Top 10 Vegan (options) Restaurants in Tokyo
While studying Japanese language in Tokyo, I met some amazing people and made friends for life.
Just before I moved back home, I met a group of super fun, inspiring guys. They organize a monthly event called Roses and Castles, to celebrate Music, Art, Photography, Literature, and Creativity. It's a collaborative effort among artists and creators based in Tokyo.
I had the honor to write something for their brand new website. I was thinking about the best thing I experienced in Tokyo, and I must say, it was food with friends ;). So I wrote a Top 10 Vegan (options) restaurants, where I had the time of my life and the best food I ever tasted.
As a Dutch girl living and traveling in Japan, first I was shocked about how much meat, fish and disposable plastic Japanese people consume. Before I moved to Japan I thought they were more connected to nature because of their Shinto and Buddhist roots. Luckily some great vegan restaurants show up in the cities nowadays. Please visit and try these 10 gems when you are in Tokyo.
1. HEMP CAFÉ, Shibuya
What’s not to love about this place? It’s cute and cozy, chef Tatsuya comes up with new glorious recipes like it’s his Ikigai, and the staff is super friendly and fun! Sometimes they organize cool CBD workshops and great yoga classes. Just go.
3. Genki, Chiyoda
This restaurant is one of a kind. When you enter it feels like you are inside Howl’s Moving Castle. Where most Japanese restaurants are quite traditional and organized, this restaurant is full of fantasy. The owner is always there: pink beard, light blue hair, and colorful traditional Japanese chef uniform. Everything you order is a positive surprise. When you go, the owner always walks you out and shows you his secret… ;). Let me know when you know.
3. HATENA, Shibuya
I kid you not. Hatena has the BEST sandwiches I ever tasted. If a Dutch person tells you they never tasted such a great sandwich, you know it must be good (because Dutch people are famous for their peanut butter sandwiches haha). Also, I love the western design of the shop, it made me feel at home instantly.
4. IZAKAYA MASAKA, Shibuya
They must have an Izakaya Masaka in heaven because their vegan kara-age is out of this world! I wish I had two stomachs so I could try everything on the menu. Also, I really like the location: they are in Parco’s basement called Chaos Kitchen. I wish we had that kind of basements in The Netherlands, it feels like an indoor food festival.
5. MOMINOKI HOUSE, Shibuya
All health freaks should pay a visit to this peaceful natural food restaurant. Chef Eichiro Yamada’s tofu steak is pure magic. Every bite on the vegan day menu makes you feel like it extends your life by at least one year. What I love about the design of the restaurant is that you can sit on three different levels in one space, on low traditional Japanese tables.
6. WIRED BONBON, Shinjuku
This vegan chocolate brownie was unbelievably good! But also unbelievably expensive, 800 yen, which is 6 euros or 7 dollars. It was worth it. Wired BonBon is a bit hard to find because it’s on the 6th floor of the mall connected to Shinjuku station at Lumine 1. Next time I’m in Tokyo I will definitely go back to try the vegan matcha parfait.
7. Tofu Ryori Sorano, Shibuya
This restaurant is absolutely stunning! If you would like to have the real traditional Japanese experience, you should go here. Please try the fresh homemade tofu and these wheat gluten (Namafu) skewers with green miso drops on top, they are fantastic.
8. T's Tantan, Tokyo Station, Keiyo Street
Fast, convenient, delicious, cheap, and nourishing vegan ramen en gyoza. I wish we had a T’s Tantan on Amsterdam Central Station, that would make me the happiest Dutch girl in the world.
9. Gompachi - aka the Kill Bill restaurant
If you love Kill Bill and vegan sushi, Gompachi is your wet dream. Beautiful traditional Japanese restaurant, super fun staff, and the vegan sushi is magnificent. The green ‘not fish eggs’ on the picture are Umibudo, sea grapes from Okinawa.
10. Yakiimo, everywhere in Japan
Not a restaurant, but one of the best snacks you can buy in Japan: roasted sweet potato, Yakiimo. You smell them instantly when you enter a supermarket and they are sold in food trucks too. So sweet and soft you never believe it’s all-natural. Great source of fiber, vitamins, and energy. They are the best thing in life after a long winter hike through the mountains of Tokyo.