Kristen, a traveler who faced challenges as a vegetarian in Japan, shares her experiences and tips for finding vegetarian food in Japan. She discusses the difficulties with dashi and the misconception that fish is vegetarian. She recommends carrying a list of food restrictions and mentions a website and app that can help find vegetarian or vegan restaurants. Among the best options are Koya-san, Kyoto, Tokyo, Shibuya, Hiroshima, and Miyajima. Kanji for vegetarian travelers and tips for avoiding non-vegetarian foods are also discussed. Additionally, the challenges faced by vegetarians with food allergies are addressed.
Traveling as a vegetarian in Japan can be challenging due to limited options, but being proactive and researching can help in finding suitable food.
There are some notable vegetarian-friendly restaurants in Japan, such as Full Offal Garden in Kyoto and Teas Tantan in Tokyo Station.
Deep dives
Challenges of Being a Vegetarian in Japan
Traveling as a vegetarian in Japan can be challenging due to limited vegetarian options and cultural differences. It is important to be prepared and have realistic expectations to avoid frustration. Being proactive and researching vegetarian-friendly restaurants or using apps like Happy Cow can help in finding suitable food options. Convenience stores can be a reliable choice, offering onigiri (rice balls), bread, and some vegetarian bentos. Clear communication is key, as some ingredients like dashi (fish stock) and fish flakes may be used in dishes marked as vegetarian. Learning basic kanji for meat, poultry, fat, dashi, and egg can be helpful for reading labels and menus.
Vegetarian-Friendly Restaurants in Japan
While finding vegetarian-friendly restaurants in Japan can be challenging, there are some notable options. Full Offal Garden in Kyoto offers vegetarian pita pockets with falafel and fresh vegetables at an affordable price. In Tokyo Station, Teas Tantan serves vegetarian ramen and curry, making it a safe option for vegetarian travelers. In Hiroshima, Nagataya offers vegetarian okonomiyaki (savory pancakes), while Art Cafe Elk provides vegetarian and vegan options. Middle Eastern restaurants in Japan, such as Falafel Garden, are often reliable choices for vegetarian meals.
Tips and Advice for Vegetarian Travelers
For vegetarian travelers in Japan, it is important to stay positive and not let frustration get the best of you. Avoid getting too hangry by eating something, even if it's just bread or convenience store food. Asking for help or using translation cards, like those available on justhungry.com, can aid in clear communication with restaurant staff. Using the Happy Cow app can provide up-to-date information on vegetarian-friendly establishments. Additionally, being flexible and open to trying new foods can enhance the dining experience in Japan, despite the challenges of being a vegetarian.
Get more from us at: https://tfg.li/2fEcRty
Tofugu's own Kristen traveled to Japan recently, but there was one problem: she's a vegetarian. You'd think Japan would be a veggie-friendly country, but no. Learn all about the trials and triumphs of travel in Japan as a vegetarian. It can be done, just take Kristen's advice and prep for yourself for the vegetarian wasteland.
Happy Cow: https://www.happycow.net/
Printable Cards: http://www.justhungry.com/japan-dining-out-cards
Notes: The movie Kristen talks about in the podcast where Ken Watanabe is a truck drive is called "Welcome Back, Mr. McDonald" https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Welcome_Back,_Mr._McDonald
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Google Play: https://tfg.li/tofugu-gplay
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