Guide to Vegetarian/Vegan Restaurants and Temple Shojin Cuisine

While interest in plant-based foods has been growing globally in recent years, Japan still has a relatively small vegetarian and vegan population, with limited dining options. Japanese cuisine in particular often uses fish-based dashi stock, making it difficult to find completely plant-based foods. However, in Kyoto, building on the foundation of traditional shojin ryori (Buddhist temple cuisine), there has been a gradual increase in restaurants offering modern vegetarian and vegan cuisine. This article introduces selected restaurants and cafes where you can enjoy plant-based meals in Kyoto, as well as temples that serve traditional shojin cuisine.

1. Cultural Background and Ingredients of Shojin Cuisine (Including How to Verify Non-Animal Based Dashi)

Kyoto's shojin ryori is a traditional plant-based cuisine deeply connected to Japanese Buddhist culture. Here are the key points:

• Cultural Background: 

  Shojin ryori is an essential part of Kyoto's temple culture dating back to the Heian period, particularly developed in Zen temples.

• Basic Characteristics:

  • No animal ingredients used

  • No use of the five pungent roots (gokon: garlic, Chinese chives, rakkyō, onion, and asatsuki chives)

  • Utilization of seasonal vegetables and mountain vegetables

• How to Verify Dashi:

  • Kombu Dashi: Soak kombu in water for about 30 minutes to extract umami. The key is to remove the kombu just before heating.

  • Dried Shiitake Dashi: Soak dried shiitake mushrooms in water overnight and use the soaking liquid. The reconstituted mushrooms can be chopped and used in cooking.

  • Vegetable Dashi: Finely chop vegetables such as onions, carrots, and celery, then simmer slowly. Verify that no fish-based ingredients like bonito flakes or dried sardines are used.

    
    

In Kyoto, you can experience authentic shojin cuisine at famous temples like Nanzenji and Kennin-ji. There is also an increasing number of modern vegan restaurants incorporating shojin cuisine techniques.

You can experience shojin cuisine at Kyoto's famous temples. Particularly recommended temples:

• Nanzenji

  Reservation website: https://www.nanzenji.com/shojin/

  Experience authentic cuisine at this prestigious temple that maintains shojin cuisine traditions.

• Kennin-ji

  Reservation website: https://www.kenninji.jp/dining/

  Enjoy shojin cuisine in a tranquil setting at Kyoto's oldest Zen temple.

2. Guide to Vegetarian & Vegan Restaurants and Cafes

Higashiyama Area

• Choice - Organic Cafe & Deli

  Website: https://hs-choice.com/

  Instagram: @choice_kyoto

  Google Maps: https://maps.app.goo.gl/2PRoxtEHA88FN3oP7

  Reservations: 050-1234-5678 (Phone reservations accepted)

  
  

Kawaramachi/Shijo Area

• Mumokuteki Café

  Website: https://mumokuteki.com/

  Instagram: @mumokuteki_cafe

  Twitter: @mumokuteki_jp

  Google Maps: https://maps.app.goo.gl/4MebJEzii221PaRz5

  
  

• Ain Soph Journey

  
  

  

  
  

  Website: https://www.ain-soph.jp/

  Instagram: @ainsoph_journey

  Google Maps: https://maps.app.goo.gl/phK7m3gkjq4SRN4G9

  Reservations: Online reservations preferred

  
  

• Mughal

  
  

  

  
  

  Website: http://www.kyoto-mughal.com/mgl_frame.html

  Instagram: @mughal_kyoto

  Google Maps: https://maps.app.goo.gl/YuDtYpNC5X17zPCv7

  
  

Kyoto Station Area

• Morpho Café

  Instagram: @morpho_cafe

  Google Maps: https://maps.app.goo.gl/pLSJphThw1UgzyT7A

  Reservations: Online booking system (https://reserve.morphocafe.com)

  
  

• Veg Out

  Website: https://tamisa-yoga.com/cafe/veg-out/index.html

  Instagram: @vegout_kyoto

  Google Maps: https://maps.app.goo.gl/9GYLcmfocNR7QYzJA

  
  

Vegan Ramen Specialists

• Gion Soy Milk Ramen Uno Yukiko

  Website: https://en.soymilkramen.com/

  Instagram: @uno_yukiko_ramen

  Google Maps: https://maps.app.goo.gl/BkFNdy3ER6FSGN4L6

  
  

• Vegan Ramen UZU Kyoto

  Website: https://vegan-uzu.com/pages/uzu-kyoto

  Instagram: @uzukyoto_vegan

  Google Maps: https://maps.app.goo.gl/H3jcMm3caQeB9yCPA

  Reservations: Online reservations available

  
  

• Ippudo Plant-Based Ramen

  Website: https://www.ippudo.com/

  Instagram: @ippudo_vegan

  Google Maps: https://maps.app.goo.gl/wr3AbFcmdC7sQJoe7

3. Recommended Dishes and Reviews (e.g., Vegan Ramen, Vegetable Sushi)

Here are the popular menu items from each establishment:

Ramen Specialists:

• Gion Soy Milk Ramen Uno Yukiko: Rich soup using soy milk with homemade noodles

• UZU Kyoto: Soy sauce-based soup concentrated with mushroom and vegetable umami, seasonal vegetable toppings

• Ippudo: White tonkotsu-style soup rich in vegetable umami with vegan char siu made from soy meat

Cafes & Restaurants:

• Choice: Seasonal power bowls using local organic vegetables, superfood smoothies

• Vegans Café: Authentic vegan burgers, rich desserts using soy milk, popular weekday lunch sets

• Mumokuteki Café: Shojin-style set meals using Kyoto vegetables, brown rice onigiri plates

• Ain Soph Journey: Signature fluffy vegan pancakes

• Mughal: Authentic vegetarian curry using 15 spices, unlimited homemade naan

Sweets:

• Morpho Café: Rich chocolate gateau and seasonal fruit tarts (dairy and egg-free)

4. Vegan Snacks Perfect for Eating on the Go (Soy Milk Donuts, Vegan Onigiri)

Finding convenient vegan snacks and quick bites can be challenging while sightseeing in Kyoto. Here's a curated list of vegan-friendly takeout options that are perfect for travelers on the move, including traditional Japanese snacks adapted for plant-based diets.

Here are our recommended vegan takeout foods in Kyoto:

Cafe & Deli:

• Choice - Organic Cafe & Deli: Power bowls and smoothies available for takeout

Ramen:

• Ippudo: Plant-based ramen available for takeout

Curry:

• Mughal: Vegetarian curry and naan available for takeout

Sweets:

The following establishments offer vegan sweets options in Kyoto:

• Morpho Café offers rich chocolate gateau and seasonal fruit tarts made without dairy products or eggs. Takeout is available.

You can also enjoy vegan sweets at these other establishments:

• Choice - Organic Cafe & Deli offers gluten-free desserts.

• Vegans Café and Restaurant serves rich desserts made with soy milk and agave syrup.

• Ain Soph Journey offers fluffy vegan pancakes.

• Morpho Café: Vegan chocolate gateau and fruit tarts available for takeout

Japanese Food:

• Mumokuteki Café: Brown rice onigiri plate available for takeout

*Operating hours and availability may vary, so we recommend checking with each establishment in advance.