Considering the variety and quality of regular ramen available in Tokyo, there isn't much for vegans or vegetarians. Having said that, if you're a foodie and don't want to miss out on a comforting bowl of noodles jam-packed with flavor, read on!
Since these are specifically vegan, they also qualify as halal and Muslims can relish on these ramen too.
T's Tantan (T's たんたん)
When you ask any vegan in Japan for their recommendation, T's Tantan is a common one! With two locations, Tokyo Station and Ueno Station, it is easily accessible and is in two popular tourist areas.
What we love about T's Tantan:
★You get a choice of various flavors: from sesame to shoyu to veggie tonkotsu.
★Reasonably priced compared to other vegan restaurants (about 800-1000 yen)
The black sesame tantan is a popular choice here. Topping for the ramen are soy meat chunks, bean sprouts, greens among other options. You can also get sides of vegan karaage (vegan version of fried chicken), gyoza (dumplings), and a veggie curry bowl.
The vegan karaage comes with a sweet chili sauce and is quite delectable, ideal for when you have a craving for something fried.
For those who want a hit of spice, the special Tantan spice sauce is a great flavor addition. You can also buy sandwiches for takeaway as well as their instant cup noodles, which are also vegan.
Both of these are inside the train station ticket gates, so it's ideal to visit either on your way out or in the station. Since it's so popular among vegetarians and vegans in Tokyo, avoid visiting during peak lunch or dinner hours to avoid queuing.
Address for Ueno: Inside Ueno Station, 3F of Ecute Shopping Center, Ueno, Tokyo
Address for Tokyo: Keiyo Street 1F, 1-9-1 Marunouchi, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo
Afuri (阿夫利)
The prettiest vegan ramen in town is at Afuri. With many branches scattered around Tokyo, you can find a branch close to where you are but note that it costs about 1,500 yen a bowl!
Called Rainbow Vegan Ramen, the vegetable soup and noodles are covered with squash, purple turnips, green leafy vegetables, cauliflower among other seasonal vegetables.
The flavor of the broth is subtle and refreshing; however, the portion isn't enough for a big eater.
Since there is only one vegan ramen, it's the only choice you have but ideal for groups.
Address for Ebisu: 1F, 1-1-7 Ebisu, Shibuya-ku, Tokyo
Soranoiro (ソラノイロ)
Soranoiro is located in the famous basement Tokyo Ramen Street of Tokyo Station.
Unlike T's Tantan, here vegans have only one choice: the Veggie Ramen with brown rice noodles. The noodles are have red paprika kneaded into the dough. The soup is made mainly using carrots and served with five or six seasonal vegetables.
This is definitely toned down in terms of flavor but worth visiting especially if you have friends who aren't vegan. The cost per bowl is about 1,050 yen.
Located outside the ticket gates, this is a popular spot among foreigners who have transfer or plan to take a bullet train at Tokyo Station.
Address: Tokyo Ramen Street, Tokyo Station Ichibangai, 1-9-1 Marunouchi, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo
Even if you're not vegan, you can try these delicious and healthy version of ramen.
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