish.
• “Dashi wa daijoubu desu ka?” (だしは大丈夫ですか?) – Is the broth okay? (This is important as many soups and dishes may use fish-based dashi.)

These phrases can be a lifesaver when explaining your needs in places where English may not be widely spoken.

Top Vegetarian Restaurants in Tokyo

While many traditional restaurants might not cater specifically to vegetarians, several spots in Tokyo offer delicious plant-based options. Here are some of the best vegetarian restaurants to try:

• Ain Soph. Ripple (Shinjuku): This small, vegan café in Shinjuku offers comfort foods, burgers, burritos, and pancakes. All their foods are totally plant-based. The burgers remain ultra-popular with locals and tourists alike.
• Nagi Shokudo (Shibuya): Nestled in a peaceful area of Shibuya, this casual café serves an extensive selection of vegan meals with a hint of Japanese cuisine. The setting is cozy and friendly, the provided meals are a terrific opportunity to try a variety of dishes.
• Saido (Jiyugaoka): Upscale vegan restaurant, where only Japanese food is served. They have plant-based sushi, tempura-even eel. The presentation is pretty, flavors are authentic, which makes it a great venue for a special meal.

Vegetarian-Friendly Japanese Dishes

If you are interested in vegetarian options in Japanese cuisine, there are quite a few delicious dishes available other than salads or particular vegetarian restaurants.

First of all, you should try vegetable tempura: lightly batter vegetables and then fry them in plenty of oil until they are crispy. While seafood in the old version is often used, many establishments will have a totally vegetable-based version.

Another dish you may want to try is Zaru soba: cold buckwheat noodles served with dipping sauce; this dish is normally vegetarian, although it is always advisable to ask about the sauce in case it contains dashi.

If you’re a sushi fan and not keen on fish, well, don’t sweat! Most places that do sushi will have vegetable-based sushi, such as cucumber rolls, avocado rolls, or pickled plum rolls.

Onigiri- for something really quick and easy. A rice ball with a filling of pickled veggies, seaweed, or umeboshi. You can usually find them at convenience stores, and they make for a satisfying snack or light meal.

International Cuisine in Tokyo

If you want to taste something non-Japanese, then Tokyo has a number of international restaurants, which befit vegetarians. Here’s a list of some great places for a wide range of flavors:

• Brown Rice Café (Omotesando): This organic café serves a menu chocked full of vegetarian and vegan options, inspired by both Japanese and international cuisine. Wholesome set meals, picture-perfect, are the hit in this health-conscious crowd.
• Nataraj (Shibuya): Craving Indian food? This restaurant offers a variety of vegan and vegetarian dishes, including tasty curries, naan, and appetizers with authentic flavors.
• Loving Hut (Nakano): This vegan restaurant serves up Asian-inspired dishes, including Japanese, Chinese, and Thai cuisine, all 100% plant-based.

Tips for Finding Vegetarian Food in Tokyo

Navigating Tokyo’s culinary scene as a vegetarian can be challenging, but with these tips, you’ll be able to enjoy the city’s food to the fullest:

• Use Apps: An application such as HappyCow will be your Bible to find vegetarian and vegan restaurants in Tokyo. User reviews, photos, and even directions provide for finding these places quickly and without much hassle.
• Look for Buddhist Temples: Temples often serve shojin ryori, which is a great way to enjoy traditional Japanese cuisine without worrying about meat or fish.
• Check Menus: In most of the restaurants in Tokyo, you will find an English or picture menu. You could, this way, identify vegetarian food or request a substitution of ingredients.
• Request Changes: Don’t be afraid to ask for a dish to be made vegetarian. Oftentimes, the chefs will be able to make that change for you.

Discover Hidden Options Through Our Guided Tours

With the right knowledge and sense of adventure, one will find that Tokyo is a utopian city for vegetarians, offering a gastronomic journey as wide-ranging as delectable.

Want to discover Tokyo’s vegetarian food? Book a guided visit with us, and let’s discover together the best plant-based eats in the city!