Japan and cherry blossoms; Japan and the art of Zen living; Japan and politeness; and last but not the least, Japan and food. These are a few things that pop to your mind every time you think Japan. Vegetarian and vegan Japanese restaurants are not aplenty in Singapore but there are a few that stand out and even though they may not all be vegetarian-only, they have enough to make the vegetarians and vegans return. Read on to find out about our recommendations for the Best Japanese Restaurants for Vegetarians and Vegans in Singapore (in no particular order).
Teng Bespoke (Highly Vegan-Friendly)
A Zen style Japanese restaurant, Teng Bespoke serves only vegetarian food, with 90% of their menu being vegan or customizable as such. Bespoke’s philosophy is simple – healthy and authentic Japanese dining the vegetarian way. The Radish Salad is quite refreshing while the Shitake Mushroom is a complete winner. The Unagi Maki (S$16) is flavoured delicately and is a good representation of what the real stuff may taste like. They also serve 5 kinds of Sashimi (mock prawn, mock salmon, mock squid, mock scallop, mock tuna). Here are 5 vegetarian and vegan dishes at Teng Bespoke that we recommend.
Teng Bespoke: 91 Bencoolen Street, #01-50 Sunshine Plaza, 189652. P: +65 6337 7050 | Website
Shimbashi Soba
Although not a pure vegetarian Japanese restaurant, Shimbashi Soba offers a vegetarian menu, that is devoid of any dairy or eggs, and would be suitable for vegans who can consume refined sugar and rice wine. Start with Vegetarian Yasai Tempura (S$11.80) & Avocado Salad. For mains, go for the Chikara Soba or the Vegetarian Tofu Soba & Yasai Tempura (S$20.80). Vegetarian desserts include Matcha Mochi (green tea flavoured jelly served with soya bean powder and brown sugar syrup) or the Mizu Manju (Japanese jelly). The experience of eating here is worth spending just a wee bit more. Read here, A Vegetarian Japanese Treat at Shimbashi Soba.
Shimbashi Soba: #B1-41, Paragon, 290 Orchard Rd, Singapore 238859. P: +65 6735 9882 | Website
Sauté Sushi
A fully veg-friendly restaurant that serves a huge variety of Japanese cuisine and offers you an experience like no other! Specialising in food crafted from Earth’s natural ingredient , Sauté Sushi prides in providing food that are natural, nutritious and wholesome! The dishes are served on popular train-like systems that are familiar to people who patronise Genki Restaurant. Try their Inari Sushi, Gunkan Sushi, or Nigiri (S$1.90 – S$3.50)There are so many dishes to try from, we are spoiled for choice!
Sauté Sushi: Paya Lebar Square, 60 Paya Lebar Road, #B1-19, Singapore 409051. P: +65 8870 3564 | Website
Herbivore
A pure vegetarian restaurant that dishes up Japanese cuisine (apart from Western style cuisine). The dishes named after popular non-vegetarian counterparts are just as good, if not better, and some claim to be able turn carnivores into die-hard fans. Try their Unagi Maki & Avocado Maki, Tempura Udon (hot udon soup with Japanese aburaage, nameko mushroom, spinach, vegetables tempura and Japanese tsukemono) and the Vege Grill Chick’n Gyoza Bento. The entire menu uses the finest, freshest and organic ingredients.
Herbivore: Fortune Centre, 190 Middle Road, #01-13/14, Singapore 188979. P: +65 63331612 | Website
Elemen
A Zen styled vegetarian restaurant, Elemen serves Japanese, Western and fusion food. They serve indulgent 5-Course and 8-Course Sets for S$28.80++ & S$33.80++ respectively. There are vegan options available for both sets, though they may not be Japanese dishes. The 8-Course Set includes a Starter, Bread and choice of Salad, Soup, Main, Dessert and Drink – so basically you get to choose from the entire menu, plus Apple Cider as a palette cleaner. The 5-Course Set doesn’t include Bread and Apple Cider and includes only one out of Soup and Salad, but you can still choose your Main, Drink and Dessert. Each course has vegan options too. Read our complete dining review of Elemen here.
Elemen: Branches at Great World City, Woodlands Height, Millenia Walk, Harbourfront Centre and PLQ Mall | Website
Joie
Chances are you would have heard of Joie by Dozo, especially if you’re vegetarian. But don’t think for a minute that Joie is your regular vegetarian restaurant. Joie by Dozo presents a refreshing concept that specialises in modern meatless cuisine inspired by Japanese-European sensibilities and flavours. You can choose from the 4-Course Lunch (S$38++), 5-Course Dinner (S$58++), 6-Course Dinner (S$68++). Try their Vegetable Sashimi on Ice with Oyster Leaf Shooter Glass. The Vegetable Sashimi is fancy, painstakingly beautiful, and you’re instructed on the correct way to have the shooter so it tastes like an oyster. The “sashimis” are done with carrots, coconut meat and pear and it’s incredible how much the carrot sashimi resembles salmon, both visually and in taste and texture. Check out the review we did for Joie by Dozo here.
Joie by Dozo: 181 Orchard Road, #12-01 Orchard Central, Singapore 238896. P: +65 6838 6966 | Website
At EatRoamLive, we promote and facilitate a healthier, ethical and environmentally friendly veg way of life. ERL is a Media & Events platform connecting veg-friendly restaurants and brands with vegetarian and vegan consumers or those who are consciously looking to make their plates greener. Be it food, travel fashion or skincare, we help you discover brands and experiences that are ethical, sustainable, cruelty-free and simply fabulous.