For an area with a total population of roughly just over 24 million, finding a restaurant in Kansai that caters to the herbivores amongst us is surprisingly difficult. Help is, however, on hand, with fine meatless dining available within easy traveling distance of almost anyone living in one of the main cities. Here we round up some of the best picks in the area.


VEGISMILE
In fact a strict vegan restaurant free of all dairy and meat products, Vegismile was opened by a friendly and rather well-traveled young man by the name of Takeshi Yamamoto some two years ago. Having gone abroad to study vegan cooking in such places as Canada, America, Australia and New Zealand Takeshi returned to his homeland and soon Vegismile was born.

The menu consists of a fusion of international flavors, with almost all mains priced at ¥1000. These include several kinds of pizza, burgers, pita’s, Mexican nachos and tacos and soba pasta to name just a few. A dinner set is also available for ¥1500, and is a good choice for the budget conscious.

Appetizers and drinks, including cocktails, teas and juices will set you back ¥500. For dessert choose between soymilk ice cream, parfait or a slice of the cake of the day.

When asked for his recommendation Takeshi replied honestly “everything”, although under further interrogation he confessed that the Italian soy chicken burger was particularly good – and after trying it I really can’t argue.

2-1-14 Hachiman-cho, Nada-ku, Kobe-Shi, 657-005
Nearest stations are JR or Hankyu Rokko
Tel (070) 5657-3888
Open: 1800-2400 (closed Wednesdays)


GREEN EARTH
Having opened their first vegetarian restaurant called The Seed of Life in 1991, you could say that Ryoji and Junko Ito know a fair few things about running a non-meat establishment. Although the name has changed and the menu is now set rather than buffet, the food remains delicious. Walking in the door, you are greeted warmly by the friendly couple, and Ryoji proves more than happy to sit down and tell me his story. Having lost both his father and brother far too young, he became interested in a vegan lifestyle after stumbling upon a book by Peter Cox called ‘you don’t need meat’. “I was so shocked, so moved by this book” Ryoji says. “The Japanese diet has become very westernized, with things such as hamburgers becoming popular. I wanted to inform Japanese people about this alternative lifestyle.”

The lunch set is excellent, with the day’s special, soup, salad and your choice of brown or white rice. There’s also an excellent selection of salads, pizza, curries, and sandwiches. At time of writing, Green Earth is only open for lunch, although there are plans to launch a dinner menu in the near future. The prices are all reasonable, with one of Ryoji’s aims being to keep the cost down, as the restaurant is located in the business district, and he believes that his regulars don’t want to pay ¥1000 for lunch every day. Asked for parting words, he told me “this is a good place for vegans, but I want regular people to come in and experience this food as well.”

Note: Whilst close to 100% vegan, they do occasionally use yoghurt in dishes. If this is a problem please say when ordering.

1F Kyuho-Bld, Kitakyuhoji-Cho, Chuo-Ku, Osaka, 541-0057
Tel (06) 6251-1245
Open: Mon-Sat 1130-1700 (closed Sundays and holidays)


MAMAN TERRACE
Re-opened two years ago in a much larger space in Shinsaibashi, this three story macrobiotic restaurant also boasts a large natural food store on the ground level. If you’re wondering what on earth macrobiotics is it actually traces its origins back to Japan. First bought to Europe by George Ohsawa, it quickly gained a popularity which still exists today. In a nutshell, the macrobiotic philosophy is that food greatly influences our well-being and happiness, as well as our health. With an emphasis on natural, unprocessed food, the diet is essentially vegan, although they do use some fish products occasionally.

The restaurant itself is located on the third floor, and the menu is seasonal, changing regularly. With a series of set meals for lunch, including curry, pasta and the wazen, a selection of Japanese style dishes, they provide a filling meal for under ¥1200. Dinner is more expensive but provides a larger meal, as well as several different choices.

1-5-4 Shinsaibashisuji, Chuo-Ku, Osaka
Tel (06) 6282-2774
Open: Lunch 11.00-1400, Café 1400-1700, Dinner 1700-2100 (closed 2nd and 4th Monday of each month)
Website: www.maman.jp (Japanese only)


CAFE PEACE
Arguably the crown jewel of vegetarian restaurants in Kansai, Café Peace is located near Kyoto University, about a 10 minute walk from Keihan Demachiyanagi Station. Using organic vegetables, with a large amount being indigenous to the Kyoto region, an extensive menu has been created to entice even the most salacious carnivore. Whilst lunch is exceptional, the café really comes into its own at dinner, where you can choose from such dishes as fried soy chicken, Indian croquettes and veggie burgers. The restaurant is also home to the Peace Variety space which is located on the fourth floor of the same building, and runs yoga, pilates and meditation workshops. An excellent English website explains more about what Café Peace is all about, and also has an interesting section of famous vegetarians!

Domus Hyakumanben 3F, 28-20 Tanaka-monzencho, Sakyo-ku, Kyoto 606-8225
Tel (075) 707 6856
Open: Lunch - Sundays, holidays, and the 15th of each month: 11:30-17:30
other days: 11:30-15:00
Dinner - 17:30-22:00
Closed Mondays
Website: www.cafepeace.com


Worthy of a mention are other places, such as Hale Hale Organic Café in Ame-Mura, who get kudos for their helpful meat, fish or vegetarian safe pictorial menus. Also worth checking out is Asuka macrobiotic restaurant near Kitahama station and Org…., an organic restaurant near Hep 5 in Umeda which has some vegetarian options.

All these places offer delicious, healthy meals at affordable prices. Whilst a haven for vegetarians in Japan, they warmly welcome anyone into their restaurants regardless of beliefs. Don’t be afraid, you won’t start sprouting, trust me!