Food in Tokyo: Everything We Ate (Half Vegetarian)
At first, I thought I would only do an itinerary post (I still need to do some of those) for Japan, but we decided a food in Tokyo post would be worth doing. Also, that post was getting way too long with all the food details in it. Plus, part of why some people want to go to Japan is for the food.
As I always do in the food posts, I’ll cover where we ate, what we ate, our experience there, and how much everything cost. We ate at restaurants, had a little fast food, ate some desserts, Kyle had a little street food, and we also got some convenience store and vending machine snacks. Also as per usual, I ate vegetarian food, and Kyle ate meals that mostly had meat.
Trying Out Japanese Food in Tokyo
Once we moved back to California and started doing some vacations/trips sans work, we started working on incorporating more local food into our travels. We definitely tried local food while traveling before, but we also cooked a lot (which can still be a local experience, but different). This is due to many reasons, including what we are trying to get out of an experience, what a particular place can offer, budget, and so on.
Before this trip, we actually hadn’t had a ton of Japanese food. Since we were only in Japan 5 days (3 full days) we also hadn’t tried a ton after, but certainly more. We love sushi and make it about once a week (P.S. you can take a sushi making class in Tokyo if you’re new to it — regular / vegetarian option) but we had never had ramen beyond the cheap packets from Walmart, or the Korean packets in Korea (and we like those). We wanted to, but just hadn’t yet so we were excited to try it. I know there are other Japanese foods and you’ll see some of those below but we also had only a few days in Tokyo so we couldn’t try everything.
Is Food in Tokyo Expensive?
We knew Tokyo was going to be one of the more expensive places we have been so far and this turned out to be true, but all in all I think the food in Tokyo is cheaper than the U.S., or at the least, on par with cheaper regions. Street food snacks can be cheaper. And it also depends on which part of Tokyo you are in. Note: I actually decided to check Numbeo for some comparisons, and it appears eating out in Tokyo is indeed cheaper (you can check comparisons with Orlando and San Francisco). Of course, those aren’t necessarily 100% accurate but they can give you an idea.
We list the prices for what we ate but while we like to keep everything low in price, we actually did not only go to the cheapest places on this trip in general. In the case of Tokyo, it was partly because I vetted a few places for reviews as we wanted to guarantee at least some good experiences with food in Tokyo, and also because the cheapest places generally did not have vegetarian options for me. On the other hand, you can go to some very nice places in Japan and we definitely didn’t go to the high-end restaurants or even the higher end of mid-range (cost-wise). On a return visit maybe we would like to splurge more on a nice sushi meal (or at least get more of it) or something like that as well as try other new foods.
While it would be more, you could also try a food tour if you prefer as these can sometimes offer more information about what you are eating and the surrounding areas.
Some General Notes on Dining in Japan
- Despite Japan being a very modern country, you can expect to pay in cash most places. You can read more about this phenomenon here.
- Tipping at restaurants is not really a thing in Japan. There are actually very few interactions where tipping is a thing period in Japan. I have read that some people perceive it as rude and insulting, but I have also read that that isn’t really true for everyone but most people will find it weird.
- Slurping is fine. Apparently it even makes the food taste better.
- Using chopsticks in certain ways can be considered rude. Here is a guide to chopstick etiquette in Japan. I would say it probably isn’t a huge deal if you mess up, but it’s best to try and respect these cultural norms.
On to the food! I want to note that these are not in the order we ate them.
Japanese Savory Meals & Snack Food in Tokyo
Standing Sushi Bar (Uogashi Nihon-Ichi): Sushi
Our Experience
Starting with covering sushi, because it’s Japan! Also, this is the only sushi we had aside from some convenience store sushi Kyle grabbed but that’s because we just had a few full days. It was a good choice, though. I chose to put this particular standing sushi bar in our itinerary due to it having at least one vegetarian option, price, location, and reviews. Of course, those are all things I generally always consider.
The man working behind the table was friendly and there were some other people there but there was room for us to stand. The way this place works is you just come up to the table and he makes what you want (or you grab what is already there). We were lucky to not have to wait.
What We Ate
Kyle chose tuna sashimi (not exactly sashimi but like it – he says) and salmon. I asked for the “abokado nigiri-sushi” (that’s what the menu says). My sushi had some little orange fish egg balls on it so I discretely (as best as possible) pulled those off to give them to Kyle. If you don’t go with a fish eater, you can also get a cucumber roll. I just really wanted avocado. To go with it, there was wasabi and sauce provided. The food was served on leaves which was neat.
It was so good! Very simple, clean and a good flavor. I mean what’s not like about avocado I suppose but I was actually surprised. I do enjoy sushi. Kyle also really liked his sushi. We didn’t get more because of other food but retrospectively I wonder if we should have just gotten more of this instead. It’s hard to say, though.
At home, we usually just do one of two normal rolls and I had never tried sushi in this style before.
If you would like to see part of the menu (it is missing the part with the rolls) and see what getting a meal there looks like, check out this post on the Budget Pantry.
Cost
- Total: $4.83
- 216 yen for the avocado option (just under $2)
- 162 yen for maguro (just under $1.50)
- 162 yen for salmon
Where to Find It
We went to the Shinjinku location at 〒160-0023 Tokyo, Shinjuku, 西新宿1-12 河西ビル1F. There are a few other locations as well, though.
Soranoiro Nippon: Our First Ramen
There is an area called Ramen Street where you can find a bunch of ramen restaurants in Tokyo station. I picked out two options in the station which had vegetarian options, one which was exclusively vegetarian (T’s Tan Tan) and the other which had an option, which was Soranoiro Nippon. While I kind of wanted to try T’s Tan Tan, it was more difficult to find and since Kyle wanted to have the ramen with meat, we could both dine at Soranoiro Nippon. I did pick out additional separate options for him, but this was easier.
Overall I would have to recommend this spot if you are dining with people who have different dietary needs. They have meat, vegan, vegetarian, and gluten-free options. The restaurant was also awarded a Bib Gourmand status by the Michelin Guide in 2015.
Our Experience
The restaurant was not large but not too small. The decor was nice. It is common for there to be long lines ar ramen places at some times but we did not experience this, fortunately.
There is essentially a vending type machine where you order. We had trouble figuring this out since it was in Japanese though so we ordered via a person.
This was our first meal in Tokyo, my first time having soba/ramen out (I don’t know if you differentiate ramen vs soba), and Kyle’s first time having real ramen (out/not from a packet).
What We Ate
I chose the vegetable soba (vegan option). This is known for being a healthy dish. One interesting thing about my soup is that pepper goes into the noodles. Read more about the veg option at this restaurant here. Kyle thinks he got Tsukemen with seasoned egg.
We also got bibs to slurp it down. It was good! I was surprised at the color but I believe it came from something sweet potato. Both ramens (we each thought) had a good flavor. This trip gave us our first taste of lotus which we discovered we like (we tried it first in Myanmar).
Cost
- Total: $16.64
- 900 yen for the vegetarian ramen/soba ($8.19)
- 930 yen for Kyle’s ramen ($8.45)
I want to note that it gives you the option to add extra veggies, egg, etc. for a slightly increased price but I did not do this as I was not hungry enough at the time. The ramen can be very filling but if you are very hungry, go for it!
Where to Find It
Soranoiro Nippon is located on Ramen Street on Tokyo Station. Address: Japan, 〒100-0005 Tokyo, Chiyoda City, Marunouchi, 1 Chome−9−1 東京駅一番街地下ラーメンストリート. I believe there might be other locations in Japan, though.
Kyushu Jangara Ramen Harajuku: More Ramen
Our Experience
We went to Kyushu Jangara Ramen Harajuku on our second day in Tokyo/our first full day. I made a point to plan to go here as well just to guarantee I could try some more ramen (it has a veg option). We didn’t have to wait here either but were able to get a counter seat which was the primary dining seating I think. The ramen came out quickly and hot.
What We Ate
I think I got the vegan soy sauce ramen. They also have a vegan salt ramen option so it is possible I got this instead. You have the option to get extra vegetables for 200 yen more but I knew this would be enough to fill me at the time so I went with the basic version. I have a photo showing the bowl size above. I did not get a good photo which depicted how large they were at the first place.
My ramen was good and if the first one didn’t count due to it having soba noodles, then this was my first Japanese ramen out. The texture of the tofu was interesting and soft. I have slowly been adjusting myself over the years back to eating more tofu and I did not have any problem with this. There are mushrooms, sprouts, green onions etc. but they also have the option to get it without green onions for those who abstain from root vegetables (such as Jains or certain Buddhists).
Kyle got the Bonshan with marinated pork and a flavored boiled egg. While it is all spicy, the menu said this one had 10 different spices and Kyle enjoys spiciness. He did indeed find it spicy, and good.
Cost
- Total: $19.31 (2,130 yen)
- 1,000 yen for the vegan ramen ($9.09)
- 1,130 yen for the Bonshan ramen ($10.28)
Where to find it:
This is located in the Shibuya/Shinjuku area. Address: Japan, 〒150-0001 Tokyo, Shibuya City, Jingumae, 1 Chome−13−21 ２Ｆ
Another Ramen for Kyle
Our Experience
Here is the final ramen meal. I left the occasional meal open so we could find random stuff (Kyle’s request) but we had trouble finding something either of us wanted at this time. Kyle went here while I waited by a fountain as I either didn’t feel like more ramen or they didn’t have anything vegetarian (probably both).
He said he sat down, got a menu and was able to push a button when he wanted service. The food took about 10 minutes to come out.
I had pancakes and other snacks instead which I will mention later.
What We Ate
Kyle chose a basic ramen with a side of gyoza. It was alright, nothing special but better than the instant of course. It was satisfactory but maybe he would have been more impressed if he hadn’t had the other two ramens first.
Cost
- Total: $5.14 (570 yen) for the meal
As you can see, you can get cheaper food in Tokyo but quality could vary.
Where to Find It
We don’t know but it was somewhere in the area around Sensoji Shrine and the Don Quixote there.
Sojibo Restaurant (Soba Place): Soba, Tempura, & Tofu
Our Experience
This was another one that we just came across. We were hungry and looking around for food and finally decided on here. It is definitely a place for tourists as they have examples of the meals outside of the restaurant. That is actually how we decided, though. We saw they had some kind of tofu option and I think a vegetarian soba option.
It was pretty busy but we were able to get a table. They gave us tea and some little snacks. It turned out that at least one of the things we saw in front of the restaurant was not on the menu though so Kyle went and showed them what we wanted out there. Yes, very touristy of us.
What We Ate
We decided we would get a few things and share everything. One dish included tofu, shredded nori, shredded raddish, and bonito flakes. The bonito comes from a fish so I let Kyle have all of that. The other two dishes we ordered were hot soba and vegetable tempura. I was most interested in the tempura so ate more of that. The tempura preparation is Japanese and I always like it. I did actually learn that tempura was introduced to Japan from Portugal around 400 years ago but it seems everything is like that in some way! We both found the tofu to be great as well.
Cost
- Total: $16.38
I don’t have the details written down for each dish.
Where to Find It
This restaurant is inside the DiverCity Tokyo Plaza in Odaiba at 1 Chome-1-10 Aomi, Koto City, Tokyo 135-0064, Japan
Soup Stock Tokyo: Bean & Tofu Soup
Our experience
On our last day in Tokyo we arrived early to the airport and still had some yen left so we used it to eat. Kyle chose this place. Note that in the photo above, it is the restaurant on the left whereas the place on the right is where I went.
What we ate
Kyle ordered a black bean, tofu, and black pepper soup. It was not pureed but everything was minced. The soup was served with white rice. He thought it was a little spicy and pretty good. So this is a vegetarian (I think actually vegan) meal but actually Kyle was the one who ate it.
Cost
- Total: $7.04 (780 yen)
Where to find it:
Tokyo Narita Airport, Terminal 1, Central Building, 4th floor
Takoyaki at the “Takoyaki Museum”
Our Experience
When planning the trip I sent Kyle a list of Japanese foods he might like to try. He didn’t know what takoyaki was but I thought it might be something he would want to try. While doing research, I saw this “Takoyaki Museum” which is basically like a fast food court with different types of takoyaki, not exactly a typical museum and thought it would be a good option for the Odaiba area.
We were able to go around looking at the different restaurants with different styles of takoyaki and were able to see it being made at some of them. I guess that part makes it a little more museum-like. They pour the batter into these circle molds and cook them in there, similar to the way you would cook a waffle. It might be a difficult dish (I’m not sure), but if you want to make your own, you can actually buy a Takoyaki Maker on Amazon.
Kyle selected one place from these. They have dining in the center as well as some by windows which offer nice views.
What Kyle Ate
Obviously this was not a dish for me so I had other food. Kyle doesn’t really remember what he got but he got four of one type and four of another type. He thinks he got Takoya Doutonbori Kukuru and that the difference was just the sauce but I’m not sure
He tried to eat them with the sticks but was not very successful as the takoyaki was messier than he anticipated, almost like they were filled with soup. Kyle was very happy with this food. During the rest of our time in Tokyo, he was on the hunt for more.
Cost
Total: $6.15 (680 yen)
Where to find it
The Takoyaki Museum is on the fourth floor of the Decks Tokyo Beach Mall: Odaiba Seaside Park Station side. To be honest, we did not have a super easy time finding it, though. We had to go through a mall, then through this shopping area within the mall.
Imahan Sozai Suitengu (Station Front): Korokke (Curry Cakes)
Our Experience
We passed by this place one morning and Kyle was feeling a snack so he decided to grab a couple. Since we couldn’t read Japanese and we weren’t familiar with korokke at the time, we didn’t know what was inside of these cakes. We both assumed something fishy.
Korokke are curried mashed potato cakes coated in panko and then deep-fried. They were originally brought to Japan around 1900 by either the French or Dutch as croquettes, but were modified to Japanese tastes and have been a popular snack item for over a century. There are many varieties including some made of pumpkin, but potatoes are the standard.
I did not plan for this dish or specific place but it turns out this store is famous for its croquettes so that worked out.
What we ate:
It turned out that both curry cakes Kyle chose which are known as Sukiyaki croquettes, seemed like they were vegetarian. Kyle was surprised because we didn’t know anything about these and had different expectations. He thought they were good and hot.
I did not eat them, though. This was either because I didn’t really feel like it, or I didn’t fully trust that it was vegetarian. Based on this, I think it is possible it was seasoned with beef so I’m glad I didn’t take any risks as out of meats, I/my body has the biggest aversion to beef.
Cost:
- Total: $3.51 (388 yen) for 2 curry cakes
Where to find it:
1-14-5 Nihonbashi Ningyocho, Chuo-ku, Tokyo 103-0013
Chicken Yakitori at a Street Vendor in Ueno Park
Our experience:
We passed through some street food stall on our way to (we think) Shinobazunoike Bentendo Temple. Kyle was hungry so he chose to grab something from one of them.
What we ate:
Chicken Yakitori is basically chicken on a skewer. He liked it.
Cost:
- Total: $1.16 (128 yen)
Where to find it:
I don’t know if these street stalls are around all the time or just sometimes. I’m also sure you can find this food other places but as I said, we think we were in the area leading up to Shinobazunoike Bentendo Temple (
Coffee, Tea and Desserts in Tokyo
Nakamise Street Stall: Apricot/Bean Pastry
Our Experience
The street leading up to Sensoji Temple called Nakamise Street Stall has all kinds of little food and shopping stalls. I wanted a snack and decided to try this stall. Note that most places were closed when we saw the area late at night but when we were there in the day (this time) everything was open and quite crowded.
What We Ate
I chose an apricot-filled pastry which as it turns out, also had beans in it. This is something we learned about in Korea years ago, this strange (from an American’s perspective) Asian tendency to put beans in desserts. We were not into it when we were there and while I was not happy when I learned about this little surprise at first, I actually found it to be quite good. I think I am learning to accept and embrace it. Perhaps the rest of the dessert helped also.
Cost
- Total: $1.08 (120 yen)
Reissue: Cute Coffee and Cheesecake
Our experience
There is a lot of cute food in Tokyo. Therefore, we thought we should try some cute drinks or food in Tokyo. I looked at a lot of different places online but for one reason or another, many of the most popular ones didn’t seem right for us. Super high minimum costs, less appealing or tasty food, etc. We went through a number of them and decided on this cafe.
While walking down the street it was on, we passed it at first but then realized and were able to go back and find it. We went up the stairs and were able to be seated immediately. It was late morning and there were people but it wasn’t too busy so the atmosphere felt a little more relaxed.
At this cafe, you can choose what you want on your latte. I thought about giving them a photo of our cats (that’s an option and they seem pretty good at it) but we decided to just do a Snoopy as we saw they do it well online.
What we ate
We both were required to purchase something so we ordered a coffee (a honey latte) and a piece of cheesecake.
The cheesecake came first.
Great presentation but they were also both tasty! It was a nice way to start the day.
Cost
- Total: $15 (1,650 Japanese Yen)
- $5.45 (600) yen for the cheesecake
- $5.91 (650) yen for the honey latte
- $3.64 (400) for the special art
So this was definitely the most expensive cup of coffee we’ve ever had (due to the latte art) but we knew that was probably going to be the case. You should see how expensive the other cute food in Tokyo can be, though!
Where to find it
3 Chome-25-7 Jingumae, Shibuya City, Tokyo 150-0001, Japan
Hello Kitty Japan: Matcha Ice Cream
Our experience
I’m a Hello Kitty fan so I do Hello Kitty tourism when possible. See: The Hello Kitty House in Bangkok and the Hello Kitty Cafe in Seoul.
So, I read online that the Hello Kitty restaurant, Cafe de Miki with Hello Kitty was closed but also saw some things to indicate that it was open. I’m a big Hello Kitty fan so I was pretty determined to find something if it was there. It did appear the restaurant was closed because it was definitely not where it was supposed to be, and what I found somewhere else in the mall looked nothing like the photos I found online.
Instead, in a different place in the mall, we found this Hello Kitty cafe attached to the Hello Kitty store. We looked around the store and got something here. I had wanted to have a full meal at the Hello Kitty restaurant but we settled for sharing a sweet treat at this cafe. At least something was there!
What we ate
We chose the soft-serve ice cream, half matcha flavor, half vanilla in a cone.
Cost
- Total: $2.98 (330 yen)
Where to find it
In the DiverCity Tokyo Mall in Odaiba Japan, 〒135-0064 Tokyo, Koto City, Aomi, 1 Chome−1−10 ダイバーシティ東京プラザ 2F
(I think this is on the second floor.)
Mister Donut: “Mochi” Donut & More
Our experience
Mister Donut is actually from the U.S. but the reason I was not familiar with it is that there is only one location left in the U.S. (in Illinois). Older people might know it as it allegedly used to be big in the 80s. I don’t remember how I came across Mister Donuts in my research exactly but I thought maybe we could throw it in at least once when I found that they have a sort of unique donut in Japan which some people refer to as the mochi donut, also known as “pon de ring”. This is their signature Japan donut. I decided I could call that particular donut “local food”.
There were people there but we didn’t really have to wait.
What we ate
We decided to get three donuts to share: one strawberry mochi donut (or “pon de ring”), one chocolate crueller, and one chocolate pumpkin-shaped donut because we couldn’t resist.
The mochi donut isn’t actually mochi but does have a unique, chewy but light texture.
Cost
- Total: $4.01 (441 donuts) for 3 donuts
Where to find it
Mister Donut is the largest donut chain in Japan. There are many locations throughout Tokyo but we went to the Shinjinku Mister Donut.
Kuze Fuku & Co.: Tofu Donut
Our experience
I like to follow up on my meals with dessert and we saw this bakery-looking place after we finished eating at the airport.
We were a little hungry but the main goal was to try and use up our currency. We often face this in cash-based places where it can be difficult to assess exactly how much you’ll need and then if you need more there is a minimum so you have to get that amount and then you have extra or on the other hand, maybe you find that you would have liked to get something (whether that be food, a gift, a souvenir, etc.) but you find you wouldn’t have enough left but also you would have too much if you went to the ATM.
What we ate
When we saw “tofu donut” on the menu, we were hesitant but decided to give a strawberry tofu donut a try anyway. Turned out to be quite good! Tofu does not have a lot of flavor unto itself, but we didn’t notice any strange taste.
Cost
- Total: $0.90 (100 yen)
Where to find it
Sanrizuka Goryōbokujō
Momi & Toy’s: Boba
Our experience
After our first ramen experience and then some more wandering we saw this. We were still pretty full and debated it a bit but Kyle decided we should get it. Of course, I wanted some boba but I didn’t think it was necessary. The ordering experience was normal as far as I can remember. We actually aren’t 100% positive this is where we got it (at Momi and Toy’s, it was definitely at the Tokyo metro station) but that’s what we think.
What we ate
A small coconut boba tea. It was good and Kyle loves coconut so it was especially good to him.
Cost
Total: $3.46 (380 yen)
Where to find it
There are multiple locations but we went to the one in Tokyo Station.
Gong Cha: Boba
Our Experience
Like donuts, boba is a thing we just like to get out when the opportunity presents itself. I wanted something more after some pancakes so we decided to get this to share. There was actually a pretty long line so it took a while. Boba is popular everywhere I guess!
What we ate
We got a small honey milk tea with pearls.
Cost
- Total: $4.77 (529 yen)
We would have gotten a bigger one if it was cheaper.
Where to find it
There are multiple locations throughout Tokyo, but we went to the one near Asakusa Station at Japan, 〒111-0032 Tokyo, Taito City, Asakusa, 1 Chome−26−5 浅草ROX･3G 1F
Doutor: Coffee
Our experience
On our last day in Tokyo, we just kind of wandered around with our stuff after we checked out of our hotel. In the morning we came across this cafe and decided to have a coffee there.
What we ate
We chose a Japanese chestnut latte. Yum.
Cost
- Total: $3.70 (410 yen)
Where to find it
There are quite a few locations throughout Tokyo. We went to the one at: Japan, 〒103-0013 Tokyo, Chuo City, Nihonbashiningyocho, 3 Chome−3−10 日本橋TECビル
Convenience Stores
Our Experience
In addition to the food above, we also got some food/snacks from convenience stores. For those who haven’t been to East Asia, convenience stores are a big thing here. It is something you almost need to experience to understand. 7-Eleven is a popular one, but other big ones include Lawson and FamilyMart and there are, of course, many more. You will almost always be within a close distance of one, probably multiple conveninece stores in Tokyo and so they make for a great place to grab a snack. We also enjoyed just looking around and seeing what different stores had to offer.
What we ate & What it Cost
- Sushi for Kyle. He did like it but it also did get him sick (he thinks from the mayo). $4.09 (450 yen)
- Japanese roll cake for me. $1.26 (138 yen)
- Fruit cup for me. $1.28 (142 yen)
- Ice cream, a cookie, Vitamin C drink, boba (mostly all for me). $5.97 (600 yen)
- There were also a couple of times we went that included non-food items as well (such as an umbrella and cat treats to bring to our cats). One of those times we got a drink and chips.
Where to find it
You can find these pretty much anywhere and everywhere.
Vending Machines
Our Experience
You can’t go to Tokyo and not get something out of the vending machine. I mean, you can, but I think it’s part of the Tokyo experience. The convenience that you can just be walking down some random street and ‘oh look! there’s a snack or drink opportunity’.
What We Ate and What it Cost
Based on what I said above you’d think we probably went a bunch but really we just did twice. We got fruit tea for $0.89. We actually thought it tasted kind of weird because we accidentally got an unsweetened black (still fruit, though) tea. The other time we got milk tea ($0.91). While I like it, Kyle is the one who is always needing tea and coffee as I am usually fine with water.
Non-Japanese Meals, Snacks, and Desserts
I was going to put this section second but decided to put it last. Though I wouldn’t really call many of the foods in the drinks/desserts section “Japanese” I find the following things to be even less so.
I’m not going to cover this section as fully as these are not traditionally Japanese foods and I wanted to put the focus more on the local/unique foods we ate in Tokyo.
Alo Kebab: Gyro
Kyle ends up trying gyros most places we go to it seems. Japan was no exception as we came across one when he was hungry. It cost $4.51 (500 yen). You can find it at 1 Chome-4-4 Nihonbashiningyocho, Chuo City, Tokyo 103-0013, Japan
Tully Coffee: Pancakes
When Kyle had his third ramen (not in one day, but in Japan), I was hungry as well. I didn’t really feel like pancakes but that was what was around. While many people do try to get pancakes in Japan as some places they make them special and fluffy, I didn’t plan them in, nor find them when I was hungry. I did want them but that’ll have to be a food to eat if we ever make it back.
They were good but the cost was $5.86 (650 yen) which is kind of a lot for a couple of pancakes. There are multiple locations throughout the city but I went to one of the Tully Coffees near Asakusa Station.
Pizza Olive at a Metro Station: Margherita Pizza
I ate this when Kyle had one of the meat snacks. I got it at a metro station. To be honest, I was a tiny bit worried this would give me food poisoning as getting it made me think of the time I got sick from a grilled cheese at a metro station in Seoul. I was hungry and felt a little like pizza and it was there, though. It turned out it was pretty decent and I did not have any problems. Better than it looks. This half-pizza was $5.43 (600 yen). I can’t find anything about it online.
Sandwich at Bagel & Bagel at Narita Airport
My phone was dead and we were dining separately (the restaurants are right next to each other) so I didn’t get a photo of this. You can see a photo of the restaurant up with Kyle’s airport soup. It was a veggie bagel sandwich and cost $5.86 (650 yen).
Muffin at Bagel & Bagel
I didn’t realize we ate at Bagel & Bagel twice until now! This stop was at a bakery (Bagel & Bagel) at one of the metro stations. I got a chocolate chip muffin for $1.97.
Fast Food Fries
Yeah, yeah I got some of these here too. $0.99 at a Burger King and $2.44 (270 yen) at McDonald’s. It could also be the reverse (for price) as I just wrote down “fries” both times.
On Traveling in Tokyo as a Vegetarian
To make my life easier as a vegetarian, I did make a point to chose some vegetarian-friendly restaurants in Tokyo beforehand as I think this is one of those places where it is slightly more difficult to find vegetarian food if you don’t make a point to do so if you don’t know the local language (Japanese, in this case). Those times I did not plan something I struggled to find something I wanted, though Kyle could relate somewhat as well. Part of it is because you just don’t really know what the place offers otherwise without examining their menu, asking questions, etc. which takes time.
It was not difficult to find snacks and desserts which is the norm. Since Japanese food isn’t heavy on dairy most of it could easily be vegan. Just don’t ask for egg, or ask for no mayo on sushi, etc. A dessert item like regular ice cream is obviously not vegan, though. I never personally tried to make requests but I imagine the Japanese would typically be accommodating as long as they understand what you are asking and it’s possible.
Though we didn’t do one, I saw you could also do a vegetarian food tour.
Overall Experience
Overall it was a good experience. While there is a lot we didn’t get to try, we at least got a sampling of a few things during our few days there. If you have any recommendations yourself, comment and let us know!
Japanese Food At Home
The food we eat while traveling often inspires us to try and make the dishes at home. Since we’ve returned from this trip, Kyle has tried making homemade ramen a couple of times and it has turned out quite well. We are lucky enough to live in an area where we have access to more Asians foods, but if you don’t, you can also buy ramen and soba noodles online. Or you can handmake the noodles (Kyle did this once and it was good, but also a lot of work). Kyle also tried making the egg the way they make it in Japan.
While we did make it a couple of times in the past, we have also had more tempura since this trip. We usually just make our own batter, but if you’d rather buy it, you can.
One Japanese food we have made regularly for years is sushi. If you would also like to try, we use rollers like in this kit, and nori.
As I mentioned earlier, you can also get a takoyaki maker online. We ourselves have not tried this, though.
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Food in Tokyo: Pin it!