Japan is proudly known for its ridiculously good food.
Tourists are well-versed with the staple Japanese cuisine, from soy sauce based ramen and all the way to sushi. Even the cheapest of options is tasty. I mean, come on, even the bento lunch boxes bought at any Family Mart or Lawson store is damn delicious. We can’t get this level of food outside of Japan. The more dedicated foodie travellers do a pilgrimage to Japan’s iconic food destinations. The regional variations of ramen revolutionise the dish itself and tasting each different kind is almost equivalent to that unique immigration stamp we get in our passports; proof of the pilgrimage.
Japan is the destination for food lovers, and Tokyo in particular, has quite literally everything. But what if you love different food? While Tokyo has such a wide range of food to offer, it may not be necessarily friendly for those with a specific diet. I know it myself. Vegetarian-pescetarian types? They can still get away and enjoy the sushi or the seafood option to most dishes on the menu. Vegetarians? There are some vegetarian options in more general restaurants, and some places can omit traces of meat products. Vegans? This is a tricky one. Animal products are found in most dishes.
So for those with a particular diet, don’t settle for just eating potato fries at whatever fast food chain and actually enjoy some delicious vegetarian and vegan friendly restaurants in Tokyo!
1. Ain.Soph GINZA Website / Instagram
Ain.Soph offers vegan dishes in both Western and Japanese styles in a classy restaurant setting. It may be better to book a reservation ahead of time since it is a popular place amongst vegetarians and vegans but they have various restaurant-style branches all over Tokyo. This place has menus available in English and English speaking staff, too.
Photo by Ain.Soph GINZA on Instagram
2. Ain.Soph Ripple Website / Instagram
This is a personal favorite! Come for the delicious vegan burgers and guilt-free cheesy fries and stay for the awesome, chilled out atmosphere of this place. It doesn't scream "fast food joint" in the same way that McDonald's does. You can make some new friends while you're there. Ripple is a cosy, comfy little place hidden away in Shinjuku.
Photo by me on Instagram.
3. Mr.FARMER Website / Website
This place is a cute cafe-restaurant that offers some vegetarian and even vegan options. The Shinjuku branch is hidden right in the middle of Shinjuku. There may sometimes be a queue to get in but it is definitely worth the wait. As someone who would often crave eating taco rice dishes (Yes, taco...rice, it's a thing in Japan), it was so difficult to fight temptations and go back to eating meat. Luckily enough, Mr.FARMER has a vegan taco rice dish available and it was just as delicious. The menu may change depending on season but be guaranteed to know that it will be delicious all year. Their fresh pressed juices are also a great bonus!
Photo by me on Instagram.
4. T's TanTan Website
Another hidden gem, this time, hidden inside Tokyo Station. This place offers delicious Western and Japanese dishes at affordable prices. Their best seller is the vegan ramen that lives up to the standard of Japanese ramen without having to compromise your dietary requirements. Come by during your commute around Tokyo.
Photo by bobsbailey on Instagram.
5. Kuumba de falafel Website / Facebook
One of the best staple foods in the vegetarian and vegan diet: falafel. HUMMUS. Kuumba de falafel is a small, cute joint in the Shibuya area. They offer, of course, falafel dishes, with generous servings of vegetable sides and their homemade hummus is a highlight.
Photo by ghanim92 on Instagram.