Tokyo Vegan Scene

I'm happy to report that Tokyo has been getting a better vegan scene in the recent year. When I moved to Tokyo 3 years ago, I couldn't find too many places but recently, I have seen many vegan or vegetarian restaurants around the city.

I'm actually a pescetarian but I would say 85% of the time I eat vegetarian on a regular basis. I've only been to a few vegan restaurants but here are my 2 favorites so far.

Restaurant 8ablish in Omotesando

A sister restaurant with Pure Cafe, Restaurant 8ablish offers Mediterranean style vegan food not commonly found in Japan. I ordered Souvlaki Plate and ended with soymilk ice cream (with bergamot oil) and couldn't be happier!

T's Restaurant in Jiyugaoka

Located in Luz Jiyugaoka, this place has friendly staff and offers Japanese, Western and Chinese vegan food that were all really delicious. I especially like their curry set with soy meat.

Also, Happy Cow is a really good vegan restaurant guide site that I swear by. I've been searching for a lot of vegan restaurants in Tokyo but they have lists for cities all over the globe!

Cafe Kitsune

Cafe Kitsune is quite well known to locals and tourists but somehow I could never get a seat at their Omotesando location. 

My last visit was a lucky shot on a quiet weekday and I was able to drop in. 

Their coffee was good plus their honey toast was a nice little treat! 

Momotan

Momotan is a peach-flavoured snack I received from my friend, K, during her visit to Okayama.
 

This is what the snack look like. Isn't the packaging adorable?
 

Chai tea Cafe in Motomachi-Chukagai

Although I've been more keen about coffee in these recent years, I still crave good milk tea from time to time. While I was shopping for interior goods in Motomachi-Chukagai, I can't help but make a stop at Chai tea cafe again!

It's a tiny cafe specializing in Chai tea, located in Yokohama Chinatown. There are several kinds of Chai tea to choose from and if you don't like milk, you could even choose a soy option! This time, I ordered soy spiced chai with a chai chiffon cake.

 

Upstairs to the tea cafe is C.Craft, an ethnic-Indian inspired interior design store. Let's just say my yogi-explorer mode kicked in and I felt as if I just transported to India.

And the Friet

If you're a lover of fries and is looking for more than just straight cut fast food style in Tokyo, I recommend AND THE FRIET. With 8 different kinds of cuts, selection of potatoes and 10 kinds of dips you can choose from, I am betting it with tickle fries lover's fancies. 

 They even have my all time favorite, Curly fries, Arby's style. 

 Although the shop had been opened for a while, it was my first time to try it in the Yokohama location. The shop is a little small but they have outdoor seats for those who are willing to brave the cold! 

Royal milk tea

Have you heard of Royal Milk Tea before? I have never heard of RMT before moving to Japan. Apparently, RMT is a blended of Ceylon and/or English breakfast with milk and sugar.

It's really sweet and it's not for everyone (dairy, high sugar content). I've been enjoying the one from family mart, although I really do prefer this recipe on youtube.

Soaptopia

 

I've always been a fan of smelling nice (well...who wouldn't be?) and I recently stumbled upon Soaptopia. Not only do their products smell heavenly, they are eco-friendly, handmade and created in Venice Beach from natural products !

There were so many tempting choices but after browsing on and off for weeks, I decided to go with Beauty and the Beach. Consisted of Sweet Orange, Jasmine, Vanilla & Pumice Sand, the smell will transport you right to the beach.

Soaptopia can be found in Japan at Ron Herman stores!