20 Greatest Vegan and Vegetarian Eating places in Kyoto

It’s simple to be vegetarian in Kyoto. As Japan’s historic capital, it has an extended custom of shojin ryori or Zen Buddhist temple delicacies, which is totally vegan and contains a number of small dishes utilizing seasonal components.

Consuming in a temple is a spotlight of a go to to town, however there are a lot of different vegetarian and vegan eating places in Kyoto, each fashionable and conventional.

There’s additionally an growing variety of conventional eating places that concentrate on one dish, like ramen or gyoza, that now present meat-free choices.

Planning is vital. You’ll possible battle in the event you wander right into a random restaurant as dashi (fish broth) is utilized in many dishes.

We’ve spent over two months monitoring down one of the best vegetarian meals in Kyoto from informal ramen joints to stylish kaiseki (multi-course advantageous eating).

Listed below are our picks for one of the best vegetarian eating places in Kyoto (together with many vegan choices) plus a map with in all places talked about.

Contents

Suggestions for Being Vegetarian in Kyoto

The Pleased Cow web site or app is one of the best useful resource for locating veggie-friendly meals close by.

Be sure you have knowledge in your cellphone so you need to use Google Maps to seek out your method round. Airalo eSIMs are the simplest strategy to keep related as you possibly can set it up earlier than you arrive.

Many of those eating places are small, family-run locations and had been generally closed after we anticipated them to be open.

It’s price checking their Instagram (or generally Fb) pages earlier than you go to for any sudden closures (you’ll have to make use of Google Translate). It’s all the time a good suggestion to have a backup plan.

Notice that some eating places don’t settle for bank cards. 7-Eleven is one of the best place to withdraw money with worldwide playing cards free of charge.

Our vegetarian Japan information has tons extra suggestions.

Again to Contents

Vegan and Vegetarian Ramen in Kyoto

I don’t suppose we discovered a single vegetarian ramen in Kyoto on our first go to again in 2011, so it has been a pleasure to see the growing variety of plant-based ramens on provide within the metropolis. Listed below are simply a few of them.

1) Vegan Ramen Uzu (TOP PICK)

Uzu has one of the best vegan ramen in Kyoto. Not solely is the broth flavourful and the noodles completely chewy, nevertheless it’s an entire expertise.

You eat in a serene, darkened room with teamLab paintings projected on the wall and mirrored on the communal desk.

Each facet of our meal was very good—the scrumptious sushi we started with, the rose kombucha, and the pistachio ice cream with matcha sauce for dessert.

In fact, the ramen is the star of the present with 5 varieties obtainable. Simon loved his Tsukemen (sichuan pepper spicy miso), a wealthy peppery broth with out toppings and noodles on the facet.

My Mountain Herbs ramen was even higher that includes eight wild vegetation and a spicy miso broth with a depth of flavour we didn’t discover in different vegan ramens.

Uzu isn’t a funds ramen joint, however the high quality of the meals and ambiance (and the truth that it’s 100% vegan) was price it to us. Be certain that to e book a minimum of a couple of weeks prematurely in excessive season.

We additionally love the Uzu ramen store at TeamLabs Planet in Tokyo (see our Tokyo vegetarian information), however they solely have one kind of ramen, and we favor the Kyoto department.

2) Gion Soy Milk Ramen – Uno Yokiko (TOP PICK)

Uno Yokiko is one other vegan ramen store that we actually loved. It’s a implausible possibility for vegans sightseeing within the Gion space.

They provide a wide range of plant-based, gluten-free ramen with noodles product of rice and kelp.

Decor is straightforward and also you order through a QR code at your desk then pay in your method out. We discovered the menu a bit complicated regardless of being in English.

All of the soups have a soy milk base and the most cost effective choices have minimal toppings (principally soy meat chunks). Dandan provides spice with a sesame and chilli oil on the facet (Simon acquired this).

I went for Hana, which is the essential broth topped with a lot of greens, gyoza, and yuba. I used to be anxious the broth may be plain, nevertheless it was stuffed with flavour, and there are spices on the desk in the event you want a kick.

Additionally they have gyoza, soy nuggets, and vegan desserts. Their takeaway packet ramen makes for a simple meal later—simply boil the noodles and add water to the soup combine.

3) Kyoto Engine Ramen

Kyoto Engine Ramen may be very widespread with foreigners as they’ve vegan, halal, and gluten-free choices, and it’s in a central downtown location.

Whereas they do serve meat right here, additionally they have two vegan ramens, each of that are soy milk based mostly. The Zesty is spicy in order that’s what we selected. Toppings are minimal (principally inexperienced onions) however the broth is tasty.

It’s not a should go to for me, however some folks rave about it, and it’s price a go to in case you are within the space. Count on to queue although (and doubtless share a desk) on this bustling spot. We waited quarter-hour at 5.45pm however the queue was so much longer by the point we left.

4) Tokkyu Ramen

This fundamental, counter-seating ramen joint close to Yasaka shrine has no English signal so search for the purple lantern and hand-written signal saying vegan and vegetarian ramen.

They provide one vegan ramen made with a creamy sesame miso broth topped with bean sprouts, cabbage, inexperienced onions, bamboo shoots, and sesame seeds.

It’s obtainable in medium (loads for me) and enormous (large however Simon managed it!) and is great worth at 950 yen ($6) for a medium.

It’s not our favorite vegetarian ramen in Kyoto, nevertheless it’s fast, inexpensive, and the placement is handy when sightseeing in Gion.

Again to Contents

Kyoto Vegetarian Eating places

All these eating places and cafes are totally vegetarian (most are vegan), so you possibly can safely select something from the menu.

Uzu and Uno Yokiko within the ramen part above are additionally 100% vegan.

5) Shigetsu (TOP PICK)

The very best place to strive Zen Buddhist delicacies or shojin ryori in Kyoto is at Shigetsu inside Tenryu-ji temple. The meals is totally vegan.

It’s positioned within the Arashiyama neighbourhood within the western hills and you’ll mix lunch with a day visiting the temples, bamboo forest, and different points of interest on this pretty space.

See my detailed information to the finest issues to do in Kyoto for extra sightseeing suggestions.

You dine on the ground in a big tatami mat room with views of the temple’s backyard.

We ordered the most cost effective lunch set (3800 yen / $24) and had been served a number of small dishes on a purple lacquer tray.

We couldn’t determine a lot of what we had been consuming, however that’s a part of the culinary journey and is the closest vegetarians can come to kaiseki (Japanese advantageous eating).

We later discovered that the mysterious jelly-like cubes had been konnyaku, recognized in English as Satan’s Tongue, which is created from the basis of the tuberous plant konjac.

Different dishes included goma dofu (sesame tofu), yuba (sheets of soy milk pores and skin), nasu dengaku (eggplant grilled with miso), nama-fu (uncooked wheat gluten), pickles, mushroom and cucumber salad in a sesame sauce, and pumpkin soup.

The meals ranged from beautiful to odd and we beloved the chance to strive random issues realizing that it was all meat-free, one thing we don’t typically get to do.

You should definitely make a reservation on their web site—ideally a minimum of a couple of weeks prematurely as they do e book up (we booked two months prematurely for peak autumn dates in November).

Notice that you have to additionally pay the five hundred yen temple entrance payment (nevertheless it’s properly price visiting).

6) Hobodo Cafe (TOP PICK)

This cute Kyoto vegan cafe has a relaxed, classic vibe with mismatched furnishings and cabinets of books.

It’s in a quiet, off-the-beaten-track residential neighbourhood, nevertheless it’s solely a 15-minute stroll from Gion and 20 minutes from Nanzenji. It’s price a detour.

The pleasant couple who run Hobodo Cafe converse some English and supply an English menu. They provide a set lunch to eat in or take away.

The set lunch (1600 yen/ $10) is one among our favourites in Kyoto. It contains brown rice, miso soup, and 7 facet dishes—ours included scrumptious dumplings, spring rolls, and numerous greens.

7) Mumokuteki Cafe

Mumokuteki is a vegan cafe a brief stroll from Nishiki Market (we are able to by no means get into Hale out there so this can be a nice backup).

Their lunch gozen units are wonderful with a selection of mains (resembling tofu hamburger or miso cutlet) and an array of vegetable sides plus the same old rice and miso soup.

That is additionally the one place I’ve seen that gives a vegan model of Japanese omurice (fried rice omelette). Their Mysterious Curry can also be good however the lunch units are my decide.

Whereas many Kyoto vegan eating places are stuffed with vacationers, Mumokuteki has a mixture of locals too. It’s fairly spacious so we discovered it simpler to get a desk right here than different spots (you can even e book a desk).

8) Little Heaven

For prime-end, inventive vegan meals in Kyoto, head to Little Heaven. They make a contemporary model of shojin ryori—there are a lot of programs of fantastically offered, seasonal dishes however some westernised dishes are blended with the standard Japanese.

We had been seated in a non-public room on a western-style desk and chairs overlooking a small backyard.

Highlights of our meal included yuba cooked in numerous methods, a powerful plate of sushi (replicating eel, tuna, and scallops), and an extremely creamy matcha tofu cheesecake.

There have been so many stunning touches like greens formed like butterflies.

It’s within the Arashiyama space however a couple of practice stops from the primary space.

It is advisable e book a minimum of three days prematurely, however a couple of weeks is healthier. You may e mail [email protected] or e book through their web site.

9) Padma

This Kyoto vegan restaurant has eclectic decor, giant home windows overlooking the Kamo river, and a small vary of vegan merchandise on the market.

At lunch Padma presents two set meals and a curry plate. I acquired the most costly Peaceable lunch set which included rice, soup, and plenty of small dishes.

It included a couple of soy meat dishes (deep fried and in curry) which I don’t normally like, nevertheless it was properly ready and the greens balanced it out.

Simon loved the curry which was a beneficiant quantity of meals however much less selection than the lunch set.

10) Veg Out

Veg Out is a Kyoto vegan cafe with a fantastic location overlooking the Kamo River.

The plant-based menu contains Buddha bowls and taco rice, however our favorite dish is the Veg Out Plate, which adjustments each day and contains rice (or bread) and an array of vegetable dishes and salads. It’s good in case you are craving veggies.

The espresso and kombucha are additionally scrumptious.

11) Cafe Waka at Otera Home ( 和香)

Shojin Cafe Waka is a Kyoto vegetarian restaurant that gives scrumptious Buddhist set lunches.

The situation is slightly off-the-beaten-track (we had been the one vacationers there), nevertheless it’s solely a 15-minute stroll throughout the river from Gion.

Our set lunch included rice, miso soup, pickles, deep-fried soy meatballs, leafy greens with tofu, chilly silken tofu in miso sauce, and greens in mayonnaise.

All of the dishes besides the desserts are vegan, nevertheless it’s finest to examine.

It’s nice worth at 1000 yen ($6.40). Cellphone reservations are required for teams of greater than three folks.

12) AWOMB

The Nishi-Kiyamachi department of AWOMB presents one thing totally different—roll your personal vegan sushi.

It’s all vegetarian and principally vegan apart from honey in some drinks and desserts.

Positioned in a conventional wood home, you entry it down a slender backyard pathway and take off your sneakers however sit at tables. It’s one of many few vegan eating places the place we didn’t come throughout different foreigners.

The sushi platter options an array of seasonal greens, nori to wrap them in, wasabi and different flavourings, plus soup and rice. There’s a map (in English) so you possibly can determine the whole lot.

We paid additional for the premium menu, however I don’t suppose it was price it for the few extras.

Flavours are fairly refined however we loved having a lighter meal and the serene ambiance.

13) Yoshuji

Yoshuji is a vegetarian restaurant within the village of Kurama within the mountains north of Kyoto. It’s principally vegan apart from milk for drinks and ice cream.

One in every of our favorite issues to do in Kyoto is take the practice to Kibune and hike by means of the forest to Kurama the place you possibly can go to the gorgeous Kurama-dera temple and end with lunch at Yoshuji.

The restaurant is in a comfy Japanese farmhouse with an irori (hearth pit) within the centre. You may order a bowl of noodles or shojin ryori set lunches.

We selected the most cost effective Hana set (2200 yen / $14), which got here with rice, miso soup, pickles, enoki mushrooms, goma dofu (chilled sesame tofu), mashed tofu with wild greens, mashed yam with seaweed, and konnyaku served like sashimi with a darkish miso sauce.

It was loads of meals for us, however on a chilly day you would possibly favor the opposite units for extra sizzling dishes. The splendidly smoky tea is included.

Yoshuji is midway up the steps resulting in the doorway to Kurama-dera on the correct hand facet (or left as you come down as we did after mountain climbing from Kibune). There’s an English menu exterior.

14) Cafebar Mokumoku

Mokumoku is a tiny vegetarian (principally vegan) cafe inside a store that sells stunning textiles and ceramics.

It’s a peaceable retreat on probably the most widespread vacationer streets in Kyoto resulting in Yasaka Pagoda.

The menu is proscribed with a couple of vegan candy treats plus one vegan lunch that adjustments usually. After we visited it was a vegetable curry. Different occasions it’s soup or a extra conventional Japanese set lunch.

If you’re hungry whereas sightseeing in Gion, it’s price popping in to see what they’ve, however the opening hours and what they’ve obtainable could be unreliable.

Again to Contents

Vegetarian-Pleasant Eating places in Kyoto

A few of the finest vegetarian and vegan meals in Kyoto isn’t present in vegetarian eating places. The eating places under serve meat and fish, however additionally they cater for vegans.

They’re good choices for dinner as many Kyoto vegetarian eating places solely open for lunch. You may strive basic Japanese dishes like udon, gyoza, and okonomiyaki in a typical setting.

For vegetarian sushi in Kyoto, we advocate these vegan eating places (see above): Uzu (as a starter earlier than your ramen), Little Heaven (excessive finish tasting menu) and AWOMB (create your personal sushi rolls).

15) Mimikou for Udon (TOP PICK)

We’re regulars at Mimikou after we go to Kyoto. This conventional udon (wheat flour noodle) restaurant is positioned close to Yasaka Shrine and is widespread with vacationers. 

Two pages of the English menu are devoted to vegetarian dishes together with ramen and curry donburi (rice bowls), however better of all is the curry udon.

The udon could be topped with kitsune (fried tofu), vegetable tempura, greens, and/or soy nuggets.

You may select your kind of udon (we preferred the common noodles that are fairly thick), spice degree (medium was ideally suited for us), and any additional toppings.

The vegetarian menu is vegan apart from the choice so as to add egg. They affirm that they don’t use dashi within the soup.

It may be messy so use the paper bib the employees deliver you!

16) ChaoChao for Gyoza

This gyoza bar is a enjoyable place for a drink and a fast, cheap meal. The employees are pleasant and converse some English.

The Shijo-Kawaramachi department of Gyoza ChaoChao has a vegetarian menu in English with 5 forms of vegetarian gyoza plus facet dishes like bean sprout salad and deep fried tofu.

Vegan choices are marked and embody yuba gyoza and vegetable gyoza.

All of the gyoza we tried had been scrumptious together with mashed potato, yuba, mushroom risotto with cheese, and shibazuke (soy pulp and pickles).

Sadly, since our first go to, Gyoza ChaoChao has grow to be extremely popular with lengthy queues exterior (even at 5.30pm on a weekday). Though we benefit from the meals, I don’t suppose it’s price an hour-long wait. Attempt going at 4pm to beat the frenzy.

17) Tousuiro for Tofu

Kyoto is legendary for its tofu and there are a variety of eating places that concentrate on it, however they normally use dashi.

The Gion department of Tousuiro presents a vegan set menu in addition to a vegan and gluten-free kaiseki set menu.

It’s not low cost (from 10,000 yen/ $64), however it’s an uncommon expertise and the setting is conventional in a 130-year-old service provider home.

You’ll expertise tofu in all its types together with goma dofu (sesame tofu), yuba (soy milk pores and skin), yudofu (a simmering pot of tofu and greens), and grilled miso-glazed dengaku tofu. We did get slightly tofued out however are glad we tried it.

You not must e book the vegan menu prematurely, however the gluten-free model does require a reservation.

Because it’s a preferred place, it’s extremely really helpful to order a desk anyway. For those who make a reservation by e mail, make certain to e mail a minimum of three days prematurely.

18) Kamehameha for Okonomiyaki

Kamehameha is a tiny teppanyaki place with simply eight seats on the counter. It’s recognized for its Hiroshima-style okonomiyaki they usually can do a vegan model.

It’s sizzling and cramped, nevertheless it’s enjoyable to see the chef prepare dinner on the griddle in entrance of you. This isn’t the place for you if the sight of meat or seafood cooking bothers you, however they do wipe the floor between dishes.

We acquired the vegan set, which included a couple of tasty starters and a smaller measurement (however nonetheless loads) mushroom okonomiyaki. Hiroshima-style means the cabbage batter contains noodles and is layered reasonably than blended.

It’s extremely popular (numerous folks had been turned away on our go to) so do e book prematurely. You should utilize the shape on their web site—bookings open in the course of the month for the next month.

19) Teppan Tavern Tenamonya for Okonomiyaki (with Meat Eaters)

Teppan Tavern Tenamonya is one other place to keep away from in the event you don’t need meat cooked subsequent to you, nevertheless it’s a good selection in case you are travelling with a meat eater who desires to strive the well-known wagyu beef.

It’s a small izakaya (pub) with counter seating and a grill in entrance of you to maintain the meals sizzling.

A lot of the visitors are foreigners as of late because it’s near Yasaka shrine, is ranked extremely on Tripadvisor, has an English menu, and is run by a pleasant couple.

It’s so widespread that reserving as much as two weeks prematurely is important (you possibly can e mail however don’t e mail greater than 15 days forward). They’ll’t accommodate teams larger than 4 folks. Take a look at their web site for all the small print.

Regardless of the meat focus, they provide plenty of tasty vegetarian dishes together with okonomiyaki (the Hokkaido model was good), yasai soba (fried noodles with greens), and fried potato with cheese.

However they don’t encourage teams which are all vegetarian any longer.

20) CoCo Icibanya for Japanese Curry

In search of the closest CoCo Ichibanya is without doubt one of the best methods to discover a vegetarian meal in Japan.

This widespread curry chain now presents a vegan curry (described as vegetarian) in any respect its branches. Additionally they have an English menu, which is useful to elucidate the ordering course of.

You select your curry sauce (vegetarian), toppings (we normally get greens and eggplant), spice degree (2 or 3 is fairly spicy), and measurement of rice portion. It’s tasty, filling, cheap, and fast.

The pickled greens on the desk are vegan. If you’re self-catering, you should buy vegan curry packets to warmth up at dwelling.

We went to CoCo Ichibanya Keihan Shichijo, however there are a lot of branches (search on Google Maps).

Again to Contents

Worldwide Vegan and Vegetarian Meals in Kyoto

My listings above centered on Japanese vegetarian meals because it’s so good, however on longer journeys, we do need one thing totally different often.

Listed below are our favorite worldwide eating places for vegan meals in Kyoto.

• Zirael – This Gion vegan restaurant focuses on salad created from native veggies served with a selection of mains resembling dumplings or fried soy meat.
• Que Pasa – Surprisingly scrumptious burritos with vegetarian and vegan choices. It’s run by Japanese guys who lived in California in order that they know what they’re doing. There are two branches (see map under).
• Waco Crepes – On a quiet, fairly road in Gion, this small cafe has candy and savoury gluten-free crepes with loads of vegan choices. For lunch, we like salsa and cheese, which comes full of salad.
• Ain Soph – This widespread Kyoto vegan restaurant isn’t our favorite, however in the event you’re craving a veggie burger, they’re fairly good.
• Vegginy – One other vegan cafe with large veggie burgers and some different dishes.
• Kyoto Beer Lab – Cool brewpub on our favorite canal road. You will get a tasting flight of beers with snacks like nuts and pickles. Vegan choices are marked, nevertheless it’s not the place for a filling meal.

For vegetarians in Kyoto we additionally advocate:

• Monk – The tasting menu of roast greens and wood-fired pizza was one among our favorite meals in Kyoto. They’ll cater for vegetarians however not vegans. It’s extraordinarily troublesome to get a desk, although. It is advisable e book on Tablecheck at precisely 12pm JST two months prematurely. It sells out in seconds so be ready (and follow).

There are a number of wonderful locations for genuine Neapolitan-style pizza in Kyoto. Vegans can be restricted to pizzas with out cheese although.

• Pizzeria Da Naghino – Scrumptious pizza a couple of 15-minute stroll from Gion.
• Pizzeria Napoletana Da Yuki – Bookings are extremely really helpful. It’s a bit out the way in which (a 15-minute stroll from each Gion and Nanzenji) however we preferred that the opposite diners had been all Japanese.
• Goichi Pizza – Fashionable with vacationers, this place is nearer to downtown. We preferred their inexperienced salad in addition to the pizzas. Go early or e book.

Again to Contents

Vegetarian Cooking Class in Kyoto

Taking a cooking class is without doubt one of the finest Kyoto actions and a good way to be taught extra about Japanese delicacies.

The category we did is not obtainable, however an alternative choice is that this Afternoon Japanese Izakaya Cooking Class with Cooking Solar.

They’ll cater to vegetarians and also you be taught to make 5-6 home-style dishes. Simply pay attention to the chance that others within the class can be cooking non-vegetarian meals. If this bothers you, you possibly can pay for a non-public class.

Additionally they provide a Nishiki Market tour adopted by a donburi (rice bowl) cooking class. Vegetarians could make tempura.

Again to Contents

Vegetarian Kyoto Map

Our Kyoto vegetarian map lists all of the eating places talked about above.

The vegetarian and vegan eating places in Kyoto are marked in inexperienced, veggie-friendly conventional eating places in blue, and worldwide eating places in yellow.

Again to Contents

Abstract

I hope you get pleasure from consuming your method round Kyoto as a vegetarian as a lot as we did! There are numerous extra vegetarian and vegan eating places that we didn’t have time to strive. Depart a remark under when you’ve got any extra suggestions.

Again to Contents

Extra Japan Posts

Our Vegetarian Japan Guides

Japan Suggestions

Loved this submit? Pin it for later!