What vegetarian food is available in Japan?

Is it easy to find vegetarian restaurants in Japan, and what kinds of vegetarian food are available, and are they easy to eat?

I'd like to ask if it's easy to find vegetarian restaurants and vegetarian food in Japan? I'll be traveling independently in mid-November and haven't found any information about food yet, as I've noticed Japan is mainly known for its fish, beef, and eel dishes.

Thank you.

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 food is delicious and nutritious for both ordinary people and vegetarians (including vegans), and the variety of dishes is also very diverse.

Rice and noodles are often the basic components 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.

However, it's important to note that even if a dish doesn't contain meat or fish, hidden ingredients like shredded meat or tuna, or fish-based sauces, often appear, 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 it from outside.

Convenience stores (konbinis) are places that sell a wide variety of food, including many vegetarian options. These stores are inexpensive, can be found everywhere, and always have products you can eat quickly to refuel.

You should look for onigiri (rice balls) in the refrigerator. Many types of rice balls have fish fillings, but there are also other fillings such as umeboshi (pickled plums) and kombu (kelp).

For protein sources, natto (fermented soybeans) is available in ready-to-eat packets, but note that the accompanying sauce is usually dashi (fish broth). Therefore, consider bringing your own soy sauce to enjoy the dish without the fishy taste.

Canned green beans, whole beans, and various other types of beans, along with vegetable salads, are also options to help you create a complete and satisfying meal when other choices are unavailable.

To learn more about Japan's inspiring cuisine , you can enjoy dishes such as tsukemono (pickled vegetables), tofu and bean curd skin, nasu dengaku (grilled eggplant marinated in miso), zaru soba (buckwheat noodles, cooked or served cold), kappa maki (seaweed sushi rolls with cucumber), and takuan maki (daikon radish sushi rolls).

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

Various types of pickled vegetables contribute to the richness of vegetarian meals. Photo: Asian Inspirations

How to order food when you are a vegetarian.

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

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

To be sure before you leave, print out an explanation or card clearly stating your dietary requirements in Japanese.

Restaurants and izakayas (pubs) with menus that include pictures can be very helpful. However, you should still make sure to check that the dashi and ingredients do not contain any fish or animal products.

Please inform the service provider of your dietary requirements before making a reservation, especially if it's a fixed menu.

Translation apps like Google Translate can also be a useful tool to have.

Vegetarian restaurant

Vegetarian cuisine is booming in major cities across Japan. Japanese culture is renowned for its meticulousness, dedication, and refinement. Furthermore, vegan lifestyle choices are becoming increasingly popular.

Identifying vegetarian restaurants in Japan.

Today, many vegetarian restaurants are labeled "vegan" or "vegan," a certification from the Japan Vegetarian Association. The certification process is rigorous, so the label serves as a sign that tourists can easily identify and find.

A map of vegetarian restaurants in some major tourist cities in Japan can be viewed here.

Tam Anh

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