Japanese Vegan Food

Survival Tips for Vegans in Japan

If you have been to Japan before, you might be alive to the fact that this country is generally not vegan friendly. Most foods served in this country are loaded with fish, poultry, rice, legumes, and vegetables, with some minor dairy additions. Although Japanese cuisine is known to be loaded with vegetables, it remains that being vegan in Japan can be pretty challenging.

If the general dietary practices are to go, it is no brainer than Vegetarians, if any, make a meagre fraction of the general population. The vegans in Japan tend to embrace the vegan lifestyle for health reasons and not cultural influences.

Dashi accompanies almost every meal served in Japan practically makes it impossible to be a vegan. Dashi granules could be made from seaweed sources, but it is also loaded with dried fish flakes. It is also worth noting that most regular diets contain niboshi or dried fish.

The best option for any vegan visiting Japan is to eat at a vegan restaurant. However, if you intend to stay in Japan for a long time, it is best to prepare your food using vegan sources. Best of all, there are plenty of interesting vegetables for a vegan.

Japanese Vegan Foods

Japanese foods come in various forms. While most foods served in Japan have proteins engrained in the recipe, it is not always easy to find a purely vegan Japanese diet in most eateries. That said, here are some amazing foods that Japanese cuisine has to offer a vegan.

Miso

Miso is a popular Japanese food that is made from fermented soybeans. Hardly is food served in Japan without this soup. This soup can be made better by adding Nameko Mushroom. Not only is it tasty, but it is also loaded with a host of nutritional benefits.

Kappamaki

Also known as the cucumber roll, the Kappamaki is sweet and savoury for any vegan. Better yet, the crunch factor makes it irresistible. This healthy snack is made from cucumbers, seaweed and sushi rice.

Nimono-Japanese Simmered Vegetables

The Nimon-Japanese Simmered Vegetables is a delicious assortment of vegetables comprising potatoes, carrots, daikon, tofu, shiitake mushrooms, and bamboo. Usually served as a side dish, this diet provides essential macronutrients and high fibre content that promotes satiety.

Soba

Soba is a tasty noodle dish served either hot or cold. The broth, made of a combination of light and dark soy sauce, sugar, or some sesame oil, make this diet exceptionally good. For added nutritional benefits, you can add some proteins such as soybeans or tofu.

Agedashi Tofu

The Agedashi Tofu is a sumptuous Japanese dish that lets the traditional tofu stand out. This meal is garnished with an enormous amount of flavours. That is undoubtedly a flavour bomb with a distinct texture and taste. Not only is the Agedashi tofu delicious, but it is also highly nutritious. Better yet, it caters to the nutritional needs of both vegans and non-vegans alike.