okonomiyaki Archives | Tokyo Cheapo

From vegan junkfood to vegetarian versions of traditional Japanese sets, Tokyo has a growing scene of animal-free restaurants. If you know anything about Japan, you'll know that it isn't really a country that's well suited to vegetarian and vegan diets. While they have amazing vegetables and a strong focus on seasonal food, the propensity for sliding in a little ham or adding in some fish stock is killer for those looking to, well, not kill anything. For some more guidance on dashi (that ubiquitous fish stock) and how to avoid eating meat/fish/dairy in Japan, check out our 5-step guide to being vegan and veggie. It has everything from kanji to apps to some cultural background on why things work a little differently than you might be used to. You may also want to check out our guide to ordering in Japanese-it even has a section on specifying dietary requirements. Otherwise, dive into our recommendations for the top restaurants in Tokyo that cater to vegans and vegetarians, either exclusively or with good options. Of course it isn't exhaustive (for that you can peruse the Happy Cow app) but it's a good selection to get you started! 1. Ain Soph.Ripple: Vegan burgers to live for Fully vegan | Shinjuku A fast-food inspired branch of the Ain.Soph group, Ripple is a comfort-food haven with all your cravings. They offer a variety of burgers including falafel, crispy soy chicken and a delicious cheese burger option. You've also got burrito and salad bowls to choose from if you want to be a tad healthier. Sides include mac n' cheese and fries (also available with cheese!). The dessert menu features French toast, waffles and ice cream. The shop is small but has a friendly atmosphere, and the burgers are genuinely delicious—you'll be going back for more, trust us. 2. T's Tantan: Tokyo's most famous option Fully vegan | Tokyo Station, Narita and more A Tokyo vegan list isn't a Tokyo vegan list if it doesn't mention this ramen staple. With a few locations across Tokyo, including ones in Tokyo Station and at Narita Airport, it is a vegan ramen spot with genuine ramen-like bowls of goodness. Unfortunately, while it's getting easier to find vegan versions of ramen, they often tend towards a vegetable noodle soup—tasty, but not really ramen. T's is spicy, rich and delicious though, getting you as close as possible to the real deal. If you like what you've tried, head to their non-ramen-focused spot in Jiyugaoka. Like we said, there's a few menu options to choose from in Tokyo, including: Soranoiro – veg-packed but a little more like a tomato broth Shinjuku Gyoen Ramen Ouka – vegan, halal and delicious! Afuri – A chain with one vegan option, more soup-like than ramen 3. Zen: Okonomiyaki for days Vegetarian and vegan options available | Shinjuku While okonomiyaki is great for it's flexibility (it literally means 'what you like, grilled'), there is still usually egg involved and often dashi too. At Zen, vegetarians can choose from a special menu and some dishes are available in a vegan version as well if you ask the staff. They are refreshingly well informed on the rules of vegan/vegetarian diets including the use of dashi. This way you can relax and know your meal will be truly vegan or vegetarian, rather than hoping for the best. They have Osaka- and Hiroshima-style okonomiyaki and it's a great chance to try Japan's best soul food. 4. Nataraj: An Indian buffet heaven Fully vegetarian with vegan options | Shibuya, Ginza and more A small group of vegetarian restaurants in Tokyo, Nataraj offers delicious curries with vegan options. The lunch sets in Shibuya are a great bargain, starting at . However it's the lunch buffet that's the real steal—with rice, naan, vegan naan and four curries. A really friendly atmosphere, very vegan-aware staff and plenty of clear signs detailing ingredients, it's a really lovely place for a relaxed lunch with lots of variety. No longer are we limited to a worryingly generic vegetable curry option! Beyond Shibuya, they have restaurants in Ginza, Aoyama, Ogikubo and Tatashina. 5. Nagi Shokudo: Japanese-style vegan sets Fully vegan | Shibuya This is a cute and simple cafe serving vegan meals to an ever-growing following in Shibuya. Perfect if you're looking for a quiet lunch while exploring the city, it's tucked away up a hill and easy to miss. While the lunch sets have a decidedly Japanese feel about them—arriving with miso soup, brown rice and a tray of pickles—there are flavours from Thailand, China and beyond to be found in the vegetable dishes. Special plates allow you to pick from the list of tempting vegetable options while there is an ever changing rotation of seasonal highlights to try. Read our full dinner review. 6. Fucha Bon: Shojin Ryouri Fully vegan | Ryusenji Similar to the Buddhist cuisine of Shojin Ryori, which uses only vegetables and avoids garlic, onions and leeks, Fucha Tyori is the focus of this traditional restaurant. Based in the ways of zen, the cuisine here is entirely vegan and comes in delicate set courses, ranging from to for dinner depending on the number and type of dishes included. Lunch is a little more affordable at and there's also a lunch box available on weekdays. Guests are seated in private tatami rooms in the traditional temple building, so you'll be able to enjoy the full Japanese experience. 7. Crayon House: Monday buffets Vegetarian and vegan options available | Shibuya An organic restaurant in Omotesando, Crayon House uses 95% organic ingredients and has some good options for vegetarians on their general menu. On Mondays, however, the restaurant offers a vegetarian and vegan buffet for both lunch and dinner, as well as a tea-time option between the two sessions. The buffet changes each week depending on the seasonal vegetables available and the evening option includes a salad bar and desserts, but at per person, it's quite a bit higher than the lunch option . 8. Tofu Sorano: Real Japanese tofu Vegetarian and vegan options available | Shibuya A tofu specialty restaurant, Sorano isn't purely vegetarian, but it has plenty of options and some of the most delicious tofu in Tokyo. The menu indicates the vegetarian options and staff are available to help with identifying vegan options or suggesting modifications. However, you will have to watch out for sauce containing dashi. Be sure to mention this to staff. As with specialty tofu places, it can get pretty expensive, but it's a treat if you're keen to try some high-quality tofu. There is a great selection of sake and beer as well as a tofu dessert menu, so you can make a real evening of it. 9. Mr Farmer Vegetarian and vegan options available | Omotesando, Shinjuku, Hibiya, Komazawa, Kisazaru One of most renowned names in the vegan/veggie circles of Tokyo, Mr Farmer has been a savior for the meat-free for a long time. It's a health-conscious option rather than a stricktly vegan/veggie place. There is some meat in the menu, but all options are clearly labeled and there's a good understanding of the terms (so no secret ham). The vegan menu has recently been given a boost with a dedicated section including burgers, pho and brown rice bowls. Plus cheesecakes, clafoutis and other tempting desserts. They have five locations across Tokyo (listed above) but keep in mind that the Hibiya and Kisazaru branches don't have a dedicated breakfast menu. 10. Good Town Donuts: For when you need a sugar rush Vegan options | Harajuku Sometimes you really just want a good quality donut, and in Tokyo even a regular one is hard to find, let alone a vegan one. Luckily Good Town Donuts and their neighbours The Little Bakery have your vegan cravings covered. Offering all the sugary joy of the real thing, their American-style glazed and filled options come in a creative variety of flavors alongside the classics. They usually have a handful of vegan options but they do sell out, so maybe don't leave it til the end of the day to pop in. If you have missed the last one, head next door where you'll find vegan cakes. The cafes offer almond milk for coffees and have some seasonal options throughout the year too.