Best Vegetarian Eats in Kyoto
Kyoto Engine Ramen: Two different style of Vegan ramen dishes. I recommend the Zesty ramen. You can't skip their vegan soup dumplings either.
Vegan Ramen Uzu Kyoto: A great option for a spicy vegan ramen dish, but the real star here is the vegan pressed sushi.
Mumokuteki Cafe Kyoto: The cutest lifestyle boutique with a connected cafe in a central location. Plan to shop around and then grab a bite to eat.
Toriba Coffee Kyoto: A bit out of the way, but easy to reach and ideal for people watching. Plan ahead to stop for lunch and grab their vegan version of a chicken katsu sandwich. This one is guaranteed to be a crowd pleaser for meat eaters too!
Pelgag: Located on the third floor off a side street, Pelgag is every bit off the beaten path and local as you could get. Expect a flavorful plate of vegan goodies, or visit on a day the owner and chef is making their vegetarian Doria.
Ain Soph. Journey Kyoto: A Japanese vegan staple you can't miss while dining at Ain Soph. If you're in Tokyo, you can visit their location in Ginza as well.
Hiroshima-Style Okonomiyaki & Teppanyaki Kamehameha: A reservation-required spot to sample a vegetarian version of a traditionally non-vegetarian classic. With one row of seating, this hidden gem fills up, so have your hotel or Fora Advisor make you a reservation well in advance of your arrival in Kyoto.
'apelila: A vegan bakery to fulfill all of your pastry needs. If you need a bit more, get a cup of soup to tide you over through the afternoon. Only open Tuesday - Friday, plan your visit to this spot carefully to make sure you can try their baked goods.
Gyoza ChaoChao: Arrive early, or plan to wait as this popular spot fills up and for good reason. Bustling and bright this gyoza eatery has options for your meat-loving friends, as well as vegetarians and vegans. Plan for a set which includes a beverage, two gyozas of your choice and a side.
Day Trips
Day trips in Japan can be daunting for a vegetarian. If you plan to make a trip out to Nara while staying in Kyoto, make sure you add Mizuya Chaya to your itinerary. Located within Nara Park, vegetarians, vegans and meat-eaters alike can enjoy lunch under one roof. No quick dash to 7-Eleven for a packet of Inari Sushi or egg salad sandwich needed.
