What can I eat?
Pick your diet. See the Japanese dishes that are safe bets, the hidden traps to watch for (dashi, mirin, wheat in the soy), and the exact words to order a safe version or show the staff.
No meat, fish, dairy, eggs or honey. In Japan the hidden trap is dashi — fish stock that flavours soups, simmered dishes and even many vegetable sides.
What to watch for in Japan
- Dashi (fish stock) — in miso soup, simmered dishes, soba/udon broth, many sauces
- Katsuobushi (bonito flakes) sprinkled on top of vegetables and tofu
- Egg in tempura batter, mayonnaise, and ramen toppings
- Honey and gelatin in desserts; lard or chicken stock in ramen broth
Safe bets to order16
- RamenTraditionally pork-heavy, but Tokyo now has excellent fully-vegan and halal-chicken ramen.
- SobaOften cut with wheat (choose juwari for gluten-free intent — but confirm). The dipping sauce usually contains fish dashi, so ask for a vegan version.
- UdonWheat-based (not gluten-free). Broth is usually fish dashi — ask for a kombu (kelp) base to keep it vegan.
- KaisekiClassic kaiseki uses dashi (fish). Vegan/shojin kaiseki — built on kelp and shiitake — is a glorious plant-based alternative.
- Shojin ryoriNaturally vegan and vegetarian — the safest tradition for plant-based diners in Japan.
- Tofu & yubaPlant-based and high in protein. Plain tofu is gluten-free, but sauces (soy) usually contain wheat — ask for tamari.
- Matcha & wagashiMany wagashi are plant-based (bean paste, rice, agar). Watch for gelatin or dairy in modern desserts; matcha itself is vegan.
- GyozaUsually pork and wheat. Vegan and gluten-free (rice-flour) gyoza exist in Tokyo — see our gluten-free spots.
- Japanese curryRoux often contains wheat and sometimes dairy/meat. Halal and vegan curries exist — see our picks.
- Sake (nihonshu)Made from rice — usually vegan. (Note: alcohol; not for halal or alcohol-free diets.)
- Onigiri (rice ball)Umeboshi or kombu onigiri are vegan; rice is naturally gluten-free (check seasonings). Salmon/tuna versions suit pescatarians.
- Miso soup & washokuUsually made with fish dashi — ask for a kombu-based version to keep it vegan. Some miso contains barley (not gluten-free).
- Yuba (tofu skin)Pure soy — vegan and naturally gluten-free (use tamari for the dip).
- Natto (fermented soybeans)Plant-based and protein-rich; the sauce packet usually contains soy (wheat) — use tamari for gluten-free.
- Wagashi (Japanese sweets)Many wagashi (bean paste, mochi, agar) are plant-based; watch for egg in castella or gelatin in some jellies.
- KakigoriIce and syrup; many are vegan, but watch for condensed milk and some dairy/gelatin toppings.
How to order it safely
Show this to staff
Vegan
私はヴィーガンです。肉・魚・卵・乳製品は食べられません。
Watashi wa vīgan desu. Niku, sakana, tamago, nyūseihin wa taberaremasen.
I'm vegan. I can't eat meat, fish, eggs or dairy.
- 出汁に魚やかつおは使っていますか？Is there fish or bonito in the dashi (stock)?
- 野菜だけで作れますか？Could you make it with vegetables only?
Always confirm your own dishes with the staff — our useful phrases make it easy.