Top 8 Eats in Tokyo

If you’re like me, a lot of your travel plans revolve around sampling the vegan grub your destination has to offer. Apps can be great for identifying all the vegan options available (check out this post for more), but sometimes you’ve just gotta know where to focus your funds, time and prime stomach real estate, so I’m here to help you prioritise your time in Tokyo. In no particular order, I present to you my must eat hot spots in Tokyo and don’t forget to check out my other Tokyo posts for more)

1. Chaya Macrobiotics, Shinjuku (click for website)

Address: Shinjuku, Shinjuku-ku , Tokyo 3-14-1 Shinjuku Isetan Main Building 7th floor restaurant area “Eat Paradise”

I don’t know what half the people on Happy Cow are talking about when they say the food is overrated. While it is on the pricier-side (maybe $40-$50 for a big set meal), dining at Chaya for me, is a must at least 2-3 times per visit to Tokyo. They do serve seafood but all of the non-seafood items are vegan, including all of their desserts. You’ve simply got to try the vegetable set menu and the strawberry shortcake for dessert (something everyone on Happy Cow agreed on!)

2. Good Town Doughnuts, Harajuku (click for website)

Address: 6-12-6 Jingumae, Shibuya-ku, Tokyo J-cube B 1F

Who would’ve thought some of the best doughies I’ve ever tasted would be from this adorable little NYC-inspired shop in Tokyo? I stuck for the simple options like cinnamon sugar and glazed but on my visit they had at least 8 vegan doughnut flavours to choose from and a killer almond milk iced latte.

3. Botanist Cafe, Harajuku (click for website)

Address: 6-29-2 Jingumae Shibuya-ku Tokyo 150-0001 Tokyo 2F 

I am SO glad I made the effort to track this place down (Google Maps told me to go down a back street, it’s on the main street, friends!) SO many tasty vegan options like the Sakura Burger with a soy meat pattie and vegan cheese. Bonus points for the incredibly vegan-friendly dessert menu too, the Raspberry Tiramisu and Apple & Cinnamon Waffles were both super tasty and the decor is adorable too!

4. T’s Tantan, Tokyo (click for website)

Address: 1F JR Tokyo Station, Marunouchi 1-9-1, Chiyoda (at eCute shopping area), Tokyo, Japan 100-0005

At some point during your stay in Tokyo, it’s likely you’ll pass by Tokyo Station to catch the Shinkansen or perhaps in transit to TokyoDisney. Located near the Shinkansen gate to get to Osaka/Kyoto, on Keio Street, you’ll find the adorable T’s Tantan, serving up super affordable ramen and other meals for under 1000 yen! I highly recommend the Black Sesame Ramen with a side of Gyoza while you escape the hustle and bustle of Tokyo Station.

5. Wired Bonbon, Shinkjuku (click for website)

Address: LUMINE Shinjuku LUMINE 1-6F, 5160-0023 Nishi Ward Shinjuku, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo 1-1-5

One look at the dessert menu at Wired Bonbon and you’ll be so overwhelmed you may just fall off your seat! Their completely vegan dessert menu completely makes up for the lack of vegan mains (there’s a curry and some fries), ranging from the simple soft cream to the completely extra Strawberry de BonBon. I’m not joking when I say I went here 5 times on my recent trip to Tokyo!

6. Ain Soph.Ginza, Ginza (click for website)

Address: 4 Chome-12-1 Ginza, Chuo City, Tokyo 104-0061, Japan

Of all the Ain Soph branches I’ve visited, their Ginza location is probably my fave, due to the fact its offerings are more traditionally Japanese than the other locations I’ve been to. I did visit on a holiday, which means the menu was extremely limited but highly enjoyable! Plus, there’s a little patisserie downstairs if you’d like to pick up a sweet treat to take back to your hotel.

7. Milan Nataraj, Shibuya (click for website)

Address: Iwamoto Bldg. 3F, 1-22-7 Jinnan, Shibuya, Tokyo, Japan, 150-0041

Who would’ve thought that some of the tastiest vegan Indian food could be found in a little restaurant in the heart of Shibuya? Milan Nataraj offers super affordable vegan options including a range of curries, sides and even vegan naan! I highly recommend the lunch buffet after a big morning of shopping up a storm in the Shibuya area.

8. Oedo Ayatori, Shinjuku (click for website)

Address: Shinjuku Ward Kabukicho 1-18-9 WaMall Kabukicho 6F, Tokyo, Japan, 160-0021

If you’re looking for something on the fancier-side and ready to drop a little extra coin, Oedo Ayatori might be a good option. It’s robata-style yakitori restaurant with the chef sitting in the middle of the table cooking skewers in front of diners and serving them directly from the grill. The vegan options are delish but limited and the staff are well-versed in vegan food.

Have I missed your fave vegan hotspot in Tokyo? Let me know in the comments!