Japan is regarded as one of the best places to travel in the world! We can see why. It is a beautiful country with a unique culture. Besides that, the food rules! Usually, when people think of Japanese cuisine they think sushi and definitely not vegetarian food. Well, you might be surprised at the plethora of amazing vegan and vegetarian food that is there. Warning: this article might make you a little hungry!
Yudofu Sagano
This is not a dish, but a delicious multi-course tofu-based meal that might make you rethink Japanese food. There are quite a few vegan restaurants in Japan due to the prominence of Buddhists and especially Buddhist monks. They believe in abstaining from all animal products their entire lives. This is good news for us because some restaurants specialize in Yudofu Sagano. It is a meal of different tofu dishes. In some restaurants in Kyoto, you can enjoy tofu prepared 9 different ways! It will definitely be one of the most memorable meals of your life.
Vegetarian Japanese Curry
Japanese curry rules! It has a rich, hearty flavor and is definitely a comfort food. The curry comes in a thick, sweet brown sauce and it is served with rice. You can enjoy a variety of chunky vegetables in your curry. We love eggplant, carrots, and potatoes. There is also an okra and tofu version that is delicious and will fill you up.
Vegan Ramen
Vegan ramen is the same as regular ramen, just without the fish and fish sauce in the broth. There are many restaurants around the country that only offer vegan ramen. You can also find the same types of restaurants specializing in other kinds of noodles like udon.
Vegetarian Kushikatsu
This is a delicious dish native to Osaka, Japan. It is vegetables deep fried in a special coating that you can dip in the tasty black sauce. Enjoy some with a cold beer and you will be in heaven!
Vegetarian Okonomiyaki
Okonomiyaki is definitely one of the tastiest and most interesting dishes we experienced in Japan. It also originates from Osaka. It is a giant cabbage pancake, topped with brown sauce, cooked right in front of you on a grill. The vegetarian version simply omits meat and seafood. They are big, so make sure you are hungry when you try one!