Japan is renowned for its delicious ramen, but finding vegan ramen could be quite a challenge.
In this guide, let me show you some of my favourite vegan ramen spots across the country so that you can try out this signature dish of Japan.
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Why Traditional Ramen Isn’t Vegan Friendly
Unfortunately, most ramen you'll find in Japan isn't vegan, even if the toppings are only made of vegetables. Here’s why:
- Broth - Most ramen broth is cooked with animal products. Pork, chicken or fish are commonly used to create ramen broth.
- Noodles - While many ramen noodles are made from wheat flour and water, some recipes may include egg.
- Other hidden ingredients - Even seemingly vegetable-based broths may contain animal products like bonito (fish) flakes.
So, unless you're at a vegan restaurant or the dish is clearly labeled as vegan, it's safe to assume that the ramen isn't vegan friendly.
However, the good news is that an increasing number of restaurants are now creating plant-based ramen options. And here are some of my favourite ones I’ve tried:
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Best Vegan Ramen In Japan
Vegan Ramen UZU
Vegan | Tokyo & Kyoto
If you're looking for a truly amazing vegan ramen experience, Vegan Ramen UZU is a must-visit. They have two locations, one in Kyoto and one in Tokyo. I visited the one in Kyoto which has a bigger menu. The Green Miso ramen is easily one of my favourite bowls I’ve tried. The broth, made with green tea, kelp, and shiitake mushrooms, is incredibly rich and flavourful. Simple toppings let the high-quality ingredients shine. Be sure to book online as this popular restaurant fills up quickly.
[.tips][.icon-website][.icon-website][.div]Tip: It's a pretty small restaurant, definitely book online ahead of time.[.div][.tips]
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T’s Tantan
Vegan | Tokyo
For a reliably delicious and reasonably priced option, I’d highly recommend T’s Tantan. My go-to here is the rich and creamy golden tantan noodles, which is topped with soy mince, peanut butter, veggies and more.
Their Tokyo Station branch is popular among tourists and it could be quite hard to find. To get there, you have to go inside the gate and follow the signs for the Keiyo line until you reached the escalators marked "Keiyō line (direction for Maihama)”.
[.tips][.icon-compass][.icon-compass][.div]Tip: If you have a bit extra time, I recommend trying their less busy locations in Ueno or Ikebukuro, or visiting their flagship restaurant - T’s Restaurant - in Jiyugaoka.[.div][.tips]
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Vegan Bistro Jangara
Vegan | Tokyo
Situated in the heart of Harajuku, Vegan Bistro Jangara serves up some amazing ramen. I tried the kobonshan ramen, which has an incredibly deep-flavoured broth with grilled vegan meat as topping. It's a must-try if you're in Tokyo, but be prepared to wait due to its popularity with tourists and the central location.
[.tips][.icon-ticket][.icon-ticket][.div]Tip: Buying an unlimited ride subway ticket to get around Tokyo is a great way to save money.[.div][.tips]
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Ippudo
Vegan-options | Multiple Cities
This popular ramen chain now offers vegan options at select locations, including branches in Shinjuku Lumine EST and in Kyoto near Karasuma station. I tried their MIRATon tonkotsu-style ramen, which was tasty and umami. They also offer a soy sauce ramen if you prefer something lighter.
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Ramen Towzen
Vegan | Kyoto
Ramen Towzen offers a classic and tasty tantan ramen with a rich, creamy broth. You can customise the spice level and size to your liking. Just remember to remove your shoes before entering, and note their strict no-photo policy for the interior of the restaurant.
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Vejin
Vegan | Tokyo
Conveniently located near Shinjuku Station inside the Food Hall Blast, Vejin offers five types of vegan ramen. The veggie soy sauce white broth ramen is delicious with a rich broth and chewy noodles. And I also loved the contrasting textures of the crispy burdock and vegan chashu meat toppings.
[.tips][.icon-food][.icon-food][.div]Tip: In the same location, you can also find another vegan eatery - Plant Based Tokyo.[.div][.tips]
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Gion Soy Milk Ramen Uno Yokiko
Vegan | Kyoto
Located near Gion-Shijo station, this vegan ramen restaurant is a great spot after exploring Kiyomizu-Dera. They offer soy milk broth ramen with varying complexity of toppings. I tried the "Tsuki" tantan ramen which comes with vegan mince and soy cream. While the thick, creamy soy milk broth is interesting, I find it a bit on the sour side for my taste. But overall it is still a great vegan restaurant and a nice experience.
[.tips][.icon-camera][.icon-camera][.div]Tip: This place is pretty close to the famous Gion district. Reserve your Gion geisha district walking tour.[.div][.tips]
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Vegan Ramen By Playpen Friends
Vegan | Osaka
This Osaka spot offers three types of ramen broth: miso, shoyu (soy sauce), and tomato. I had the miso ramen, which was nice but the flavours are a bit simple for my taste. However, it's still a great choice if you're looking for vegan ramen in Osaka.
[.tips][.icon-idea][.icon-idea][.div]Tip: Osaka Amazing Pass is a must for first-time visitors.[.div][.tips]
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Yakuzenshokudo Chabuzen
Vegan | Tokyo
This small, homey vegan Japanese restaurant offers a unique take on ramen. I tried their veganised Kyushu-style 'Dragon' ramen, which uses fermented brown rice for a creamy texture.
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Jikasei Mensho
Vegan-options | Tokyo
Conveniently located in the Shibuya’s Parco shopping centre, Jikasei Mensho is a modern ramen shop with vegan options. Choose from miso ramen (available in spicy and non-spicy versions) or tantan ramen (with or without soup).
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Soranoiro
Vegan-options | Multiple Cities
This ramen chain has a popular branch inside Tokyo Station's Ramen Street. They offer vegan tantan ramen in both broth and broth-less versions.
[.tips][.icon-idea][.icon-idea][.div]Tip: Unlike T's Tantan, this one is located outside the ticket gate.[.div][.tips]
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Afuri
Vegan-options | Multiple Cities
A higher-end ramen chain with a few branches in popular locations in Tokyo including Shinjuku, Roppongi Hills and more. They have a Rainbow Vegan Ramen which uses a vegan broth and topped with colourful veggies.
Multiple locations
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More Vegan Japan Guides
Read more vegan options in Japan here:
