Vegan Sushi Tokyo

It seems like an impossible challenge — making sushi vegan when the centerpiece of the cuisine is fish. While inari (sweet tofu) and cucumber maki (rolls) are available, they’re often a novelty nibble. But in a world of rapidly diversifying diets, Vegan Sushi Tokyo is trying to crack the code. Sushi with the esthetics and flavor you love, but no animal products.

Offering courses modeled after the staples of traditional sushi restaurants, Vegan Sushi is a short stop away from Shibuya Station. Here’s what to expect if you give it a try.

Price range

To eat at Vegan Sushi Tokyo, you’ll need to order a set course to start. There are two main options: a simple set of 10 pieces of sushi for ¥3,000 (¥3,300 with miso soup and pickles), or a full set for ¥5,000. The full set comes with the same 10 sushi, as well as miso soup, pickles, three kinds of sake, and a matcha ice-cream dessert.

Once you’ve finished your set, you can order any of your favorite pieces individually. You can also choose from a selection of drinks, including plum wine, beer, and soft drinks. 

Important: Vegan Sushi Tokyo only accepts credit cards. You cannot pay in cash.

How to make a reservation at Vegan Sushi Tokyo

You can reserve through their website, or the link on their Instagram. We’d recommend making a reservation, especially on weekends, as the restaurant is quite small and popular with visitors.

Food

The sushi at Vegan Sushi Tokyo is all about flavor and esthetics. The pieces are designed to look as close as possible to popular sushi, such as tuna, cod roe, and shrimp. But even with their commitment to appearance, there’s no skimping on taste. Each piece of sushi comes pre-seasoned with soy sauce, so there’s no fiddling with bottles or tasting needed — just relax and eat.

The basic set of 10 comes with a diverse mix of flavors. Both king oyster and shiitake mushrooms are beautifully presented, with their umami notes complementing the sharp bite of the vinegared rice. Crisp, refreshing tones shine through their ginger “salmon”, accented by the ginger’s zesty, aromatic quality.

For more subtle tastes, the tofu, “salmon roe”, eggplant, and avocado all have lighter seasoning, letting their unique textures shine. And to round off, the vegan meat, tempura, and vegan egg substitutes offer meaty flavors and character, so you miss none of the traditional sushi experience.

The larger sets also come with vegan miso soup and pickles, which they recommend you use as palate cleansers. The pickles are mild, with a firm bite and slightly acidic burr, perfect for a palate reset between the stronger sushi tanginess. The miso soup is also light and refreshing, with most of the taste coming from cucumber slices and green onion.

Drinks

Water is provided, but you can also order a variety of alcohol and soft drinks. The sake at Vegan Sushi Tokyo is also vegan and comes in three varieties. You can order a sample of all three for ¥1,500. They also have craft beer, plum wine, green tea, and yuzu sodas available.

Ambience

The interior is cozy, with a wood-paneled counter and a well-stocked bar overlooking several small tables for two. The room is naturally lit during the day, giving the whole area a warm glow that makes you feel right at home.

On the far wall, a turntable and vinyl record wall add to the comfy, refined atmosphere. At night, Vegan Sushi Tokyo seamlessly transitions into a cocktail bar, and they nail the vibes in the process. 

Even the tables are beautiful — your food comes on individual stone sushi plates, with your chopsticks on their own ceramic holder in front of you. Sake is served in pristine porcelain cups, and the QR-code menus ensure the table remains clutter-free. Just to keep you company while you eat, there’s even a waving cat figure on each table.

Our review of Vegan Sushi Tokyo

As vegetarians, Tokyo can be hard to navigate culinarily, and we’re used to compromising just to find something to eat. Vegan Sushi Tokyo really wowed us with both its commitment to veganism and its outstanding quality.

Every bite was a different experience of textures and flavors, with the chef’s creativity on full display. Whether you’re a vegan or not, this is a must-try for any foodie.

Vegan Sushi Tokyo is great for:

Anyone looking for a unique sushi experience, with or without dietary restrictions. Not just the perfect spot for vegans or vegetarians left out of most sushi places, this local treasure has a spark of creativity and culinary skill everyone will appreciate.

While we do our best to ensure it’s correct, information is subject to change.

by Shyam Bhardwa