vegan Archives - Deep Kyoto

Ain Soph Journey Kyoto (Formerly Matsuontoko) – Vegan Burger Cafe

July 20, 2023 By Michael Lambe

Update 2023: Matsuontoko is now known as Ain. Soph Journey Kyoto (catchy!) — but it is still a vegan restaurant serving delicious burgers, curries and kara-age!

Though there are quite a large number of vegetarian establishments in Kyoto, most of them are located in the north of the city, and the few there are in the city center tend to sell nothing that isn’t healthy and nutritious. Good vegan junk food is pretty hard to come by. There used to be a branch of Speakeasy on Shijo that did a passable veggie burger, but that closed down back in 2010. Since then our vegan brethren have been denied the delights of fast and convenient processed treats at a convenient location and forced to endure a steady diet of tofu and wholegrain rice. No more! Vegan cafe ~~Matsuontoko~~ Ain Soph. Journey Kyoto is here to save the day, slap bang in the center of town, with a fine array of vegan fake-meats!

So convincing are these fake-meats that one of Mewby’s friends was half-way through her “kara-age” before she realised it wasn’t chicken at all. And that was only because Mewby told her.

“Really,” Mewby told me. “You’ll be amazed.”
“Well, alright then.” I said. So I went. And here’s my order.

How good was it? Very good. The bread was actually really nice too. I was entirely satisfied. But I decided to pig out on onion rings anyway. They were nice sweet onions and non too greasy.

And they also had this lovely little cup of tofu ice-cream, cream and vegan brownies.

In short, whether you are vegan or no, if have a hankering for fast food at a reasonable price, ~~Matsuontoko~~ Ain Soph. Journey Kyoto is the place to go.

Ain Soph Journey Kyoto is just east of Shinkyogoku, three streets up from Shijo. Here is a map. Check the website for other items on the menu. There are a lot of choices.

Ain Soph Journey Kyoto has some slightly complicated business hours.
Normal business hours are as follows:
Open: 11:30～17:00 (Last Orders: 16:00), 18:00 ~ 20.00 (Last Entry: 18.45, Last Orders: 19.00)
But sometimes they are only open for lunch and then business hours are as follows:
Open: 10.00 ~ 16.00 (Last Orders: 15.00)
Holidays are irregular.
Tel: 075-251-1876

Original article posted February, 2013. Updated July 2023.
Text and images by Michael Lambe. All rights reserved.

Yak & Yeti – Nepalese Curry in Kyoto

June 19, 2014 By Michael Lambe

Yak and Yeti is a restaurant we go back to time and time again for two reasons. One is the super friendly staff who never fail to put a smile on our faces. And the other is their legendary Vegetable Phuraula, Nepali style spicy vegetable tempura. It’s amazing. This restaurant is super popular with vegetarians for the range of tasty vegan options they have on their menu but you don’t have to be vegan to enjoy them. They are soooo good. And of course they have plenty of carnivorous options too. We usually share one curry and a naan bread and get a range of their fantastic appetisers. Here’s what we had last time.

Generally, they have two Nepali beers available, Mustang, which has a subtle but musky flavour, and Nepali Ice which is crisper and lighter on the tongue. The spicy papadums were a special treat from the restaurant, and went so nicely with that first beer. [Read more…]

All New Falafel Garden

May 29, 2014 By Michael Lambe

A couple of weeks ago we went to check out the new location for Falafel Garden. A short walk north of Demachiyanagi on Kawabata, this new shop opened on April 28th. The old Falafel Garden was always a popular spot, but I think I like this new one even more. It’s bigger, more comfortable, they have a nice big garden out the back and if you are lucky you can snag a balcony seat upstairs and sit outside in the cool breeze watching those dinky little toy-like trains of the Eiden line roll by.

And the food of course is as good as ever. Mewby ordered a double sandwich set of chicken kebab and falafel (1290 yen).

Whereas I went for a simple large falafel sandwich (1150 yen). Did we get fries with that (100 yen)? Yes, we did! It was great, but I think in retrospect, my eyes were bigger than my tummy and a medium sized sandwich would have sufficed.

So to summarize, the new Falafel Garden is just as good as the old one, if not better, and those healthy, nutritious, golden balls of goodness are just as tasty as before. Keep this fine institution going and give them some of your custom at the location below!
Open: Everyday 11:00 am ~ 21:30 (last orders) ~ 22:00 (closes)
The 2nd floor is non-smoking.
Tel: 075-712-1856

Chakra Indian Restaurant

February 3, 2014 By Michael Lambe

We found another great curry place! Mewby and I stumbled across Chakra last night while out for an evening stroll, and although we hadn’t intended to eat out, we were tempted in at the thought of Bengal curry goodness…

There are a lot of choices on the menu, and everything seems pretty reasonably priced. There are also a lot of vegetarian/vegan options: 8 different veggie curries to choose from! Mewby being carnivorous chose a chicken korma (1,200 yen):

And I had a Shaee vegetable korma (1100 yen). Both of our meals were delicious.

The sweet naan (500 yen) we ordered to accompany our meals was the star attraction though. Packed with dried fruits and coconut, we both loved it.

Chakra is on the corner of Gojo and Higashioji at the bottom of the Kiyomizu slope – an area that basically shuts down in the evenings, so I think this restaurant gets most of its business at lunchtime. If you go in the evening, it’s nice and quiet, and the background ethnic music is gentle on ears the too. Bento lunch boxes (700 yen) and takeaway meals are also available. All in all, we were very happy with our Chakra experience and will definitely be back to try more items on the menu.

godfather — Godfather & Cobra Indian beers available!

Open: Monday – Sunday: 11:00 – 22:00
TEL: 075-525-1260
Email: ashishich@hotmail.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/chakra.kyoto
Location: On the west side of Higashioji Street just north of Gojo at the bottom of Gojozaka. The Gojo Zaka bus stop is right outside. Here is a MAP.

See also:
Namaste Taj Mahal
Kerala
Thilaga

Tadg’s Irish Bar and Restaurant

May 30, 2010 By

The Home of Craft Beer in Kyoto

Meet the family: Jimmy, Tadg, Mika, and Ben.

Four years since it first opened, the Irish pub formerly known as Mc Loughlin’s has been renamed as Tadg’s. Not a big change really, as I think everyone was calling it that anyway. I’ve written previously about this pub; its friendly hospitality and the fantastic views over the river and city. And Tadg’s cooking is also justifiably renowned; he uses locally grown organic vegetables in his many fine creations and the menu features an impressive vegan section. All that aside though, this bar’s most impressive feature is the selection of craft beers: Rogue, Ise Kadoya, Minoh, Yeti Imperial Oak and Victory at Sea… I had a snifter of the latter last night; a fine coffee flavored porter with hints of bitter chocolate like nothing I’ve ever tasted before. Absolutely gorgeous. [Read more…]

In Search of… the Craic

January 3, 2009 By Michael Lambe

In December 2008 my friend David Ewen and I (that’s us on the left) decided to go on an Irish pub crawl and see exactly what each place had to offer in terms of food, drink, music and the elusive craic. What follows is a list of the five pubs we visited, a summary of what we found there and a map to each location. For a fuller article, more pictures and directions click on the name of each pub. However, before I continue, I must say if you are only in Kyoto for a short time you shouldn’t be wasting precious time in Irish pubs at all, so stop reading now and go somewhere Japanese instead. This article is for long term residents only!

The Gael

Very popular with expats but has more character than your average chain pub. A good menu with plenty of vegetarian options. Irish music every week and jazz monthly. Six screens show major sporting events. The staff are very courteous and professional. Map.

Tadg’s (formerly Mc Loughlin’s)

A gastro-pub specialising in micro-brew beers, they even have a chocolate flavored beer! Stunning views over the river Kamo and the city. Very personable staff and a very likeable and chatty owner the house chef, Tadg. Map.

Dublin (formerly The Hill of Tara)

Not the cosiest pub (perhaps because of it’s long, narrow interior) but with friendly staff and a good mix of Japanese and foreign punters. Excellent local musicians play Irish music here Friday, Saturday and Sunday. Map at the bottom of this link.

Field

The first Irish pub to open in Kyoto back in 2000, Field is all about the music. Irish music sessions are held twice a week and there is a recording and practice studio upstairs. Mostly Japanese punters here. It’s a nice place for a quiet pint. Map

Gnome

My personal favorite. Wonderful Irish style home-cooked food with lots of organic veggies and vegetarian options. A cosy atmosphere and a very friendly owner. The live music schedule is interestingly eclectic. Map.

Related article: Irish music at Cafe Woodnote

Na no hana

December 17, 2008 By

Out for a stroll last night I stumbled across health and whole food shop 菜花 (na no hana). They have plenty of organic vegetables and fruit here, all kinds of natural cooking ingredients, vegan food supplies and earth-friendly cleaning products. 菜花 sits about halfway between Demachiyanagi and Hyakumanben. If that isn’t convenient, they do deliveries. To find it, just walk east of the Eiden line exit of Demachiyanagi station, past Falafel Garden and further on past the Heming Sports Club until you get to the Omuraya オムライス (omelette and rice) place on your right. Turn right here and go past Kroon Thai restaurant and it’s on your left just before Rico Rico Spanish restaurant. Here is a most convenient map (the red circle marks the spot).
Opens weekdays: 10:00 ~ 20:00
Saturday: 10:00 ~ 19:00
Closed on Sundays and national holidays.
Tel: 075-711-8264

Hale ~晴~

May 23, 2008 By

Hidden away in the heart of the bustling market on Nishiki Dori is a tiny little alleyway that leads to Hale. This is a fully organic and vegan restaurant, specialising in seasonal dishes, yuba tofu and Kyoto’s famously distinctive vegetables. For lunch you can have a ￥1000 set or the “Special Lunch” for ￥1800. I settled for the ￥１０００ lunch which you can see amid the pictures below and which was more than ample enough for me.

Even if you are not vegetarian, Hale is worth a visit for its traditional cuisine or just to spend a pleasant hour or so in a peaceful old machiya house quietly contemplating the central garden. A wide range of beverages are also available, coffees, teas, soy drinks, juices, beers and shochu and even something made of dandelions – but I didn’t go for that. To find it walk along Nishiki Dori between the Fuyacho and Tominokoji streets and look out for that little alleyway on the north side of the market. Here is a most helpful map. It might be worth booking ahead on weekends as Hale is both small and popular.
Opening hours: Monday & Wednesday ~ 11:30 – 18:00 / Wednesday – Sunday ~ 11:30 – 14:30 and 16:00 – 21:00. (Closed on Tuesdays).
Tel: 075-231-2516

Mikoan

September 30, 2007 By Michael Lambe

UPDATE (November 19th 2013): Walking on Teramachi a few days ago I noticed a sign up at the closed entrance to Mikoan. Unfortunately it seems there was a fire there and the owner was badly hurt. She is now recovering in hospital, but at this time it is not clear when or if Mikoan will open again. We hope and pray for the owner’s speedy recovery.

彌光庵 was founded by a lady who, having taken holy orders, decided that her mission in life was to bring Buddhist wisdom into the lives of ordinary people by means of lip-smackingly delicious organic food. Not just any organic food mind you, but 精進料理 (“shoujin ryori”); traditional Zen vegetarian cooking. Normally, shoujin ryori is only available in certain temples and it’s very expensive, but Mikoan makes it available at ridiculously affordable prices. The most expensive meal on the menu is a set course, “Miyako Gohan”, consisting of rice (whole grain of course), miso soup and an assortment of side dishes; all for ￥1000. Here’s what it looks like:

Now, if you go with a friend, and order the same thing, you’ll get a different set of side dishes as below, which you can share and thus more and more variety for your money.

The philosophy underpinning this establishment is one of respect for all living things, and so it is 100% vegetarian, 100% organic and they make every effort to reduce waste; any peelings or leftover scraps that can’t be used being put into compost. Inside is a comfortable homey atmosphere, with big fat cats yawning in the windows and soft calming jazz playing to soothe your weary mind. Here’s some pictures of cats Toro and Chibi (they so cute):

The opening hours are from 17：00～23：00 on weekdays. 12：00～23：00 on Saturdays and 12：00～20：00 on Sundays and holidays. To find it go south on Teramachi from Shijo until you see the Funahashi shop on your right, between that and the airgun shop ~~roast chestnuts shop~~ ~~organic buffet restaurant~~ Hana Cafe (it keeps changing) next door, there is a tiny tiny alleyway (see right). Mikoan is at the bottom. It’s not a huge place so for four or more people they advise booking in advance.Tel: 075-361-2200

A little haven in the heart of the city, Mikoan first opened it’s doors on April 8th 1995 (Buddha’s birthday!). Long may it continue. Here is a map.

Sunny Place

June 13, 2007 By

Last December, Sunny Place, a vegan restaurant previously situated in Kitayama, moved serendipitously not a five minute cycle ride from my house. It’s name is apt, as it’s a brightly lit shop with a friendly atmosphere. They also have a nice range of Coedo organic beers each for ￥６００． If you go for the “定食” or set meal option you get a main dish of your choice, rice (whole grain mixed with healthy cereals), soup (sometimes miso and sometimes kasu jiru – a healthy broth made from sake lees), and three side dishes of your choosing. The main dishes are as follows: Fried Soy “Chicken”, Soy “Pork” Cutlet, Vegemillet Burger, Tenpeh & Vegetable Cutlet (tenpeh is a kind of cultured soybean cake – goes nicely with beer), or Fried “Fu” (savory gluten cakes). I’d recommend the “Fu” actually, though obviously not for the coeliacs… A set meal will set you back ￥８５０．Here are some more pics.

As you can see they do a range of fake-meats there, pork, chicken etc. Out of curiosity, I chose the “chicken” done kara-age style. I personally don’t have any cravings for meat flavored food, but I know a lot of people find it difficult to become vegetarian simply because they cannot give up their tasty fried chicken. Is this a solution? Well, though made from soya beans it looks spookily like chicken. But it doesn’t quite taste like it. Almost. But not quite. Still, ten out of ten for effort. The food is reasonably priced and plentiful and the atmosphere relaxed. I’d certainly recommend it over the nearby Café Peace, these days with its ever decreasing portions, and severely reduced variety in the menu… At Sunny Place you won’t be dissatisfied. To find Sunny Place, head west on Imadegawa from Hyakumanben, then go north on Marikoji Dori. Click here for a full menu. Sunny Place is open from 12:00 ~ 14:00, 18:00 ~ 22:30 and closed Tuesdays. Tel: (075)711-7617.