The vegan wave is finally catching on in Tokyo as vegan alternatives slowly move from the sidelines into the mainstream. Vegan cafés, sushi and even cake shops have popped up in recent years, but now big chains from Mos Burger to Ikea have jumped on the bandwagon, meaning vegans nationwide have easier access to quick, delicious plant-based options without meat, dairy, eggs or any animal products. Here are some of the best places to get great vegan meals in Tokyo and around Japan.
RECOMMENDED: Try these Japanese vegan snacks and desserts
Mos Burger recently released its Green Burger with a thick and juicy plant-based patty made from soy-based vegetable protein, konnyaku (yam) and cabbage. It’s sandwiched with lettuce, tomato and special veggie tomato sauce between a green spinach bun. Unlike the soy-based burger on the regular menu, this one is entirely vegan and is free of meat, fish, egg, dairy and other animal-derived ingredients. You can try the Green Burger for ¥538 at any Mos Burger outlet in Japan.
Family restaurant chain Royal Host offers a wide range of curries and one of them is made without any meat, eggs or dairy products. The vegetable curry (¥1,280) features curry sauce poured on top of rice mixed with quinoa and chia seeds. It also comes with a generous amount of veggies on the side including kabocha squash, broccoli, eggplant, corn and more.
Most people dine at Ikea to get a taste of the furniture store’s famous Swedish meatballs, but locations worldwide have started offering meatless options, too. For its part, Ikea Japan has announced seven different plant-based dishes will be available at Ikea outlets nationwide.
Now you can enjoy a mock-katsu curry made from soy protein (not available at Ikea Shibuya and Ikea Harajuku), veggie cheese dogs (¥150, exclusive to Ikea Shibuya), a plant-based kebab wrap (¥500, exclusive to Ikea Harajuku) and even dairy-free soft serve (¥250, available at all stores except Shibuya). Or for a meat-free snack at home, pick up a cup of vegan instant ramen (¥190).
Known for its incredibly cheap noodles, ramen chain Kourakuen has added its first vegan dish to the menu. The classic gyoza dumplings now come in a vegan version packed with cabbage, carrots, shiitake mushrooms and soy meat. Each plate only costs ¥240 and comes with six dumplings, making it the perfect afternoon snack. Pair it with a side of white rice (¥170) if you want something more filling. The dumplings are also available for takeout.
It’s about time that plant-based yakiniku made it to Japan. Yakiniku Like is one of the few barbeque restaurants in Japan that has started offering plant-based meat cutlets made by Next Meats. Just like typical yakiniku, you can cook these vegan cuts on a grill at your table.
Choose between two options: kalbi (short ribs) or harami (skirt steak), with a side of rice, soup and kimchi for an additional ¥200. These faux meats are offered at around ¥300 per 50g and are available at all Yakiniku Like restaurants nationwide.
Vegan cuisine is now easier to find in Tokyo. Here are some of our favourite restaurants serving plant-based meals
Tokyo's best and most exciting new openings, whether you're looking for a meal, coffee, dessert or even a drink after work
From burgers and pastries to izakaya classics, these vegan restaurants are offering their meatless menu for takeaway
Discover Time Out original video
