What vegetarian food is there in Japan?

In Japan, can you find vegetarian restaurants right away? What types of vegetarian food are there? Is it easy to eat?

I want to ask if it is easy to find vegetarian restaurants and vegetarian food in Japan? I will be traveling on my own in mid-November and have not found any information about food because I see that Japan is mainly famous for fish, beef, and eel.

Thanks.

Mai Ha

Reply:

According to a tour guide specializing in Japan and Korea in Hanoi and information from the official website of the Japan National Tourism Organization (JNTO), Japanese dishes are delicious and nutritious for both normal people and vegetarians (including vegans), and the variety of food is also very rich.

Rice and noodles are often the base of most vegetarian dishes, along with soy and variations such as miso - a seasoning made from fermented soybeans; koji (a type of fungus) or natto - fermented soybeans, along with fresh or pickled seasonal vegetables.

But be aware that even if a dish doesn't contain meat or fish, hidden ingredients like meat or bonito flakes, or fish-based sauces, are often present, making the dish unsuitable for vegetarians.

Natto (fermented soybeans), one of the popular vegetarian dishes in Japan. Photo: Ussina

How to choose vegetarian food when buying outside

Konbinis (convenience stores) are places that sell a huge variety of food, many of which are vegetarian. They are cheap, can be found everywhere, and always have products that you can eat quickly to replenish your energy.

You should look for onigiri (rice balls) in the refrigerator. Many are filled with fish, but other fillings include umeboshi (pickled plum) and kombu (kelp).

For protein, natto (fermented soybeans) is available in ready-to-eat packets, but note that the sauce used is usually dashi (fish stock), so consider bringing your own soy sauce to enjoy a dish that doesn't taste fishy.

Green beans, canned peas and other types of green salads are also options to help you create a complete and filling meal when other options are not available.

To learn more about Japan's inspiring cuisine, try some dishes like tsukemono (pickles), tofu and bean curd skin, nasu dengaku (grilled eggplant marinated in miso), zaru soba (cold or cooked buckwheat noodles), kappa maki (seaweed-wrapped sushi with cucumber), and takuan maki (daikon radish-wrapped sushi).

If the dish is served with dipping sauce or soup, you should check the ingredients.

Pickles add variety to vegetarian meals. Photo: Asian Inspirations

How to Order When You're a Vegetarian

When ordering food in Japan, be sure to specify which foods you cannot eat. Say no to meat, seafood, animal products, and even dashi stock.

If the waiter seems unclear, repeat that you do not eat meat, including chicken, pork and fish.

To be sure before you go, print out an explanation sheet or card that states your dietary requirements in Japanese.

Restaurants and izakaya (pubs) with picture menus can be helpful, but be sure to check that the dashi and ingredients are free of fish and animal products.

Please inform the service provider of your dietary requirements before booking, especially if it is a set menu.

Translation apps like Google Translate can also be a tool you should have.

Vegetarian restaurant

Vegetarian cuisine is booming in major cities across Japan. Japanese culture is renowned for its meticulousness, dedication and refinement. In addition, vegan lifestyle options are becoming more widely known.

Signs to identify vegetarian restaurants in Japan.

Nowadays, many vegetarian restaurants are labeled "vegetarian" or "vegan" and are recognized by the Japan Vegetarian Association. The application process is rigorous, so the label is a sign that tourists can easily recognize and find.

Map of vegetarian restaurants in some major tourist cities in Japan, visitors can see here.

Tam Anh

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