5 Best Vegan Meals + Best Desserts in Japan - From Ramen to Raw Cheesecake
/Japan is absolutely not synonymous with vegan. But SURPRISE, Japan has some mouth-wateringly delicious vegan meals and desserts! And that’s true for Kyoto and Tokyo.
I first visited Japan 4 years ago, and I must say: The vegan food scene has come a looong way. Years ago there were 1 or 2 decent options, but now Happy Cow listing are on the rise! (If you don’t already know, Happy Cow is an app/website that allows lovers of vegan and vegetarian cuisine to easily find restaurant options around the world note: this is not a sponsored post. Just giving you a heads up).
First up: Best Vegan Ramen in Tokyo - Noodle Stand Tokyo
I actually stumbled upon this ramen shop totally by accident. Actually I was trying to find Afuri ramen when I passed Noodle Stand Tokyo. Initially I walked by it since I’d heard that Afuri was really good - and had vegan and gluten free options. But actually when I got to Afuri the line was super long, and I was starving. So I decided to try Noodle Stand, and I’m soo glad I did!
Noodle Stand Tokyo - Harajuku
Address: Japan, 〒150-0001 Tokyo, Shibuya City, 21, 神宮前1-21-15ナポレ原宿B1F
Phone: +81 3-6804-1477
I LOVED this ramen so much. Not only is their coconut miso ramen delicious, they also have an option to gluten-free rice noodles instead of the traditional wheat noodles. And the broth is so incredibly unique and flavorful, I couldn’t get enough - literally. I went twice in 2 days.
Honorable Mention - Vegan Ramen in Tokyo
Afuri Ramen
Address: Japan, 〒151-0051 Tokyo, Shibuya City, Sendagaya, 3 Chome−63−１ グランデフォレスタ原宿
Phone: +81 3-6438-1910
*They have several locations
Ok, so I had to try this ramen place and I’m glad I did. The line for this place was insane, but I waited patiently and enjoyed the ramen. Like noodle stand, Afuri has a gluten-free option as well. Instead of rice noodles, they offer a konjac noodle alternative to wheat noodles. While not rich and creamy like Noodle Stand, the broth was very flavorful.
Best Vegan Gelato/Ice Cream in Tokyo (& Kyoto)
Premarché Gelateria
Japan, 〒604-8331 Kyoto, Nakagyō-ku, Ontomochō, 三条通猪熊西入御供町308 1F
Phone: +81 75-600-2846
If you want ice cream in Tokyo or Kyoto, you need to check out Premarche Gelateria. Not all of their offerings are vegan but flavors are well labeled and the staff is really friendly and helpful. Plus, you can taste a few options before choosing - which was tough for me because I’m so in love with their many flavors. They have a location in Kyoto and Tokyo, so if you’re around, check them out!
Best Raw Vegan Dessert in Kyoto
So how on earth is it possible that an Indian restaurant in Kyoto can have such amazing vegan food and raw vegan desserts at that?!?!
Mughal Indian
Address: Japan, 〒604-0923 Kyoto, Nakagyo Ward, 中京区 上樵木町 ４９６ アイル竹嶋ビル2F
Phone: +81 75-241-3777
I don’t know how it’s possible, but this is real life. Whenever I’m in Kyoto, this is one place I’m always sure to visit. The food is amazing, the owner is incredibly kind, and the desserts are phenomenal. And the restaurant isn’t even all vegan. Luckily the owner noticed vegans need a little love too and he created a special vegan menu, complete with phenomenal vegan and gluten-free desserts! The dessert sampler is amazing and affordable too. And the vegan Indian dishes are absolutely wonderful. There’s a lot to choose from, and it’s bright and flavorful - this restaurant is so delicious.
Best Fancy Vegan Meal in Kyoto
Shigetsu - Tenryuji temple
Address: ６８ Sagatenryuji Susukinobabacho, Ukyo Ward, Kyoto, 616-8385, Japan
Phone: +81 75-882-9725
If you’re looking for something special, Shigetsu is it. The location is absolutely unbeatable and the food is beautiful and unique. The restaurant is located inside the gardens of the Tenryuji temple in the Arashiyama area of Kyoto. The temple complex is beautiful as are the garden area surrounding the restaurant. But a few things to note, if you want to have lunch here, reservations are required (you have to fill out a form on their website), and you have to pay a small entrance fee to enter the gardens of the temple in order to access the restaurant. But for me, it was money well spent. The area is beautiful and the food is thoughtfully prepared - shojin style - which means it’s temple food (makes sense since Tenryuji is in fact a temple haha). Also, you can request a gluten-free option when reserving online.
Best Vegan Restaurant in Osaka:
Raw8 Cafe
Address: 1 Chome-15-33 Nakatsu, Kita Ward, Osaka, 531-0071, Japan
Phone: +81 90-8982-6868
I’m so in love with Raw8 in Osaka. Despite the Raw in the title, this lovely restaurant offers both raw and cooked options. And everything I’ve tried has been absolutely wonderful. I had raw dishes, and also the cooked okonomiyaki was wonderful. Okonomiyaki is a traditional Japanese dish that is very popular in Osaka. But it’s usually no where near vegan or gluten-free since it’s traditionally made with lots of egg and wheat flour. But Raw8 has a vegan and gluten-free okonomiyaki! And it’s sooo good. Oh and also the owner is very kind and passionate about what she does. What could be better than that?
