vegetarian/vegan-friendly shabu-shabu/nabe restaurant
Food: 3.5/5
Price: 2/5
This chain bills itself as a "healthy" shabu-shabu restaurant. The name literally means "hot water vegetables". While a majority of the menu does indeed comprise of seafood and meat items (this is shabu-shabu after all), Onyasai has a LARGE selection of greens, mushrooms, tofu and other vegetables and I've never left this restaurant hungry. Onyasai has several different bases (ie liquid to cook your veggies in) to select from and you can choose up to 2, which they put in a divided iron pot. My favorites are the konbu-dashi (seaweed base) and the tōnyū (soymilk base). A kimchi base is also available, but I'm not sure if it's vegetarian, I'll have to check on my next visit. Onyasai provides 2 dipping sauces: the standard ponzu (tart, citrusy vinegar) with daikon oroshi (shredded Japanese white radish) as well as a creamy goma (sesame) sauce. [**vegans: the sesame sauce may contain milk or egg, it's better to ask before eating it.] You can further customize these sauces with Japanese black pepper, garlic, extra ground sesame, hot oil, etc. In my opinion, the goma sauce tastes EXCELLENT when paired with the tōnyū base. Additional side dishes and rice are available although you probably want to ask for your side salads/tofu "niku-nashi" ("no meat") since 1 time when I was there, my tofu was brought out with ground beef on the top. Onyasai also has a good drink selection so I think it's a great alternative to izakaya. The divided pots they feature are also great if you go out with a group of non-vegetarians since this will keep your soup base separate from 1 that is being used for meat.
Pros: FRESH ingredients, very healthy, many convenient locations, open late (many until midnight), reasonable prices, good for groups
Cons: Japanese menus only, they serve alot of meat so strict vegetarians/vegans may feel uncomfortable
hours vary by location, see website:
www.onyasai.com (Japanese only)
Saturday, March 14, 2009
The Loving Hut [Yotsuya 3-chōme]
Japanese vegan café/restaurant
Food: 3.5/5
Price: 1/5
Everytime I think of this nice little café, it makes me smile. The name, the staff, the meals; everything about it is kawaii and friendly-looking. Each meal is freshly made to order and prepared with love. (I’m sorry to be so corny, but this café is just so cute.) Vegans can dine carefree since the entire menu is cruelty-free. My friend and I were pretty hungry so we decided to order 3 entrees and split them. We decided on the veggie burger, the tricolor donburi and the teriyaki "sushi". Light, refreshing and tasty. Portion sizes were about average, so if you’re hungry like we were, I suggest sharing 3 dishes or some sides. Many entrees include soup, or you can get the entrée only at a reduced price for take-out. Other entrées on the menu were: spaghetti with "meat" sauce, curry and "season's special variety plate". The desserts looked pretty delicious, especially the fresh-daily made "today's cake", though unfortunately I did not have a chance to try any. Monday is "veggie bento day" when you can purchase a great looking lunchbox set for the bargain price of 800yen (11:00am-3pm). The Loving Hut also has a small selection of fake meat products that you can buy to cook on your own.
Pros: healthy & nutritious meals, good prices, very friendly staff, convenient location, take-out available
Cons: small dining room
2 min. walk from Yotsuya 3-chōme station (Tokyo Metro Marunouchi line)
Shinjuku-ku, Yotsuya 3-6-15, 2F
03-6807-9625
Tues - Fri, lunch: 11am-3:pm (2:30 LO)
dinner: 5pm-9pm (8:30 LO)
Sat: 12pm-7pm (6:30 LO)
Sun: 12pm-7pm (6:30 LO) **no cafe menu on Sunday, special menu featuring tea, desserts, & vegan versions of traditional Japanese items**
Mon: bento (lunchbox) only 11am-3pm
www.lovinghut.jp (Japanese only)
Food: 3.5/5
Price: 1/5
Everytime I think of this nice little café, it makes me smile. The name, the staff, the meals; everything about it is kawaii and friendly-looking. Each meal is freshly made to order and prepared with love. (I’m sorry to be so corny, but this café is just so cute.) Vegans can dine carefree since the entire menu is cruelty-free. My friend and I were pretty hungry so we decided to order 3 entrees and split them. We decided on the veggie burger, the tricolor donburi and the teriyaki "sushi". Light, refreshing and tasty. Portion sizes were about average, so if you’re hungry like we were, I suggest sharing 3 dishes or some sides. Many entrees include soup, or you can get the entrée only at a reduced price for take-out. Other entrées on the menu were: spaghetti with "meat" sauce, curry and "season's special variety plate". The desserts looked pretty delicious, especially the fresh-daily made "today's cake", though unfortunately I did not have a chance to try any. Monday is "veggie bento day" when you can purchase a great looking lunchbox set for the bargain price of 800yen (11:00am-3pm). The Loving Hut also has a small selection of fake meat products that you can buy to cook on your own.
Pros: healthy & nutritious meals, good prices, very friendly staff, convenient location, take-out available
Cons: small dining room
2 min. walk from Yotsuya 3-chōme station (Tokyo Metro Marunouchi line)
Shinjuku-ku, Yotsuya 3-6-15, 2F
03-6807-9625
Tues - Fri, lunch: 11am-3:pm (2:30 LO)
dinner: 5pm-9pm (8:30 LO)
Sat: 12pm-7pm (6:30 LO)
Sun: 12pm-7pm (6:30 LO) **no cafe menu on Sunday, special menu featuring tea, desserts, & vegan versions of traditional Japanese items**
Mon: bento (lunchbox) only 11am-3pm
www.lovinghut.jp (Japanese only)
It's Vegetable! [Kinshi-chō]
Taiwanese Vegetarian Restaurant
Food: 4/5
Price: 2/5
This is 1 of the 1st vegetarian restaurants in Tokyo I visited and I definitely enjoyed the experience. Like other restaurants of the same genre, It’s Vegetable makes great use of fake meat products. They feature vegetarian versions of everyone’s Chinese favorites such as gyoza, fried rice, miso braised pork, sweet & sour chicken, crispy spring rolls, etc. Each dish is freshly made and served piping hot. It’s Vegetable is also convenient for lunch time. There is a lunch buffet with about 10-15 items on it. Several sizes of bento boxes are available for both eat-in and take-out. Choose which size you want and you can fill it with whatever foods you wish for 1 price (no refills). This restaurant seems to be quite popular with groups and is often difficult to get reservations on weekends. Call before you go and call early if you want reservations.
Pros: better-than-average vegetarian Chinese food, large menu
Cons: frequently crowded; compared to similar restaurants, portion sizes are small
5 min walk from Kinshi-chō station (JR Sōbu-Chūō local line, Tokyo Metro Hanzōmon line)
Sumida-ku, Kinshi 4-1-9
phone: 03-3625-1245
Tues - Sun, lunch: 11:30-2:00 (LO)
dinner: 5:00-9:30 (LO)
closed Mondays
Food: 4/5
Price: 2/5
This is 1 of the 1st vegetarian restaurants in Tokyo I visited and I definitely enjoyed the experience. Like other restaurants of the same genre, It’s Vegetable makes great use of fake meat products. They feature vegetarian versions of everyone’s Chinese favorites such as gyoza, fried rice, miso braised pork, sweet & sour chicken, crispy spring rolls, etc. Each dish is freshly made and served piping hot. It’s Vegetable is also convenient for lunch time. There is a lunch buffet with about 10-15 items on it. Several sizes of bento boxes are available for both eat-in and take-out. Choose which size you want and you can fill it with whatever foods you wish for 1 price (no refills). This restaurant seems to be quite popular with groups and is often difficult to get reservations on weekends. Call before you go and call early if you want reservations.
Pros: better-than-average vegetarian Chinese food, large menu
Cons: frequently crowded; compared to similar restaurants, portion sizes are small
5 min walk from Kinshi-chō station (JR Sōbu-Chūō local line, Tokyo Metro Hanzōmon line)
Sumida-ku, Kinshi 4-1-9
phone: 03-3625-1245
Tues - Sun, lunch: 11:30-2:00 (LO)
dinner: 5:00-9:30 (LO)
closed Mondays
Friday, March 13, 2009
Saishokukenbi [Shin-Ōkubo]
Chinese/Japanese/Korean Vegetarian Restaurant
Food: 4/5
Price: 1/5
Saishokukenbi is probably my favorite place to grab lunch. The 90 minute all-you-can-eat buffet lunch is only 1350yen! Usually there are around 20-30 items on the lunch buffet. Everything is vegetarian and this restaurant is also great for vegans since items with egg (yellow sticker) or milk (blue sticker) are clearly marked. This is another restaurant that utilizes alot of fake meat in many of their dishes, such as vegetarian yakitori, yakiniku and my favorite gyoza! Most of the meals are Chinese, Japanese or Korean and include items like yakisoba, bifun noodles, numerous vegetable-based salads, veggie tempura, and even potato salad made with fake bacon and vegan soy mayonaise! They also have 2 different kinds of rice, miso soup, pickles, fruits & mochi for dessert, and sometimes vegetable curry depending on the day. Beverages include several different types of tea, 2 kinds of fruit juice and coffee. The dinner buffet is offered on Thursdays and Fridays only for 2000yen. I've been there once for dinner and the dinner buffet is only slightly larger than the lunch buffet. In addition to its tasty meals, Saishokukenbi also sells a HUGE variety of fake meat, seafood, vegetarian ramen and frozen dumplings & croquettes.
Pros: great value, suitable for vegans, large variety of dishes, fresh items prepared frequently
Cons: come early for the best variety and freshest food
5 min walk from Shin-Ōkubo station (JR Yamanote line) or Ōkubo station (JR Chūō-Sōbu local line)
Shinjuku-ku, Hyakunin-chō 2-21-26 (near an unrelated temple)
phone: 03-5332-3627
Lunch buffet - weekdays: 11:30-3pm (enter by 2:30)
Sat. & Sun.: 11:30-4pm (enter by 3:00)
Dinner buffet - Thurs. & Fri.: 5:30 - 9pm (enter by 8:30)
www.daisho-kikaku.com (Japanese only)
Food: 4/5
Price: 1/5
Saishokukenbi is probably my favorite place to grab lunch. The 90 minute all-you-can-eat buffet lunch is only 1350yen! Usually there are around 20-30 items on the lunch buffet. Everything is vegetarian and this restaurant is also great for vegans since items with egg (yellow sticker) or milk (blue sticker) are clearly marked. This is another restaurant that utilizes alot of fake meat in many of their dishes, such as vegetarian yakitori, yakiniku and my favorite gyoza! Most of the meals are Chinese, Japanese or Korean and include items like yakisoba, bifun noodles, numerous vegetable-based salads, veggie tempura, and even potato salad made with fake bacon and vegan soy mayonaise! They also have 2 different kinds of rice, miso soup, pickles, fruits & mochi for dessert, and sometimes vegetable curry depending on the day. Beverages include several different types of tea, 2 kinds of fruit juice and coffee. The dinner buffet is offered on Thursdays and Fridays only for 2000yen. I've been there once for dinner and the dinner buffet is only slightly larger than the lunch buffet. In addition to its tasty meals, Saishokukenbi also sells a HUGE variety of fake meat, seafood, vegetarian ramen and frozen dumplings & croquettes.
Pros: great value, suitable for vegans, large variety of dishes, fresh items prepared frequently
Cons: come early for the best variety and freshest food
5 min walk from Shin-Ōkubo station (JR Yamanote line) or Ōkubo station (JR Chūō-Sōbu local line)
Shinjuku-ku, Hyakunin-chō 2-21-26 (near an unrelated temple)
phone: 03-5332-3627
Lunch buffet - weekdays: 11:30-3pm (enter by 2:30)
Sat. & Sun.: 11:30-4pm (enter by 3:00)
Dinner buffet - Thurs. & Fri.: 5:30 - 9pm (enter by 8:30)
www.daisho-kikaku.com (Japanese only)
Dhaba India [Kyobashi/Yaesu]
South Indian Restaurant
Food: 5/5
Price: 3/5
As another 1 of my top picks, let me just say that Dhaba India is not your standard curry shop. In my opinion, 1 of the best Indian restaurants in the city. Believe me, I've visited alot of them. The focus of Dhaba India seems to be on FLAVORFUL food that's not necessarily hot/spicy, so I think this restaurant would be ideal, whether you're a spice lover or not. (Personally, I love spicy foods but even though I did not find any of the dishes particularly spicy, the food was anything BUT bland.) The menu is average or slightly smaller than other Indian restaurants, but don't let that fool you. The dishes are very diverse and distinctive with meat, fish and vegetarian options available. Some dishes/curries change seasonally. Dhaba India also features several kinds of dosas (similar to a thin, light pancake) in 1/2 or full (HUGE!) portions, all served with 2 types of dipping sauce. For dinner, you can choose from individual curries or set meals. The Dhaba set is the deluxe course option (I haven't tried this, I think because it includes meat) but you can also choose the 'vegetarian dinner' set or the 'dinner set'. The 'vegetarian dinner' set was 2000yen and excellent. It contains a 2 vegetable curries and a variety of south Indian dishes as well as a papad (thin, crispy, cracker-like bread), 2 types of poori (fried Indian flatbread), yogurt and Indian pickles all served on a banana leaf. Filling, delicious and reasonably priced, what more could you ask for? If you're not that hungry, or perhaps just in the mood for a great curry, there are several interesting options to choose from. One of my personal favorites is the 'green banana curry' (similar to potato) with a coconut-based gravy and baby cabbages. Being a coconut lover, I thoroughly enjoyed this with a side of coconut nan. You may like to try some of their chai (included in the Dhaba set) with your dessert.
Pros: high quality, unique and flavorful meals, authentic and diverse menu, comfortable interior, convenient location, English/Japanese menus
Cons: frequently crowded, try going after 8:30
near exit 5 of Kyōbashi station (Ginza line)
Chūō-ku, Yaesu 2-7-9
phone: (03) 3272-7160
M-F: 11:15am-2:30pm (LO), 5-10pm (LO)
Sat: 11:30am-2:30pm, 5-9pm
closed Sundays and holidays
Food: 5/5
Price: 3/5
As another 1 of my top picks, let me just say that Dhaba India is not your standard curry shop. In my opinion, 1 of the best Indian restaurants in the city. Believe me, I've visited alot of them. The focus of Dhaba India seems to be on FLAVORFUL food that's not necessarily hot/spicy, so I think this restaurant would be ideal, whether you're a spice lover or not. (Personally, I love spicy foods but even though I did not find any of the dishes particularly spicy, the food was anything BUT bland.) The menu is average or slightly smaller than other Indian restaurants, but don't let that fool you. The dishes are very diverse and distinctive with meat, fish and vegetarian options available. Some dishes/curries change seasonally. Dhaba India also features several kinds of dosas (similar to a thin, light pancake) in 1/2 or full (HUGE!) portions, all served with 2 types of dipping sauce. For dinner, you can choose from individual curries or set meals. The Dhaba set is the deluxe course option (I haven't tried this, I think because it includes meat) but you can also choose the 'vegetarian dinner' set or the 'dinner set'. The 'vegetarian dinner' set was 2000yen and excellent. It contains a 2 vegetable curries and a variety of south Indian dishes as well as a papad (thin, crispy, cracker-like bread), 2 types of poori (fried Indian flatbread), yogurt and Indian pickles all served on a banana leaf. Filling, delicious and reasonably priced, what more could you ask for? If you're not that hungry, or perhaps just in the mood for a great curry, there are several interesting options to choose from. One of my personal favorites is the 'green banana curry' (similar to potato) with a coconut-based gravy and baby cabbages. Being a coconut lover, I thoroughly enjoyed this with a side of coconut nan. You may like to try some of their chai (included in the Dhaba set) with your dessert.
Pros: high quality, unique and flavorful meals, authentic and diverse menu, comfortable interior, convenient location, English/Japanese menus
Cons: frequently crowded, try going after 8:30
near exit 5 of Kyōbashi station (Ginza line)
Chūō-ku, Yaesu 2-7-9
phone: (03) 3272-7160
M-F: 11:15am-2:30pm (LO), 5-10pm (LO)
Sat: 11:30am-2:30pm, 5-9pm
closed Sundays and holidays
Shamaim [Ekoda]
Israeli Restaurant
Food: 5/5
Price: 2/5
This restaurant has got to be my favorite Middle Eastern restaurant in Tokyo. I've been there numerous times and the food was always very fresh and delicious. Both vegetarian and meat dishes are available, so it's also a great place to go with your non-vegetarian friends. You can order a la carte or set meals. The all-you-can-eat special (vegetarian or meat) for around 2100yen is a real bargain! The "regular" size set meals are quite filling on their own, so I've never actually tried the all-you-can-eat special myself. The menu includes Israeli standards like falafel, hummus, spinach & yogurt salad, spicy tomato & vegetable salad, tahini, pastries and soups as well as numerous meat kebabs. Israeli beer and wine also served. The place tends to get crowded on the weekends, so it's highly recommended that you make reservations; especially if you'll be in a group. If you plan on getting the all-you-can-eat special, you must call and request this in advance for parties of 3 or more (or 5 or more? I can't remember exactly). I think that some dishes are suitable for vegans, although I don't know which 1s so if you're vegan, it's better to ask the staff to confirm.
Pros: excellent food, excellent value, filling portions, English/Japanese menus with pictures
Cons: none really, near Ikebukuro but the building may be a bit tricky to find so bring a map or call for directions
2 minute walk from Ekoda station (Seibu Ikebukuro line) or 5 minute walk from Shin-Egota station (Toei-Ōedo line)
Nerima-ku, Sakae-chō 4-11, Art Building 2F
Phone: 3948-5333
Open 5pm-11pm(LO), everyday except Mondays.
Food: 5/5
Price: 2/5
This restaurant has got to be my favorite Middle Eastern restaurant in Tokyo. I've been there numerous times and the food was always very fresh and delicious. Both vegetarian and meat dishes are available, so it's also a great place to go with your non-vegetarian friends. You can order a la carte or set meals. The all-you-can-eat special (vegetarian or meat) for around 2100yen is a real bargain! The "regular" size set meals are quite filling on their own, so I've never actually tried the all-you-can-eat special myself. The menu includes Israeli standards like falafel, hummus, spinach & yogurt salad, spicy tomato & vegetable salad, tahini, pastries and soups as well as numerous meat kebabs. Israeli beer and wine also served. The place tends to get crowded on the weekends, so it's highly recommended that you make reservations; especially if you'll be in a group. If you plan on getting the all-you-can-eat special, you must call and request this in advance for parties of 3 or more (or 5 or more? I can't remember exactly). I think that some dishes are suitable for vegans, although I don't know which 1s so if you're vegan, it's better to ask the staff to confirm.
Pros: excellent food, excellent value, filling portions, English/Japanese menus with pictures
Cons: none really, near Ikebukuro but the building may be a bit tricky to find so bring a map or call for directions
2 minute walk from Ekoda station (Seibu Ikebukuro line) or 5 minute walk from Shin-Egota station (Toei-Ōedo line)
Nerima-ku, Sakae-chō 4-11, Art Building 2F
Phone: 3948-5333
Open 5pm-11pm(LO), everyday except Mondays.
Wednesday, February 11, 2009
Chien Fu [Tachikawa]
Taiwanese Vegetarian Restaurant
Food: 4/5
Price: 2/5
Described in the 2007-2008 Tokyo Vegan Restaurant Pocketguide as "a heaven for vegetarians" and I agree. I've made the long journey (about 70mins from my current place) to Chien Fu several times because I really like the place. The restaurant is fairly spacious with an extensive menu. They have vegetarian or vegan versions of pretty much any Taiwanese/Chinese dish imaginable. Items include anything from crispy chicken with cashew nuts, miso-braised pork, sweet & sour fish, spring rolls, gyoza, ramen and even Peking duck! Set dinner menus also available. Portion sizes were about average, but my boyfriend and I found them filling.
Pros: huge menu (available in English w/pictures), good food, many vegan dishes available
Cons: far from central (23-ku) Tokyo
on 7th floor of Gran Duo building next to JR Tachikawa Station
3-2-1 Shibasaki-cho, Tachikawa-shi, Tokyo
phone: 042-540-2296
open daily 11:00-22:00 (LO 21:30)
www.nakaichifu.jp
Food: 4/5
Price: 2/5
Described in the 2007-2008 Tokyo Vegan Restaurant Pocketguide as "a heaven for vegetarians" and I agree. I've made the long journey (about 70mins from my current place) to Chien Fu several times because I really like the place. The restaurant is fairly spacious with an extensive menu. They have vegetarian or vegan versions of pretty much any Taiwanese/Chinese dish imaginable. Items include anything from crispy chicken with cashew nuts, miso-braised pork, sweet & sour fish, spring rolls, gyoza, ramen and even Peking duck! Set dinner menus also available. Portion sizes were about average, but my boyfriend and I found them filling.
Pros: huge menu (available in English w/pictures), good food, many vegan dishes available
Cons: far from central (23-ku) Tokyo
on 7th floor of Gran Duo building next to JR Tachikawa Station
3-2-1 Shibasaki-cho, Tachikawa-shi, Tokyo
phone: 042-540-2296
open daily 11:00-22:00 (LO 21:30)
www.nakaichifu.jp
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