With the words ‘American Chinese’ in its name, you can probably guess what this restaurant is all about. But just as you shouldn’t judge a book by its cover, you shouldn’t judge this restaurant solely on its name. Because Oscar American Chinese stands out in one major way: it claims to be Japan’s first vegan Chinese restaurant.
That doesn’t mean the menu is lacking. American Chinese favourites like orange chicken, beef and broccoli, and chop suey are all here and completely vegan. Ingredients such as tofu meat, the plant-based Umami Egg and root vegetable konjac are used to replicate everything from chicken to shrimp.
High-ceilinged and neon-lit, with a stylish wooden deck out front, the restaurant doesn’t look out of place in trendy Shimokitazawa’s Bonus Track complex. The vibe here is casual and ideal for a laidback lunch – and a well-priced one at that. A bowl of rice or noodles with one main and a drink is just ¥1,000. Lunch plates, meanwhile, will set you back ¥1,200 for two mains and ¥1,500 for three mains. But do note that the restaurant only accepts cashless payments.
Oscar American Chinese is also open late until 11pm, making it a convenient stop off after a day exploring Shimokitazawa. And even if you’re not on a vegan diet, it’s worth checking out to see what’s possible using entirely plant-based ingredients. You’ll be surprised.